Ed Dwight Finally Makes History as the First Black Astronaut to Go to Space 63 Years After Training

Edward Dwight, the first Black astronaut who was denied his place in space exploration history due to racism and politics, finally achieved his dream of going to space on Sunday morning. At 90 years old, he became the oldest person to ever go to space, surpassing even the legendary actor William Shatner.

After a flight that lasted 9 minutes and 53 seconds, Mr. Dwight emerged from the crew capsule and raised his arms in triumph, declaring, “Long time coming.” He described the experience as “life-changing,” admitting that he had initially thought he didn’t need the flight in his life, but later confessed, “But I lied.”

Mr. Dwight’s journey to space was a long time coming. In 1961, he was selected for astronaut training as part of a White House campaign to diversify the space program. However, obstacles and discrimination prevented him from becoming an astronaut, despite the support of President John F. Kennedy and the Black press.

After leaving the Air Force in 1966, Mr. Dwight went on to have a successful career as a restaurateur, real estate developer, and celebrated artist. It wasn’t until 1983 that the United States sent its first Black astronaut to space, Lt. Col. Guion S. Bluford Jr.

On Sunday, Mr. Dwight finally achieved his dream of going to space aboard the Blue Origin spaceflight. The rocket, founded by Jeff Bezos, took off at 9:35 a.m. Central time and landed back on Earth within 10 minutes. Despite a minor issue with the parachutes, the landing was successful.

Standing outside the capsule after landing, Mr. Dwight expressed his joy and urged others to experience space travel, saying, “Everybody needs to do this.” His historic journey serves as a reminder of the perseverance and resilience needed to overcome barriers and achieve one’s dreams.