HISTORIC FIRST BLACKS

It could have been a great week for historic firsts involving Black individuals, if only Victor Glover had been allowed to take the lead in the conversation. Glover just completed NASA’s first lunar orbit mission since 1953. It’s a remarkable achievement—though there is this qualification: Glover is Black. Alongside him were a Canadian and a woman, both also marking milestones for NASA, but the media tends to focus on Glover’s race.

A young girl asked him at a recent press event, “How does it feel to be the first person of color to fly around the Moon?” You can understand her curiosity, but it’s quite a limiting question. I mean, it probably feels just as terrifying for him as it would for any white astronaut. The level of fear would likely be equally high—think of Neil Armstrong, Alan Shepard, Buzz Aldrin, and now Victor Glover. They probably all experienced similar waves of panic.

Glover responded to the girl, saying, “Amaya, thank you for the question. I think one thing about taking big risks is the pressure it creates, and that can affect performance.” He emphasized teamwork and stated that they focused on their mission rather than individual accolades. He gestured to the NASA patch and the American flag, suggesting that he thought more about those symbols rather than his own nametag.

Victor Glover, you have my respect; you exemplify what it means to be a role model for Americans. This was his first direct acknowledgment of issues surrounding race since early April. It should have been a celebratory moment for historic firsts, but then there was Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Just days after Glover’s achievement, SCOTUS made a significant ruling in the Louisiana v. Callais case, stating that House districts can’t be drawn based on race. This ruling opened the door for the state to revise its maps ahead of the midterms. The court’s liberal justices, including Jackson, dissented. It raises an eyebrow, since liberals are often viewed as defenders against racial segregation—certain irony there, right?

The plaintiff, Callais, pushed for a quick ruling, arguing against the usual 32-day waiting period, which is intended for appeals. The defense didn’t oppose this and indicated they weren’t planning to appeal. The Supreme Court granted this request, and in an unusual move, Jackson penned a dissent against what should have been a standard procedural ruling.

Procedural matters usually go out without any written opinions, so Jackson taking this step was exceptional. What she wrote was quite confrontational. She accused the court of “throwing” the state into “chaos” by stepping away from established norms.

“The Court unshackles itself from both constraints today,” she stated, adding that it showed an unwise and unwarranted independence, leading to her dissent.

Interestingly, she found herself isolated—her fellow liberal justices chose not to join her. Justice Alito responded, arguing that her dissent contained claims that demanded a response. He stated that the dissent would lead to unconstitutional conditions for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that the 32-day waiting rule serves to allow time for appeals. He then articulated that her rhetoric lacked restraint.

This clash is likely to be the talk of the day. It’s rare to see SCOTUS opinions get as personal and direct as this. There have certainly been disagreements before, but these typically don’t explode into direct criticisms.

On a different note, my mind deviates a bit to the recent Met Gala, which was flooded with images of extravagance. PETA made headlines with a nearly nude protester, and Travis Kelce appeared to have joined the social elite with his fashion choices. I really need to wrap this up.

As for the Met Gala itself, it felt like a parade of the elite showing off their outrageous styles. PETA’s protest, a near-naked presence, raised questions about animal rights amidst the flamboyance. Various individuals paraded in extravagant outfits that raised eyebrows for their daring nature.

The surprise standout of the event was “Aariana” Rose Philip, a unique figure who embodies multiple identities, making quite an impression. It drew attention not only for the visuals but for the layered discussions surrounding representation and identity in today’s culture.

This brings about a complex view on what firsts should mean. Glover’s journey reflects a hopeful note for humanity, contrasting sharply with other discussions centered purely on race. Perhaps it’s time to move beyond these labels.

Victor Glover symbolizes a future where these firsts don’t define our narratives, but rather become part of the broader human story. How many more firsts will unfold, I wonder? Time will tell.

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