Annapolis Creed

The First African American Color Company Commander at the United States Naval Academy

By: Dr. Jordan B Smith Jr

Narrated by: Jordan B Smith Jr

Length: 5 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

A real untold story. Dr. Jordan B. Smith, Jr. became the first African-American to become the Color Company Commander at the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis or USNA) in 1976. The Class of 1976 African Americans set the pathway for changes, by demonstrating that Blacks and other minorities had earned the right to be in Annapolis. The incidents and events are authentic. This audiobook is about one of the Black men who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1976 whose accomplishment ignites a communication frenzy among the media - as another Navy tradition goes away. The cover picture shows a Black girl wearing a traditional, southern belle, formal White dress. The pictures of this event make public that Blacks could compete with their White counterparts and live in harmony. These Black midshipmen pioneers of Annapolis brings an end to the discriminatory tolerant institutions of learning at the United States Naval Academy.

At the time, the author thought this accomplishment was insignificant, but it faded away with time and only existed as a memory. The cover picture of this audiobook is on display in the Naval Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. The image is on display in a glass case, close by uniforms of Admiral Nimitz and Farragut, and other historical Naval documents and artifacts. Most African-Americans today are familiar with Black sports professionals like Michael Jordan, and few if any know anything about the accomplishment of African-Americans who broke barriers to scuttle Navy traditions at Annapolis. The achievements of these Black military men are well concealed and camouflaged.

However, no significant progress ever happens without setbacks, diversions, decisions, failures, and modifications of strategies. Perseverance and struggle in making the dream a reality, has never failed throughout the author's lifetime. It is the development of Dr. Smith's growing mindset that allowed him to believe that he could become the 17th Company Commander.

©2017 Jordan B. Smith Jr. (P)2017 Jordan B. Smith Jr.

Great story

Whats a great story, this was really inspiring to listen to something that I would recommend if your looking for a bit of inspiration,

Through Trials and Tribulations

My own father was in the Marines so I take a high level of interest in fellow service members. Annapolis was grueling for the author and he speaks about his personal experience going through it. What I liked most about this audiobook is at the end of each chapter, Dr. Smith outlines lessons learned for the audience to practically apply solutions to their own life.

A Captivating Read

This book was truly Inspiring! The fact that the author also narrated this book made the overall reading experience so much more authentic. It was very interesting to learn about how Dr. Smith changed the naval academy, and opened doors for so many black Americans who would follow in his footsteps. I am sure that many people will read about Dr. Smith’s story, and find the motivation to achieve success in their own life.

100% recommended

This is an amazing book to read for people interested in attending Annapolis while serving in the marines!
The narrations is very engaging and keeps you going u Tim you’re finished listening this Audiobook!

Thank you, Dr. Smith

Your story is truly amazing. The honesty, the inspiration, the successes, and, yes, even the failures all add up to an incredible story of a remarkable man. Thank you for your service, for breaking down the barriers, for serving as an example of dreams becoming goals becoming reality, and for motivating the next generations to embrace a growth mindset. Semper Fi.

An intriguing book on the history of Navy

The story of Dr. smith was inspiring! It is really an eye opener and shows that anything can be achieved if you are determined and strong enough.


It encourages and motivates me to achieve those goals of life that seems impossible to achieve .

The fact that this book was also narrated by the author made it more interesting to listen.

Extremely informative and inspiring!

What an inspirational relay of the story of Dr. Smith during his time at the USNA. The author did a fantastic job at sharing the many trials and tribulations faced, and his extraordinary ability to persevere despite the prevalent racism and bigotry of that time.

The fact that this book was also narrated by the author made brought a level of authenticity that is unmatched. Highly recommend!

History told

This book goes through the life of a navy officer in a time when things needed change. The people who lived through and set forth the new path are described in much detail. Helpful hints at the end of each chapter can be profited by all who read this.

Great story and history

This book discusses the difficulties encountered at Annapolis and while serving the country, imparting important lessons along the way.
There are no details omitted from the author's passionate narration. His personal touch as the narrator lends an intimate quality, evoking the image of an experienced elder dispensing hard-won knowledge.
This one-of-a-kind tale unearths historical turning events that have been forgotten while highlighting the significant contributions of leaders from various backgrounds. We promote understanding and solidarity by exchanging these tales.
It is admirable that Dr. Jordan B. Smith served the community and that the museum now houses his book. It will help you understand the history of our country better, and I highly suggest it. Readers are moved by the motivational story and Dr. Smith's honest delivery. His inspirational path and ground-breaking accomplishments inspire others to go for their own success.

If you like military tales this is for you

I'm a big military buff, I love hearing the stories of war as crazy as it is. I couldn't believe that the US first commander happened so late. The author throws in some personal tales as well from his time in the military. Sets the historical scene nicely.