The Old Negro Space Program

Set in the 1960s, the film traces the rise of a Black space initiative amid the U.S. space race and civil rights movement. It highlights segregation in national programs and the persistence of activist communities challenging the status quo. The narrative culminates with a 1966 Moon landing that is largely buried by a national information blackout.

The story unfolds across the United States, with key scenes in Washington, D.C. and Illinois as grassroots activists form NASSA. The Moon becomes the ultimate testing ground for their ambitions, symbolizing equality beyond institutional barriers. The setting situates the 1960s space race within everyday American life, highlighting local towns and schools as stages for change.

✊🏾 Racism & Equality

The film uses NASSA to challenge the racial barriers of the era, showing how Black scientists and dreamers push into a whites-only space program. It exposes systemic discrimination in media coverage and NASA’s recruitment practices. Through perseverance and collective action, the characters argue that space belongs to everyone.

🚀 Ambition & Community

A grassroots movement grows from the ground up, with hundreds of Black astronauts signing up and barnstorming across towns to raise support. The story emphasizes camaraderie, creativity, and resilience in the face of institutional indifference. It portrays how a small idea can ignite a nationwide phenomenon.

🕯️ Memory & Sacrifice

Sullivan Carew’s heroic death and his final letter to his wife anchor the film in personal sacrifice amid public forgetfulness. The letter echoes historical memory while highlighting the cost of pursuing progress. The narrative treats sacrifice as a quiet counterpoint to the era’s larger political battles.