To Boldly Go: The Women of "Star Trek"2 of 24
Nichelle Nichols made history as Communications Officer Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original "Star Trek." Fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, Nichols is remembered not only for her portrayal of Lt. Uhura, but also as a pioneer as an African American woman on television and groundbreaking as an African American character in space.
One of her biggest fans, Dr. Martin Luther King, praised her as a positive media role model for all African Americans, a compliment that inspired her to continue working on the show. Nichols was hired by NASA and, from the late 1970s until 1987, she recruited minority candidates for the space program. Dr. Mae C. Jemison, a big fan of the show, was inspired by Nichols to become an astronaut herself, and later made a guest appearance on in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987).
One of her biggest fans, Dr. Martin Luther King, praised her as a positive media role model for all African Americans, a compliment that inspired her to continue working on the show. Nichols was hired by NASA and, from the late 1970s until 1987, she recruited minority candidates for the space program. Dr. Mae C. Jemison, a big fan of the show, was inspired by Nichols to become an astronaut herself, and later made a guest appearance on in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987).
PeopleNichelle Nichols
TitlesStar Trek, Day of the Dove