— Ed Dwight—

Ed Dwight is a pioneering American sculptor, former Air Force test pilot, and the first African American astronaut candidate. Born on September 9, 1933, in Kansas City, Kansas, he demonstrated artistic talent and mechanical aptitude from a young age. After earning an Associate of Arts in engineering from Kansas City Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from Arizona State University, Dwight joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953. He became a captain and completed training at the Aerospace Research Pilot School. In 1961, at the direction of President John F. Kennedy, Dwight was selected as the first African American candidate for NASA's astronaut program. Despite completing the training, he was not selected for the Astronaut Corps, a decision widely attributed to racial discrimination. After leaving the Air Force in 1966, Dwight pursued a career in art. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Denver and became renowned for his public monuments and sculptures that celebrate African American history and culture. His notable works include the Texas African American History Memorial and the African American History Monument in South Carolina. n a historic achievement, Dwight finally traveled to space on May 19, 2024, aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-25 mission, becoming the oldest person to fly in space at the age of 90.

For more information on Ed Dwight's life and work, you can visit his official website: Ed Dwight Studios.