The Old Negro Space Program

The Old Negro Space Program

Year: 2004

Runtime: 10 mins

Language: English

Comedy

The suppressed history of America’s Black space program, in mockumentary form broadly satirizing Ken Burns and histories of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

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Timeline & Setting – The Old Negro Space Program (2004)

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Time period

1960s

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.

Location

United States, Washington D.C., Illinois, Moon

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.

🏙️ United States 🚀 Space program era 🗺️ Civil rights era

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:33

Main Characters – The Old Negro Space Program (2004)

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Sullivan Carew (Jordan Black)

A charismatic and determined leader who dreams of making space accessible to all. He relentlessly pursues NASA involvement despite the era’s racism and helps form NASSA, inspiring others with his optimism. His arc culminates in a heroic death when his rocket-powered school bus fails, leaving a poignant memory through a heartfelt letter to his wife.

🎖️ Leader 💌 Romantic 🚀 Dreamer

Wallace 'Suitcase' Jefferson (Johnny Brown)

A practical and resourceful optimist who uses charm and wit to win hearts and mobilize others. He cofounds NASSA with his friend Louie Hays and becomes a driving force behind the movement's public appeal. His determination keeps the project alive even when progress stalls and risks rise.

🎭 Charmer 🛰️ Visionary 💪 Resilient

Louie Hays

A loyal ally of Wallace who handles logistics and grassroots organization, turning local enthusiasm into a nationwide phenomenon. He helps recruit members across towns and keeps morale high as the movement faces political resistance. His pragmatism balances idealism within the group.

🤝 Organizer 🌟 Activist 🗺️ Trailblazer

Dr. Warren Fingerroot (Andy Bobrow)

A brilliant scientist who provides the technical backbone for NASSA's endeavors. He translates bold dreams into plausible plans and supports the group with practical know-how. Though not always in the spotlight, his expertise is essential to the team’s experiments and ambition.

🔬 Scientist 🧠 Intellectual 🧪 Inventor

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:33

Major Themes – The Old Negro Space Program (2004)

Explore the central themes of The Old Negro Space Program (2004), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

✊🏾 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.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:33

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The Old Negro Space Program Summary

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The Old Negro Space Program Timeline

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The Old Negro Space Program Timeline

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More About The Old Negro Space Program

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