Grace Dell Nichols was a Chicago suburbian who was born December 28, 1932. After spending time in Chicago studying, she moved to Los Angeles where she worked as an actor, model, and then went on to New York City. While she saw some success, nothing was as impressive as Uhura’s attention. “Star Trek,”Included from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader
Interview with NPRShe spoke of a conversation she had when Dr. King was at the height of his show. “I said something like, ‘Dr. King, I wish I could be out there marching with you.’ He said, ‘No, no, no. No, you don’t understand. We don’t need you on the — to march. You are marching. You are reflecting what we are fighting for.'”
She wasn’t just present on the Starship Enterprise’s bridge. She was also part in one of the first inter-racial kisses that were broadcast on television at the time. She elaborated further on this trailblazing moment. Great Big Story: “To a young, Black woman in a situation that has never been done on television, I realized how important it was.”
Although she continued to act in the 21st century well, it was her role of Uhura which inspired generations of moviegoers. Paramount+ released “The Documentary” in 2021.Woman in Motion,” which focuses on the incredible true story of how Nichols worked with individuals from NASA to recruit more women and people of color into careers in science and mathematics.
Nichelle Nichols didn’t just change “Star Trek”She changed the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.