There is not a single generation in this country that is walking around that does not have cult “Star Trek” fans.
A show that only lasted several seasons is still running re-runs and gaining more fans yearly.
Not only that, because of the things that were done on “Star Trek,” we may not have some of the shows we have today.
Sadly, the woman responsible for much of that, Nichelle Nichols, is dead.
She was 89 years old.
The Kiss
As I am sure you know, Nichols played Lt. Uhura in the original show and several movies later.
Her kiss with Capt. James T. Kirk shattered boundaries.
Not only that, but her character also dominated the screen, very rare for a black woman at the time for many reasons.
At that time, most black women were portrayed as servants, but she was an authority figure on the deck, with numerous storylines built around her.
Her role influenced NASA, with the agency posting, “She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.”
When she wanted to leave the show, it was Martin Luther King Jr. that insisted she stay on, and she did.
King told her, “‘You’ve changed the face of television forever, and therefore, you’ve changed the minds of people.’”
So she stayed, and she continued to break barriers for many years to come.
Rest in peace, Nichelle… you will be missed.
Source: New York Post
