james webster smith was the first african american to be formally admitted into west point. he is going to be formally admitted in 1870. until 1866, with the army reorganization act, that we get the ability for african- americans to serve fully into the -- the regular army. it is not until 1877 that you get the first black west point graduate. which is henry flipper. webster smith was flipper's roommate and gets kicked out of the academy with only one credit left. when webster smith leaves, it leaves only henry flipper who eventually graduates a few years later. after henry flipper, the next black west point graduate was john hanks alexander, third and final in the 19th century was charles young who graduated in 1883. when we think about this position he is in, and 1884, you get the first black chaplain to be formally admitted, first ever black chaplain to serve in the military was henry mcneal turner, in the civil war, after that, not until 1884 we get henry benson plumber, a follower of turner, to be the official -- first official black chaplain in the night covering in th