Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket successfully launched on Sunday with six people on board, including 90-year-old Ed Dwight, who became the oldest person to go into space. This historic journey marked a significant moment for Dwight, who was originally selected by the Kennedy administration in 1961 to become the first black astronaut. Despite excelling in his training, Dwight was passed over due to political reasons after Kennedy's assassination.
It wasn't until 1983 that Guillaume Bluford became the first African-American in space, but Dwight's impact on the space program was profound. Many black astronauts credit him for paving the way for their own careers. Despite the setbacks, Dwight pursued a successful career as an Air Force pilot, IBM employee, construction company owner, restaurateur, and real estate developer. He also holds a master's degree in sculpting and has dedicated his life to depicting black history through art.
After decades of putting his space dreams on hold, Dwight finally achieved his goal of becoming an astronaut. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed pride in his role in opening up conversations about blacks in space. He sees his purpose as serving a greater cause and is content with the impact he has made.
Looking ahead, Dwight remains ambitious and expressed a desire to go into orbit as the next item on his bucket list. His positive outlook and dedication to breaking barriers serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
