Nichelle Nichols

[waltesefalcon]

I just learned that last night Nichelle Nichols, Uhura from Star Trek, died. She was 89.

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89

Nichelle Nichols has died

abcnews.go.com

 

[Basil]

Just heard that too. Surprised to hear she was here in New Mexico.

A bit of trivia - her younger brother, Thomas, was part of the Heavens Gate cult that committed mass suicide, thinking the Hale-Bopp comet was the mother ship that was going to take them all away to some better place. (don't recall all the details).

Another interesting factoid, as told in an interview by Nichelle, is that she had intended to leave Star Trek to pursue other acting interests, but was convinced to say on by none other than Martin Luther King. Somewhere on YouTube that interview exists in which she says that MLK was a huge Star Trek fan and told her her role as a black woman who was an officer on a star ship was far too important (as a role model) for her to leave.

 

[DrEntropy]

Dr. Mae Jemison cited Nichols as an inspiring influence. I'm sure there are others as well.

May Nichelle rest in peace. Her legacy will live on.

EDIT: Spelling/context graded by Walt... I failed.

 

[3798j]

 

[Bayless]

Beautiful human.