Dwight grew up in Kansas City, KS, and had an early love and understanding of aviation.  He observed airplanes at the Fairfax Assembly Plant, closely studying their take-offs and landings.  Not until he saw a black pilot featured in the local paper, did Dwight realize he could pursue his dreams as a pilot. He joined the USAF in 1953, and become a test pilot. Dwight completed more than 9,000 hours of flight time, and was selected to be the first Black astronaut trainee for NASA. He retired from the Air Force in 1966, continued his career as an aeronautical engineer, and found an interest in sculpting.  Dwight studied metal casting, and eventually created more than 70 bronze sculptures that specifically highlighted Black History including the Tuskegee Airmen, Black Airplane Pilots, and William Smith, the former director of the Denver Airport.