Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act Honors First Black Astronaut Candidate: From Snub to Space at 90

The Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 is all about finally giving credit where it's long overdue. This bill officially recognizes Edward J. Dwight, Jr., the first African-American astronaut candidate, with a Congressional Gold Medal—one of the highest civilian honors in the U.S.

Breaking Barriers, Then and Now

This act lays out the incredible story of Dwight, who, back in 1961, was handpicked by President Kennedy for astronaut training. Despite facing blatant racial prejudice that kept him from space at the time, Dwight went on to become a celebrated artist. It wasn't until May 19, 2024, at the age of 90, that he finally made it to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, becoming the oldest person to do so. The bill highlights his journey, stating, "...faced racial prejudice, preventing him from becoming the first African American in space" (SEC. 2), but went on to achieve greatness in art and inspire generations.

The Medal and Its Meaning

This isn't just about a medal; it's about recognizing a lifetime of breaking barriers. The Congressional Gold Medal will be designed to honor Dwight's contributions to space exploration, art, and Black history (SEC. 3). Think of it as a formal "thank you" from the nation for his service and inspiration, especially during times of struggle and racism. The medal will be presented to Mr. Dwight or his representative, Curtis Christopher Dwight, if he is unavailable.

Making It and Making It Available

Here’s how it works: The U.S. Mint will create the gold medal, and they're also allowed to make and sell bronze duplicates (SEC. 4). This means anyone interested can buy a copy, with the money going back into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund (SEC. 6). So, it’s a way to both honor Dwight and let the public participate in that recognition, all while keeping the costs covered. These medals are officially recognized as national medals and numismatic items, adding to their significance (SEC. 5).

Real-World Impact

This act does more than just celebrate one man's achievements. It shines a light on a vital piece of history and holds up Dwight as a role model. For young people of color interested in STEM or the arts, Dwight’s story, now officially recognized by Congress, is a powerful message: perseverance pays off. The fact that an asteroid was named after him and NASA sent his sculpture to space (SEC. 2) even before this bill just shows how much his legacy is already impacting the world.