Ed Dwight knew how to achieve success despite white antagonism. His class had integrated his high school without support and against the threat of violence.
He became a star in the Air Force, but leaders knew other cadets wouldn’t follow a Black man. So they prevented him from being made squad leader.
Dwight kept pushing forward.
Amidst segregation, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement, The Kennedy administration faced pressure to make good on its campaign promises, and the highly-qualified Dwight was hand-picked to be the first Black man in space.
Not everyone was on board, though.
His Air Force deputy believed he was capable, but at every step of the process, he was held back. Other astronauts, as well as racist politicians and citizens, protested.
Unfortunately, before we got to find out, Kennedy was assassinated. Pressure shifted, and soon Dwight was transferred. He eventually left the Air Force.
The first Black astronaut wouldn’t fly for another 20 years. But Dwight’s story wasn’t over.
Dwight moved back to his first love, and became a celebrated artist. His powerful sculptures, odes to Black History, are now seen across the world.
While he didn’t make it to space, his determination and commitment to Black history contribute to his rich legacy and our continued strength and resilience as a people!