CDT Mercedez Fernandez '23 Presented with the Henry O. Flipper Award at Commemoration Dinner

Earlier this month the U.S. Corps of Cadets hosted the annual Henry O. Flipper Commemoration Dinner to celebrate the legacy and service of Henry Ossian Flipper, the first African American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Class of 1877. Since 1977 during Black History Month, the Henry O. Flipper Award has been given to a First Class cadet who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, self-discipline, and perseverance in the face of adversity. This year’s recipient is CDT Mercedez Fernandez '23. COL Archie Bates '96, Deputy Head of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point, served as the keynote speaker, Ms. Ashanti D. Davis, a descendant of Flipper, presented the silver platter to CDT Fernandez '23, and the West Point Gospel Choir performed a beautiful rendition of "Rise up" with accompaniment from a member of the West Point Band.