New ‘Space Race’ documentary highlights stories of Black astronauts

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — The Academy Center of the Arts is inviting Hill City out to celebrate Black History Month and highlight the achievements of African-American astronauts.

To highlight the history of Black astronauts, the center is hosting a special pre-screening of the National Geographic documentary film, “The Space Race” on Feb. 9. The film takes viewers through the stories of Black astronauts including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight, and Charles Bolden. While working to overcome social injustice, the documentary covers the stories of how these astronauts made it to space.

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Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the free event will kick off with prescreening activities such as letters to space, a photo booth, and more. The film will then start at 7:30 p.m. After the film, there will be an interview with the astronaut, producer, and Lynchburg native, Leland Melvin.

Melvin worked with the NASA Langley Research Center in the area of nondestructive testing creating optical fiber sensors for measuring damage in aerospace vehicles. In 2009, he and Hampton native, Dr. Robert Satcher, were the only two black astronauts to go to space together.

As his career continued to grow in NASA, Melvin took on the associate administrator role. During this time he was responsible for the development and implementation of NASA’s education programs that inspire interest in science and technology and raise public awareness about NASA’s goals and mission.

After retiring from NASA in 2014, Melvin sits on the Board of Directors for BWX Technologies and is hoping to share his stories of perseverance and excellence.

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The film navigates the stories of Black astronauts looking to break social and racial boundaries to reach the stars. “The Space Race” profiles Black pilots, scientists, and engineers who joined NASA to serve their country in space. The project was directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés.

Even though the event is free, visitors will still have to register. Free tickets can be registered online.

The movie premieres on National Geographic on Feb. 12 and will be available on streaming platforms on Feb. 13, 2024.

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