History Colorado honored the extraordinary life and artistic legacy of Ed Dwight during a special reception marking the opening of Ed Dwight: Casting A Legacy exhibit dedicated to the pioneering astronaut candidate and internationally acclaimed sculptor.
Community members gathered at the History Colorado Center on July 16 to celebrate Dwight, whose contributions hold special significance as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Colorado prepares to recognize 150 years of statehood.
Dwight’s sculptures and artwork form the centerpiece of the exhibit, but they represent only one chapter of a life defined by courage, perseverance and discovery.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy’s administration selected Dwight to become the nation’s first Black astronaut candidate. A U.S. Air Force pilot, Dwight completed the required training but was not selected for NASA’s astronaut corps following Kennedy’s assassination.
Dwight’s long-delayed journey into space also drew enthusiastic recognition during the reception. In 2024, at age 90, he traveled aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, becoming the oldest person to reach space. Audience members responded with amazement and delight as the historic achievement was acknowledged—a fitting, full-circle moment for the man once denied the opportunity to join NASA’s astronaut corps.
During the reception, Dwight reflected on his childhood, his military service and the experiences that eventually led him to become one of the world’s most celebrated sculptors. He also spoke about his relationship with George L. Brown, Colorado’s first Black lieutenant governor, who encouraged Dwight to use his artistic talents to preserve Black history.
Brown commissioned Dwight to create sculptures depicting prominent Black historical figures. At the time, Dwight acknowledged, he knew surprisingly little about the people whose lives and accomplishments he would eventually immortalize in bronze.
Brown responded by giving him a collection of books chronicling the history and achievements of Black Americans. What Dwight learned transformed both his perspective and the direction of his artistic career.
“I felt cheated; I had never been taught about the history and accomplishments of my people,” Dwight recalled. “I was 42 years old when I learned about Harriet Tubman.”
That realization inspired a body of work celebrating figures whose contributions had too often been overlooked or excluded from traditional accounts of American history. Dwight eventually became one of the world’s most sought-after sculptors, creating monuments and memorials that honor Black leaders, pioneers and historical events.
At 92, Dwight continues to inspire audiences through his remarkable journey and enduring creative legacy. The reception brought together his family, friends and community members for an evening of storytelling, remembrance and appreciation for a Colorado icon whose work has helped broaden the nation’s understanding of its history.
Editor’s note: The Ed Dwight: Casting A Legacy exhibit will remain on view at the History Colorado Center through Feb. 28, 2027, offering visitors an opportunity to experience his sculptures and explore the extraordinary life behind the art.
