The Daily The Almost Moon Man
Jul 21, 2019
Emily Ludolph, a New York Times journalist, uncovers the remarkable story of Ed Dwight, an aspiring African-American astronaut from the 1960s. The conversation dives into his journey from segregation to the brink of space exploration, detailing the challenges he faced in a system favoring white candidates. Ludolph discusses the profound impact of President Kennedy's support and the subsequent derailment of Dwight's career after Kennedy's assassination. The episode also touches on the broader history of Black astronauts and their contributions to space.
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Discovery in the Morgue
- Emily Ludolph discovered Ed Dwight's story in the NYT morgue.
- His folder, filled with photos of him in a flight suit, sparked her curiosity.
Early Life and Fascination with Flight
- Ed Dwight grew up in Kansas City, working various jobs from a young age.
- His fascination with airplanes began at a local airport where he cleaned planes.
Newspaper Inspiration
- Ed Dwight's dream of flying was sparked by a newspaper photo.
- It featured a Black Air Force pilot shot down in Korea, proving Black men could fly jets.