NASA astronaut Victor Glover, who is slated to pilot the upcoming Artemis II mission to the Moon, has a unique weekly ritual that has drawn attention. This mission will make him the first person of color to journey around the Moon.

A Weekly Tradition for Perspective

The Song and the Setting

Glover revealed at a Space Symposium conference in Colorado Springs that every Monday, he listens to Gil Scott-Heron's spoken-word poem, "Whitey on the Moon," on his commute to NASA.

This piece, published and set to music in 1970, contrasts the immense U.S. spending on the space race with the struggles of Black Americans facing issues like high rent and medical bills.

Addressing Controversy and Context

Glover noted that sharing this tradition previously caused some controversy, with people attempting to quote him out of context. He clarified that his appreciation for the poem is not about racism, but rather "about the human condition."

The Artemis II pilot explained that the song serves as a vital reminder that not everyone shares the enthusiasm for space exploration. "That song reminds me that, at that time, that community, which is very similar to the community I grew up in, they didn't feel heard," Glover stated.

Reflecting on America's Complexity

A Reminder of Diverse Experiences

Glover, 47, grew up in Pomona, California, and uses the poem to ensure he remains mindful of perspectives beyond the typical NASA supporters. He emphasized that the poem reflects a reality where many people have not seen improvements in their daily lives despite national achievements.

He acknowledged the complicated nature of the country he represents, stating, "I live in the America that sent me to space, told my grandfather he couldn't fly during the Korean conflict when he was enlisted."

NASA's Commitment to Inclusivity

When joining NASA, Glover was told the agency hired him specifically because of who he is, meaning they accepted his whole self. He recalled a historical moment where this inclusivity was tested.

Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1968, Ralph Abernathy led a protest near the Kennedy Space Center. Glover recounted that the then-NASA Administrator Thomas Paine engaged with the demonstrators, leading the group to ultimately pray for the safety of the astronauts due to a shared human connection.

Artemis II Mission Details

The Artemis II mission is currently targeted for launch on April 1. The crew is preparing for a lunar flight that will carry Glover into history as the first person of color to orbit the Moon.