NASSAU BAY, Texas - A new public monument just blocks from NASA's Johnson Space Center aims to spotlight a part of Space City history many residents say has been underrecognized: the Black astronauts, scientists, engineers and civil rights leaders who helped shape America's space program.

The installation, called EarthRise, is slated to be dedicated Sunday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. on the grounds of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay.

Organizers say it will be the first permanent public monument in the Houston area focused on honoring African American pioneers connected to the nation's space efforts.