Compare 1969, and the launch of Apollo 11 to 2020, and the successful docking of the crewed Dragon Endeavor with the International Space Station. Both milestones in the push that the United States made into space happened against similar backdrops of racial protest. The Smithsonian Institution has called upon its various member museums to delve more deeply into these connections, to provide context to the history. The National Air and Space Museum has joined this effort through several recent stories and blogs.
NASM Promotes Stories on African-American Aviation Experience
Key Takeaways:
- The National Air and Space Museum (NASM) is connecting major U.S. space milestones, such as Apollo 11 in 1969 and Dragon Endeavor in 2020, with the racial protests that occurred concurrently during those periods.
- NASM's initiative aims to provide context by delving into the diverse perspectives and untold stories of individuals who passionately contributed to aviation despite facing racial barriers.
- An example highlighted is Neal V. Loving, an pioneering aircraft designer and pilot known for building his own race plane, Loving's Love, and launching the first all-black Civil Air Patrol squadron.
- These historical reflections and stories are accessible virtually through the museum's online resources while its physical locations remain temporarily closed.
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