The new documentary 'The Space Race', directed by Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, delves into the often overlooked contributions of Black astronauts, pilots, and engineers to the space program, from the early 1960s to the present. Vikram Murthi writes that the film examines the systemic marginalization of these pioneers' achievements for over half a century. The documentary not only highlights the historical aspect but also poses questions about recognition and representation in the space exploration narrative. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut, is spotlighted for her role and impact, underscoring the ongoing influence of these trailblazers. National Geographic's Karen Greenfield expressed concerns that without such documentaries, the significant contributions of Black individuals to space exploration might remain unrecognized. Former astronaut Charles Bolden is featured, providing insights into the challenges faced.
Karen Greenfield with National Geographic said without documentaries like "The Space Race," she fears that Black people's contribution to human space flight would continue going untold. https://t.co/3RG7Xg0PuI https://t.co/3RG7Xg0PuI
A new documentary explores the little-known stories of the first Black pilots and engineers who were pioneers of NASA's space program. https://t.co/EEXHoncJ9M
The new documentary, “The Space Race," explores the little-known stories of the first Black pilots and engineers who were pioneers of NASA’s space program. To learn more, @GeoffRBennett speaks to former astronaut Charles Bolden and one of the film's directors, @misscortes. https://t.co/GawhuyAkWe
This week's #BlackHistoryMonth spotlight: Mae Jemison, the first Black woman astronaut to travel to space. Her pioneering spirit, intellect, and passion for exploration continue to inspire Houstonians and people around the world. https://t.co/XkY8ULoKvI
"'The Space Race' traces a historical lineage from the early 1960s through the present day of Black pilots and engineers whose contributions to space exploration have been systemically marginalized for more than half a century," writes Vikram Murthi. https://t.co/tRLyosL4f9
Directors Lisa Cortés & Diego Hurtado de Mendoza investigate a nuanced segment of Black history w/the fascinating doc The Space Race. In its examination of pioneering Black astronauts, it raises a familiar question of what it means to be first but not counted due to... PR reasons https://t.co/xBWcoMEB31