Ed Dwight is a man who made strides for the progression of Black people across America. Many people should know more about his significance in African American history. Unfortunately, his dreams (along with many others) of being the first Black astronaut were not fully realized, until now. Learn more about the recent dream come true that has inspired many people across the world. His journey into space is what many people consider a justice that was meant to happen a long time ago.
Ed Dwight’s Story
Ed Dwight’s legacy and journey is just as inspiring as it is frustrating since he was a perfectly fit candidate for space travel. But travelers should note that Dwight never lost his spark despite his unfortunate circumstances.
Dwight’s Origins: How Did He Nearly Become the First Black Astronaut?
Ed Dwight was born on the outskirts of Kansas City, Kansas in 1933. While he had other passions like art, Dwight worked as a test pilot in the U.S. Air Force’s premier experimental flight base in California to pursue his passion for planes. He then went on to train in the Aerospace Research Pilot School which granted him the opportunity to fly supersonic aircraft that soared high into the atmosphere.
His participation in the astronaut selection process even gained him much attention from Black publications in the U.S. and the White House. This was a time when the Kennedy administration encouraged diversity. Eventually, after rising to the rank of captain in the Air Force and obtaining an aeronautics degree from Arizona State University, he qualified for flight test school. While many thought this publicity and triumph was only the beginning, it sadly did not end up that way.
What Postponed Dwight’s Journey to Space?
Dwight was one of the potential astronauts the Air Force recommended to NASA, one out of 26 people. However, he was not chosen to join the 1963 class which included the likes of Apollo 11’s Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. After he was not picked for the 1963 NASA astronaut corps, there was quite a controversy on the reason why. Apparently, due to the aftermath of President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, there was a support issue. President Kennedy supported Dwight but upon his death, not many continued to push for Dwight to be a part of the space program. Past the guise of politics, racism certainly played a part in Dwight being passed over.
NASA did not pick any Black astronauts until 1978. Eventually, Guion Bluford became the first African American to make it to space in 1983. It took another 20 years before a Black astronaut finally made it to space after Dwight was supposed to. While Dwight was an ideal candidate who was perfectly capable, the country seemingly was not ready for a Black astronaut at the time.
Dwight’s Significance As the Potential First Black Astronaut
Ed Dwight was the first Black candidate for space travel in the United States. This was a huge feat for the Black community, knowing that potentially they would finally be represented. Since this possible representation occurred during the space age, it was even more exciting. To have a Black person in space and defying the racial limits of society on earth was the dream. Dwight was supposed to be the first Black astronaut. For Black astronauts of today, Ed Dwight opened many doors just by simply existing in the important rooms that he did.
Dwight’s Flight Into Space
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 9:35 a.m. (central time), Dwight finally made it to space. This was possible due to Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos. Along with six other passengers, Dwight boarded the New Shepard Rocket and embarked on a 10-minute journey into space. In addition to his feat, Dwight is still technically a first. The flight made Dwight the oldest person to ever go to space. At 90 years old, Dwight continues to make his way in the world with style.
