Let us say her name, Simone Askew. She is making history as the first black woman to lead “the Long Grey Line at the U.S. Military Academy” at West Point as the First Captain for the 2017-2018 school year. This 20-year-old is breaking barriers by obtaining the highest position in the cadet chain of command that will lead over 4,400 cadets. Her new duties will include executing a class agenda and being a primary contact between Corps and administration.
Askew graduated from Fairfax High School as the president of her class where she founded the Black Student Union. Askew’s sister, Nina Askew, spoke with NBC Washington and expressed that “it’s a great step for not only women, but African-American women, because it shows that no matter what your sex, or your race, you can really do anything.”
Brig. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, commandant of cadets says, “Simone truly exemplifies our values of Duty, Honor, Country. Her selection is a direct result of her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Corps over the last three years. I know Simone and the rest of our incredibly talented leaders within the Class of 2018 will provide exceptional leadership to the Corps of Cadets in the upcoming academic year.”
Not only is Askew making history but check out her expressive resume with honors and awards from the U.S. Army website: “Askew is a member of the Army West Point Crew team and developing leaders as the Cadet-in-Charge of the Elevation Initiative. She is a graduate of Air Assault School, an EXCEL Scholar, a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Honorary National History Society, a recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Military Leadership, and holds the highest female Recondo score during Combat Field Training II for the class of 2018.”
Originally blogged on Campus Lately
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I AM AP ROSE 