Juneteenth 2026: California-Born Astronaut Victor Glover Honored at State Capitol After Historic Artemis II Mission
Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
The California State Senate and Assembly welcomed U.S. Navy Capt. Victor Glover Jr., a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut, to the State Capitol on June 18, honoring his achievements in space exploration and his role in the historic Artemis II mission.
In a tribute presented in partnership with the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), lawmakers gathered in both chambers to recognize Glover’s accomplishments, including his service as the pilot of the Artemis II mission, which completed a crewed flyby of the Moon in April.
A guest on the floors of both houses of the California Legislature, Glover spoke about the importance of inspiring the next generation.
Glover was also recognized during the reading of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 214 (ACR 214), the legislative measure commemorating Juneteenth in 2026.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle joined in celebrating Glover’s achievements.
Capt. Victor J. Glover Jr.’s visit to the California Legislature drew attention from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Asm. Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), right, poses for a photo with the Artemis II mission pilot on June 18, 2026. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
“Seeing them approve ACR 214 was amazing, overwhelming, and inspiring,” Glover told California Black Media (CBM).
“To see them all come together like that about something they agree on, and are excited about, instead of things solely about me personally, shows what we are capable of as people,” Glover said. “I hope that this is a small piece of this theme as we look forward to thinking about ways we can continue to serve and lead the nation and the state by working together.”
Glover added, “Let’s focus on what brings us together rather than what tears us apart, and we’ll get more done.”
Accompanied by NASA colleagues and members of his family, including his wife, Dionna Glover, and daughters Maya and Joia, Glover also greeted throngs of cheering young people who gathered at the Capitol to meet him.
“Capt. Victor J. Glover Jr., a native of Pomona, Calif., has a story that reflects the very best of our state and our nation,” said Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), chair of the CLBC. “His journey from California to the stars is a testament to perseverance, service, leadership, and excellence.”
Born on April 30, 1976, Glover graduated from Ontario High School in Ontario, California. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in general engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1999 and received his Navy “Wings of Gold” in 2001. He also holds three master’s degrees.
“In 2013, while serving as a legislative fellow in the United States Senate, Capt. Glover was selected by NASA as a member of its astronaut corps,” Weber Pierson said. “He completed astronaut training and quickly became one of the agency’s most respected leaders.”
Before joining NASA, Glover served as a test pilot, flying aircraft such as the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, an all-weather, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft.
The Artemis II mission was the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. It carried four astronauts around the Moon before splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026.
Joining Glover on the mission were NASA Commander Reid Wiseman, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. During the 10-day mission, the Orion spacecraft traveled more than 252,000 miles from Earth, marking the farthest distance humans have ever traveled into deep space.
Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez (D-Ontario) described Glover as an “extraordinary American,” a “proud son of Pomona,” and a true inspiration to residents of the 53rd Assembly District and Californians statewide.
Capt. Victor J. Glover Jr., left, poses for a photo with Asm. LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego) following Juneteenth activities on the Assembly floor on June 18, 2026. CBM photo by Antonio Ray Harvey.
“His journey to the stars is nothing short of remarkable,” Rodriguez said.
Many of the lawmakers attending were accompanied by their children and young people from their communities, giving them an opportunity to meet Glover in person.
“Here’s the thing, the little Black and Brown kids look at me and see someone with a face that looks like theirs. That’s super important,” Glover told CBM. “What else is important is that some of those kids are from Marin County, Orange County and other places.”
Glover concluded, “They are surrounded by successful, affluent people who look nothing like me, but were excited by us and my whole family. That speaks to my heart.”
