Alpha Phi Alpha's Wesley A. Brown: First Black Graduate of U.S. Naval Academy
Wesley A. Brown, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., made history as the first African American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy. Born in 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland, Brown faced significant challenges during his time at the academy, including racial harassment. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and graduated in 1949. Brown's success was supported by his determination and the encouragement of classmates, including future President Jimmy Carter. After graduation, Brown served as a civil engineer in the Navy for 20 years, contributing to various significant projects worldwide.