Two years after Simone Askew made history as the first African-American woman to be appointed to First Captain at the United States Military Academy at West Point, the academy is now graduating its largest class of Black women.
The group of 34 women participated in the traditional Old Corps photoshoot to memorialize their presence for years to come.
“My hope when young Black girls see these photos is that they understand that regardless of what life presents you, you have the ability and fortitude to be a force to be reckoned with,” cadet Tiffany Welch-Baker told Because of Them We Can.
Baker shared that when she stepped foot on West Point’s campus she questioned whether she made the right decision as she left active duty to do so.
“In just a short while I met so many cadets that looked like me, and that offered me some comfort. I have been fortunate to have my sisters in arms, we have been fortunate to have each other.”
Baker’s mother sent Because of Them We Can the images expressing that she just “couldn’t let all this Black Girl Magic go unnoticed!”
Last July West Point appointed Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams as its first Black superintendent.