Today In Black History: Nichelle Nichols
She was so much more than Lt. Nyota Uhurah
Issue #818 Today In Black History, Wednesday, March 5, 2025
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Nichelle Nichols was born Grace Dell Nichols on December 28, 1932, in Robbin’s, Illinois, and grew up near Chicago. Her family encouraged her to pursue her artistic interests. Nichols attended Englewood High School in Chicago and later studied in New York City, where she honed her skills in acting and music.
When "Star Trek" began in 1966, Nichelle Nichols had established herself as a multifaceted performer with a background in music, theater, and television. Her casting as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was groundbreaking, placing her in one of the first major roles for a Black actress on American television. This role not only defined her career but also significantly broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
Nichols began her career on stage. She toured the United States and Canada in her late teens with a professional ballet company. She also performed in musical theater across major cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Her stage credits included performances in Porgy and Bess, where she had an opportunity to showcase her singing talent. The production toured internationally, offering Nichols significant exposure and experience.
In addition to acting, Nichols was also a talented singer. She sang with the Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton bands.
Before "Star Trek," Nichols’ early TV appearances included guest spots on shows like "The Lieutenant," which was created by Gene Roddenberry, who would later create "Star Trek."
Nichols's presence on Star Trek was more than a beacon for representation; it was a lifeline. Her influence reached far and wide, even inspiring individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who personally urged her to remain on the show when she considered leaving. Dr. King recognized the importance of her character in providing young Black viewers with a powerful, positive role model on television. Nichols's decision to stay ultimately inspired countless individuals, including future astronauts like Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space.
Following her tenure with "Star Trek," Nichelle Nichols became a fervent advocate for NASA. In the 1970s, she worked with the space agency to promote diversity and recruitment, helping to break down racial and gender barriers. Her efforts were instrumental in bringing more women and minorities into the astronaut program, contributing to the achievements of figures such as Guion Bluford, the first African American man in space, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space.
Through her company, Women in Motion, Nichols spearheaded initiatives that transformed the face of the astronaut corps, ensuring that space exploration was an inclusive frontier. Her dedication to promoting STEM education among underrepresented communities remains an enduring part of her legacy.
Nichelle Nichols died of heart failure in Silver City, New Mexico, on July 30, 2022, at the age of 89. Her ashes were sent into deep space alongside those of Majel Barrett and Douglas Trumbull.
Today In Black History
In 1770, Crispus Attucks, a Black and indigenous man, was the first man killed in the Boston Massacre, the first battle of the Revolutionary War.
In 1845, President John Tyler signed the joint resolution of Congress admitting Texas as a slave state.
In 1897, Alexander Crummel founded the American Negro Academy to promote higher education through literature, science, and the arts.
In 1985, the U.S. Postal Service issued its 8th Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp honoring Mary McLeod Bethune.
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Hi. I can't find anyplace to just send you two a note, so I apologize for putting this in the Nichelle Nichols memorial. I would imagine that you are familiar with Lucian Truscott's substack, but in case you are not, I would like to point you to his efforts to fight the ERASURE from U.S. military history of photographs and references to non-white troops. Hegseth went straight to the easiest MAGA target. Ukraine? We don't care, but we do have this other very important thing to do.
https://open.substack.com/pub/luciantruscott/p/hegseth-will-never-erase-this-history?r=18zxk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email