The “Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2024,” presented by Representatives Neguse and Mace, aims to shine a spotlight on Dwight’s historical accomplishments and his relentless pursuit of excellence amidst adversity. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1933, Dwight’s journey started early with a Head Start program, thanks to his mother’s vision of providing cultural exposure to her children.
A youth enamored with both art and aeronautics, Dwight became the first African-American graduate of Bishop Ward Catholic High School in 1951. His path led him to an associate degree in engineering and subsequently to the Air Force, where he underwent flight training. His rigorous education continued with a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Arizona State University. Accumulating over 9,000 flight hours, including 2,000 in high-performance jets, Dwight’s aptitude and expertise in aviation set the stage for even loftier goals.
In a bold move emblematic of the Civil Rights Era’s push for equality, President John F. Kennedy selected Dwight for experimental test pilot training, marking him as the first African-American astronaut candidate. This historic choice was intended to serve as a beacon of opportunity for African-Americans nationwide. In 1961, Dwight accepted the invitation to the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, aspiring to become an astronaut.
However, the journey was fraught with challenges. While Dwight’s candidacy was celebrated in African-American press, such as Jet, Ebony, and Sepia magazines, he faced persistent racial prejudice within the military. Despite completing both the experimental test pilot and aerospace research pilot courses, he was excluded from NASA’s Group 3 astronaut selection in 1963, a setback intertwined with the racial dynamics of the era.
Following the assassination of President Kennedy, Dwight chose to leave the Air Force. His journey didn’t stop there, though. He embarked on successful careers as an IBM systems engineer, restaurateur, and aviation consultant, among others, before devoting himself to his passion for art.
Dwight’s artistic prowess blossomed, leading to significant commissions such as a bronze bust of George Brown, Colorado’s first African-American lieutenant governor, and a series of sculptures capturing the essence of Black contributions to the American Frontier West. His works received acclaim and were exhibited nationwide. Notably, his series on the history of jazz, “Jazz: An American Art Form,” comprises over 70 bronzes depicting jazz’s evolution from African origins to its contemporary forms.
The recognition extends to his induction as an honorary member of the Space Force in 2020 and the naming of an asteroid after him by the Minor Planet Center in 2021. NASA also honored him by sending his sculpture “Pioneer Woman” to space in 2014.
The bill seeks to award a gold medal inscribed with Dwight’s image and name, symbolizing his historic service, excellence during challenging times, and contributions to art and Black history. The design and inscription are to be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, further adding a dimension of national significance to this accolade.
Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals, ensuring the costs are covered, and directs proceeds to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. These medals are defined as national and numismatic items under U.S. Code, marking them as artifacts of historical importance.
This legislative initiative not only commemorates Dwight’s groundbreaking achievements but also solidifies his legacy in the annals of American history. It underscores the enduring impact of pioneers who forge paths in the face of adversity, inspiring future generations to aspire beyond the confines of socio-political challenges.
The next steps involve consideration by committees, approval by both houses of Congress, and the signature of the President. By passing this legislation, Congress aims to celebrate and perpetuate the extraordinary life of Edward J. Dwight, Jr., ensuring that his contributions to the nation’s narrative of perseverance and diversity are recognized and remembered for generations to come.
