Behind the Scenes of The Color of Space

The Color of Space is one of my favorite professional projects I’ve been part of—not just because of the production, but because of the impact and historical significance behind it. The NASA documentary highlights the legacy and contributions of African American astronauts and the generations they’ve inspired to see themselves in the future of space exploration.

As part of the project, I helped plan and execute an on-site experience at Space Center Houston for 300 middle school students and educators, in collaboration with NASA and Space Center Houston. We were balancing two priorities: supporting the production of the documentary while creating a meaningful experience for students.

The panel featured Artemis astronaut Victor J. Glover, NASA astronauts Stephanie Wilson, Victor Glover, Jeanette Epps, as well as retired astronauts Leland Melvin, Bernard Harris, Robert Curbeam, and Bobby Satcher, and several legacy astronauts. and I had the chance to help students shape their questions before stepping up to the mic.

One moment from that day will always stick with me.

We ran out of time just before the last student could ask his question. He was crushed. As soon as the panel wrapped up, I went into action to figure out how he could still get his question answered. Behind the scenes, JSC OSTEM Director Dynae Fullwood helped make it happen, clearing the way for us to bring the student to the room where the astronauts were having lunch. He asked his question in a room full of astronauts and walked away with photos—and a huge smile.

Those little moments? They matter.

And when the credits rolled at the end of the documentary and I saw my name included, I beamed with pride because of all the little moments that I had a part in shaping. Check out the Color of Space documentary here.