Since the beginning of space exploration in the late 1950s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has flown over 200 space missions with 360 astronauts. Eighteen of those astronauts were Black.
Los Angeles-based nonprofit Community Build, Inc. and SHADES OF BLUE Aviation partnered to present an Astronauts Reunion to celebrate the more than 60 years of contributions made by trailblazing Black Astronauts to space exploration. The black-tie affair was held at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Aviation, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum annex at Dulles Airport in Chantilly, VA.
According to SHADES OF BLUE founder Captain Willie L. Daniels II, many of the contributions of Black astronauts have gone unheralded. The SHADES OF BLUE Astronauts Reunion is one way to shed light on the accomplishments of Black pioneers in space.
“NASA astronaut and former NASA Administrator, General Charlie Bolden fired the photon torpedo in space. Astronaut Bernard Harris was the first African American to walk in space,” Daniels said. “This is not Black history. This is American history. People should know about it. With the Astronauts Reunion, we’re trying to educate, inform, and celebrate these accomplishments.”
Honorees in attendance included former NASA Administrator and 4-time NASA astronaut Charles F. Bolder; USAF astronaut Livingston Holder; NASA astronaut Robert L. Curbeam; NASA astronaut Leland D. Melvin; and NASA astronaut Bernard A. Harris. Cheryl McNair was present to receive an award on behalf of her late husband astronaut Ronald E. McNair who died during the 1986 launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger mission.
NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps made a special appearance via satellite from the International Space Station orbiting 248 miles above earth. Epps is currently on a six-month mission conducting experiments and maintaining the space station.
Community Build, Inc. President Dr. Robert Salsedo was the Master of Ceremonies for the celebration. Salsedo saluted Epps and other Black astronauts. “It’s not easy to go into space. . . Jeanette Epps is up there in a hostile environment, risking her life for the betterment of all mankind, not just here in the United States, but the entire world,” Salsedo said. “These astronauts are our national heroes and our treasures, and we thank them for all of their contributions.
A video montage narrated by NASA Astronaut Yvonne Cagle chronicled the journey of African Americans in space exploration. The video featured Ed Dwight, America’s first Black Astronaut candidate, who after being passed over by NASA for a space mission in 1963, became the oldest person to reach space in May 2024. The video also showcased retired astronauts Leland Melvin, Joan Higginbotham, and Benjamin Alvin Drew and current astronauts Victor Glover and Jessica Watkins.
During the event, NASA senior producer, Special projects and Live Events Jori Kates premiered her upcoming documentary on the history of female African American astronauts. The documentary is a follow-up to Kates’ previous NASA films, “The Color of Space” and “The Power of African American Leadership in NASA.”
Kates noted that a study in Scientific American showed that the most diverse teams provide the best solutions. “Representation is needed to give you the cultural, technical and other aspects of working together as a team to solve difficult problems. That’s what the Color of Space demonstrates,” Kates said. “It shows diverse people that happen to be African American doing incredible things in space with other people to develop the best solutions.”
The evening included the presentation of President Joseph R. Biden’s Presidential Volunteer Service Award to eight individuals. This prestigious award honors citizens who exhibit outstanding work ethic, character, and dedication to serving their communities.
Joylette Hylick and Katherine Goble Moore, daughters of the late NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson received the award on behalf of their mother. Retired United States Marine Corps Major General Charles Bolden Jr., former NASA Administrator, Marine aviator, and test pilot was also presented with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Other Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipients included Mr. Bruce Atlas, Former Chief Operating Officer, Ontario International Airport; Astronaut Dr. Yvonne Cagle; Dr. Karen Daniels Ivy, Associate Dean, University of Arizona Global Campus; Astronaut Leland D. Melvin; Astronaut Bernard Harris; United Airlines Captain Tony Marshal (Ret.); and Dr. Felton Williams, Past Chair of the Council of Great City Schools.
SHADES OF BLUE is a nonprofit organization that trains and mentors youth aged 12 – 21 from underserved communities to become the next generation of airline, pilots, astronauts and aviation personnel. SHADES OF BLUE was founded in 1999 by Daniels who was a captain for United Airlines. He retired in 2020 after 42 years of service for United.
For more information on the SHADES OF BLUE and to view photos from the Astronauts Reunion, visit ourshadesofblue.org.
