Watch Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier

Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier is a four-part documentary series that delves into the untold stories of African American astronauts and their journeys to space. The show premiered on Smithsonian Channel in 2020 and was hosted by actor and British expat David Harewood, who himself had always been fascinated by space and the cosmos.

The show explores the stories of men and women who were pioneers in the early days of the space program, breaking the color barrier in a field that had previously been dominated by white men. The first episode, "First Flight," looks at the early days of the space program and the African American pilots who were part of the initial testing and training before the United States sent its first astronaut to orbit the Earth.

The second episode, "Breaking Ground," focuses on the first African American astronaut to go to space. The segment features interviews with Frederick D. Gregory, who flew on three Space Shuttle missions and went on to become the Deputy Administrator of NASA. Other prominent Black astronauts featured in the series include Guion Bluford, Jr., Mae Jemison, and Ronald McNair, all of whom broke barriers in their own way.

One of the strengths of Black in Space is its ability to convey both the excitement of space exploration and the social and political context in which these astronauts operated. While space travel is often portrayed as a purely scientific endeavor, the show explores the ways in which the space race was also a reflection of Cold War politics and the United States' struggle for civil rights. Throughout the series, viewers learn about how African American astronauts faced additional hurdles and discrimination, both in their training and once they were in space.

While each episode is self-contained and focuses on a different aspect of the story, there are a few themes that run throughout the series. One of the major themes is the importance of representation. Many of the astronauts featured in the series talk about how they were inspired by seeing other Black astronauts, both in the news and in person. By breaking barriers themselves, they hoped to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.

Another theme that comes up frequently is the role of education in shaping the careers of these astronauts. Many of them talk about how they were lucky to have parents or teachers who encouraged their curiosity about science and space. However, they also acknowledge that not everyone has the same opportunities, and that systemic barriers still exist for people of color in science and technology fields.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a mix of archival footage, interviews with the astronauts and their families, and expert commentary from historians and scientists. The result is a well-rounded look at a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in space exploration history.

Overall, Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier is an engaging and educational series that sheds light on an important aspect of the space race. By highlighting the achievements of Black astronauts, the show provides a much-needed corrective to the dominant narrative of "Great Man" history that often overlooks the contributions of women and people of color. For anyone interested in space exploration or civil rights history, this is a must-watch series.