Nichelle Nichols has been a main attraction at different comic book and science-themed conventions for years, the most prominent of which being those hosted by Comic-Con. At the age of 88, the television pioneer and science champion has decided to stop making public appearances of this nature.
In 1966, Nichols was cast in the role of Lt. Nyota Uhura, a member of the original cast of the television series “Star Trek.” According to the Los Angeles Times, the trailblazer thought the character was unimportant and pondered leaving after one season, but a discussion with Dr. Martin Luther King convinced her to stay until the show concluded in 1969.
King was a Trekkie and a “ardent fan” of her role, she told PBS. “Do you not realize what God has given you?” he said, she remembered him saying. You’ve got the first major non-traditional, non-stereotypical role.”
Nichols recalls his telling her, “You cannot abdicate your position.” “You are altering people’s ideas all over the world because, through you, we see ourselves and what we can be for the first time.”
This was evidenced by her reception in the sci-fi entertainment industry and as an advocate for diversity in the academy, space, and technology spanning nearly six decades.
During Comic-Con L.A. 2021, Over the course of a three-day farewell ceremony last weekend, admirers and supporters gathered to honor her life and accomplishments.
Her pioneering efforts on television, as well as her work to recruit women and people of color to the American space program, were lauded.
The icon, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, waved to her admirers and kissed them. She also performed the Vulcan salute, a characteristic welcome from the TV show’s Dr. Spock.
Sonequa Martin-Green of “Star Trek: Discovery” was one of the video tributes, and she remarked about how graciously Nichols greeted her when they first met.
“I remember the great ball of nervousness that was in my stomach as I was approaching her, but she whispered to me in my ear so delicately she said ‘Take care. It’s yours now,’” Martin-Green, who plays the sci-fi franchise’s first Black female starship captain on “Star Trek: Discovery,” said. “And I melted. And I needed that. I needed that blessing. She made me feel welcomed. She made me feel justified and she made me feel empowered.”
“Nichelle’s legacy might be regarded as one of self-sacrifice and heroism,” Martin-Green continued. “She made the decision to stay and eventually dedicated her entire life to the advancement of Black people, people of color, and women.” And she gave her all. She gave of herself, her time, and her energy. She devoted her intellect, wisdom, leadership, and love to the betterment of the globe and future generations. I’m only here as a result of her.
“I also owe it to Nichelle to continue her legacy of heroism through sacrifice,” Martin-Green continued. “And that is what she has taught me. That is how her words have been reverberating in my heart here lately, is making that choice to step away from self-interest, and instead devote yourself to the interests of others.”
A number of family members, friends, and mentees were there as her special guests. Kyle Johnson, her younger sister Marian Michaels, actors Judy Pace and Beverly Todd, and former astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, who claims she entered NASA due of Nichols’ significant influence, are all on the list.
Jemison, who has repeatedly used one of Nichol’s legendary Star Trek lines, “Hailing frequencies open,” said it was incredible to witness the “many diverse ways” in which she had an impact on people.
“One of the things that you’ve heard everyone say when they talk about meeting and spending any time in Miss Nichelle Nichols’ presence is warmth and generosity. And you feel like you’ve known her because she is that real, not just relatable, but that important and sentient in our lives,” Jemison shared. “She said to me, ‘Life is what the universe gave you for free when you were born. But style is what you do with it.’ ”
