This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., recognizing him as the first African-American astronaut candidate in the United States. Dwight was selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to enter astronaut training at Edwards Air Force Base, but despite completing his training successfully, he was not selected for the final astronaut group in 1963, partly due to racial discrimination and the loss of Kennedy's support following his assassination. After leaving the Air Force in 1966, Dwight pursued a successful career as a sculptor and artist, creating numerous bronze works celebrating African-American history and culture. The medal will be presented by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the medal, with the cost covered by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. The legislation allows for the production and sale of duplicate bronze medals, with proceeds going back to the Mint.
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