A Yoruba man, Owolabi Salis, was on board when Blue Origin completed its 13th human spaceflight and the 33rd flight for the New Shepard program.

This makes him the first Nigerian to fly to Space, a feat he achieved while putting on a Yoruba traditional hat, called Fila.

The crew of the spaceship included Allie Kuehner and her husband, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., and Jim Sitkin. Including today’s crew, New Shepard has now flown 70 people to space, including four who have flown twice.

Owolabi is an attorney and a financial consultant. He is the author of Equitocracy, which presents a vision for democracy that prioritizes equity among diverse groups. Owolabi is also a key member of The Soul Maker Ministry, which preaches diversity given the diverse nature of the universe. He is dedicating this mission to victims of discrimination and civil rights violations.

“One thing this crew shares in common is an appreciation of our planet’s beauty and the need to preserve it for future generations,” said Audrey Powers, VP, Mission and Flight Operations. “Thank you to our customers for entrusting us to provide this life-changing view. I look forward to seeing how you transform this experience into action.”

ASA