Edward Dwight, a retired Air Force captain who was once chosen to be the first Black man to orbit Earth, is finally getting his chance to go to space. In the coming weeks, he will be part of a six-person crew heading beyond Earth’s orbit on Blue Origin’s seventh human flight.
Mr. Dwight’s journey to space has been a long and challenging one. He was part of the astronaut training program at Edwards Air Force Base in the early 1960s, under the command of Chuck Yeager. Despite facing obstacles and discrimination, Mr. Dwight persevered and went on to have a successful career as a restaurateur, real estate developer, and celebrated sculptor.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Mr. Dwight shared his thoughts on his upcoming spaceflight. He expressed a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, describing it as the culmination of a lifetime of overcoming adversity.
When asked about his prevailing emotions, Mr. Dwight explained that he is not angry or lucky, but rather focused on the journey ahead. He reflected on his interactions with Chuck Yeager, acknowledging the challenges he faced as a Black man in a predominantly white industry.
As Mr. Dwight prepares to see Earth from a new perspective, he remains optimistic and grateful for the opportunity. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the beauty and fragility of our planet, calling on future leaders to take a moment to orbit Earth before running for national office.
With his upcoming spaceflight, Edward Dwight is not only fulfilling a lifelong dream but also breaking barriers and inspiring others to reach for the stars.
