**Note:** This story originally made headlines in May 2016.
A viral 2016 photo of 16 all-Black, all-female West Point cadets raising their fists in uniform sparked national debate. Many linked the gesture to the Black Lives Matter movement, though the raised fist is a historic symbol of solidarity and resistance used by various groups, including labor unions and civil rights activists.
The image drew both praise and criticism. Some saw it as a proud expression of unity, while others accused the cadets of violating military rules against political expression in uniform (per DoD Directive 1344.10). The Army launched a review, and at the time, it was unclear if disciplinary action would follow.
Critics, including ex-soldier John Burk, argued the gesture undermined military conduct, while supporters defended the cadets’ right to express pride and identity. The controversy highlighted ongoing tensions around race, gender, symbolism, and expression in the military.
Ultimately, the photo became a flashpoint for broader conversations about who gets to express themselves—and how—within rigid institutions like the U.S. military.
