Our faith calls us to seek truth, honor the dignity of every human being and bring overlooked stories into the light. Through the shared work of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, its parishioners, artists and community partners, EarthRise transforms that calling into action, creating a sacred space of remembrance, reconciliation and belonging for people of every faith, generation and background.
Fully funded through an investment of more than $125,000 from the John and Joseph Talbot Fund of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, EarthRise now stands just four blocks from Johnson Space Center in Nassau Bay. The monument honors Black pioneers, people of color, women and members of underrepresented communities whose courage, innovation and perseverance helped expand humanity’s reach into space.
“EarthRise reminds us that history is strongest when every story is told,” said the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, IX Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
Among those honored is former NASA Administrator Charles Bolden Jr., a longtime member and former senior warden of St. Thomas.
“I hope every young person who visits EarthRise will be inspired,” Bolden said. “You can do whatever you want to do. Don’t ever let other people define you, tell you who you are,” Bolden said. “Particularly, for women and people of color, you can do whatever you want to do, but you’ve got to study. You’ve got to work hard.”
The Diocese celebrates the Rev. Mike Stone, rector of St. Thomas the Apostle, all members of the church and parishioners whose vision, commitment and care helped move this project forward. We also congratulate artists Liss and José of Genesis Art Collaborative, whose design transformed that shared vision into a permanent work of public art.
EarthRise shows how a congregation can bring faith into the wider community. It reminds us that when the Diocese, churches, parishioners, artists and neighbors come together in shared purpose, faith becomes visible and we can do more together.
EarthRise has received significant coverage from Houston and community media. Enjoy it here:
- Episcopal Diocese of Texas: EarthRise Brings Hidden Space History Into the Light
- ABC13: Monument Near Johnson Space Center Honors Black Trailblazers of NASA
- CW39: EarthRise Monument Honors NASA’s Diverse Pioneers, News Segment
- Defender Network: Black Space Pioneers
- Hoodline: Nassau Bay Monument Honors Black NASA Trailblazers
- African-American News & Issues: New Houston-Area Monument Honors Black NASA Trailblazers
