Exhibit Expansion of Wesley A. Brown Artifacts

The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is happy to share this news from the U.S. Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA):

NAAA is proud to announce the expansion of Wesley A. Brown artifacts in the Wesley A. Brown Field House entrance. Howard University, led by Brea Johnson and Lela Sewell-Williams, have generously loaned the following items into the new exhibit.

• USNA Diploma 1949
• Presentation Sword and Leather Case 1945
• Program signed by Jesse Owens 1949
• USNA Uniform Jacket
• Retirement Flag 1969

Born in Baltimore, MD, and later a resident of Washington, DC, LCDR Wesley A. Brown, CEC, USN (Ret.), became the first in his family to attend college, enrolling at Howard University in the District of Columbia, as an Army Specialized Training Student and an electrical engineering major. LCDR Brown was then appointed to the Naval Academy as a midshipman in 1945. At the Academy, LCDR Brown was an accomplished athlete. He ran varsity track and cross country for the Brigade and was a cross country teammate of former President Jimmy Carter, who graduated in the Class of 1947. LCDR Brown graduated in the Class of 1949, as the first African American USNA Graduate.  LCDR Brown was commissioned in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps, rising to Lieutenant Commander before retiring from the Navy in July 1969. A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, he helped to build houses in Hawaii, roads in Liberia, waterfront facilities in the Philippines, and a seawater conversion plant in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  After retirement, LCDR Brown worked for the New York State University Construction Fund, the New York State Dormitory Authority, and the University Planning Office at Howard University. He retired from civilian employment at Howard University in 1988. 

Kerwin E. Miller, a 1975 graduate of the USNA and 1986 Howard University Law School said, “I’m thrilled that this is most appropriate, during this Black History Month that our USNA Athletic Department is honoring our trailblazer, LCDR Wesley A. Brown, by expanding the Wesley A. Brown Field House Exhibit. The Exhibit’s newly added artifacts are an additional testament to LCDR Brown’s life at USNA, his Naval career, and his enormous legacy that he has left behind.  It is our hope that this newly expanded Exhibit will continue to inspire future generations of Midshipmen to understand his sacrifice, perseverance, accomplishment, and, as LCDR Brown so aptly stated, in his challenge for us to “GO WHERE THERE IS NO PATH AND BLAZE A TRAIL.” 

Director of Athletics, Chet Gladchuk said, “In order to more significantly honor the impact and accomplishments of Wesley A. Brown, we felt it was timely to expand the items on display in the Wesley A. Brown Field House. Next time you enter the Field House, please be certain to take a look at the artifacts on display. I would be remiss to not thank Kerwin Miller for his vision and determination as we continually find ways to enhance information and artifacts on display, about Wesley A. Brown. Both Brea Johnson and Lela Sewell-Williams have been instrumental in making this project happen.”