Everything You Need To Know About Nichelle Nichols, The Trailblazing Star Trek Actress And Civil Rights Advocate, Who Recently Passed Away At 89
You may know Nichelle Nichols for her iconic portrayal of Nyota Uhura in the legendary Star Trek series.
But, the beloved American actress, dancer, and singer who made history on screen also broke down racial barriers in the field of science.
Nichelle was born Grace Dell Nichols on December 28, 1932, in Robbins, Illinois. Then, at the age of only fifteen, her exorbitant talent was recognized by American composer Duke Ellington.
Shortly afterward, she adopted the name Nichelle and launched her career by touring the country with Ellington’s band as a singer.
Afterward, she moved to Los Angeles to continue her entertainment dreams and went on to model, become a stage actress, and also land some smaller television roles.
Then, the star made her big break and landed the role of Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek in 1966. Nichelle quickly stole the hearts of American viewers nationwide throughout her three-year stint on the show.
But, her dedication to tearing down stereotypes of Black women did not stop within the entertainment industry. Nichelle also broke new ground for women of color pursuing careers in STEM.
In 1977, NASA asked Nichelle to be the spokesperson for a recruitment campaign aimed at diversifying the administration’s workforce.
NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; pictured above is Nichelle
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She starred in a promotional film encouraging women and people of color to apply for astronaut positions.
And the very next astronaut class of 1987 included Sally Ride– the first American woman to go to space– as well as Guy Bluford, the first Black American to go to space.
Bill Nelson, NASA’s administrator, commended Nichelle for her dedication to advocacy on and off the big screen.
“Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazing actress, advocate, and a dear friend to NASA. At a time when Black women were seldom seen on screen, Nichelle’s portrayal as Nyota Uhura on Star Trek held a mirror up to America that strengthened civil rights,” Nelson began in a statement.
“Her advocacy transcended television and transformed NASA. After Apollo 11, Nichelle made it her mission to inspire women and people of color to join this agency, change the face of STEM, and explore the cosmos.”
“Today, as we work to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon under Artemis, NASA is guided by the legacy of Nichelle Nichols,” Nelson continued.
Nichelle passed away of natural causes on Saturday, July 30th of this year, at the age of eighty-nine. But, her widespread contributions and unmatched legacy will live on for decades to come.
“Her light, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from and draw inspiration,” underscored her son, Kyle Johnson, in a statement following his mother’s passing.
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