Nichelle Nicholswho played Nyota Uhura in Star Trek, is a symbol. This was already the case during his long and prolific career in television and later in film. But after her death, at the age of 89, the one who was the first African-American heroine of science fiction leaves behind a considerable legacy.
She has become an actress capable of breaking boundaries and overcoming discrimination with a good sense of humor and charisma. Also, in a woman, her weight as a figure is realized and her ability to represent a society that considered her a symbol. Pioneer of a type of character and performance that seems natural today, Nichelle Nichols has come a long way and is priceless today.
Nichelle Nicholls rose to fame as a member of the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) in the TV series Star Trek, in a difficult year for the human rights of minorities in the United States. It was 1966, and the year before, civil rights leader Malcolm X had been assassinated. Racial tensions were more violent than ever. In addition, discrimination is in the midst of a far-reaching cultural debate aimed at ensuring the participation of African Americans in political life. So the fact that a black woman became an integral part of the sci-fi agenda was a milestone. Even more, became a reference about how the entertainment world has become aware of its limitations and prejudices.
A solution that provided an unforgettable character
Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was not just a strategic move by Gene Roddenberry, creator of the Star Trek franchise. Nichelle Nicholls provided an important and significant character at a time when most African-American actors had to deal with stubborn segregation. Hollywood was no stranger to transformation and diatribes in which the southern states were still debating the possibility of the black community voting. So the character it was a coherent and valuable point of view.
Nichelle Nicholls, who has explained throughout her life how the role has affected her life, has made it clear that she is interested in the character’s personality. In an interview with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, he spoke about how aware of his place in the history of television. Especially how her work can affect the lives of an entire generation of African American women. “I knew it was the face of many women in the future,” he explained.
Nichelle Nichols at the center of controversy and powerful revolution
Lieutenant Nyota Uhura has done more than open doors for future roles for black women in popular TV or movie shows. He was also the protagonist of one of the most important moments in entertainment history. In 1968 the series Star Trek it was already a significant ratings success and had a significant following.
It was then that the episode premiered on November 22, 1968. Platonic stepsons. According to the plot, the characters of Nichelle Nicholls and William Shatner were supposed to kiss. The scene became a historic moment of enormous resonance in pop culture.
It wasn’t the first interracial kiss in show business. But in terms of meaning, it is the most relevant. The argument analyzed the idea in terms of equality—it was a kiss on the lips—and in terms of plot weight. Uhura was a big character, the same as Captain Kirk, played by Shatner. And despite the fact that there was no romantic fact in the story of the episode, it demonstrated the weight of both figures.
Variety event that became modern history
Kissing Nichelle Nichols was an entertainment event that transcended the world of television. On April 4 of that year, Martin Luther King was assassinated. A tragedy that shook the United States and ushered in a new era of debate about racism. A few months earlier, the country’s Supreme Court ruled unconstitutionality of laws prohibiting interracial marriages. So head Star Trek It came at a particularly critical time when society broke out of the safe space of television. Moreover, he turned the discussion about race and belonging into a topical issue.
And while NBC feared the scene might spark controversy, it actually generated more positive than negative reactions. Both Uhura and Kirk were beloved characters, evoking a quiet wave of support and awe.
But more importantly, the character of Nichelle Nichols became a bulwark of sorts for integrating political discourse with the entertainment world. As the first African-American woman to play a non-recurring character on American television. the actress marked the course. Especially when the symbol he represented was needed more than ever.
Lieutenant Uhura, for history
In Swahili, the word “uhura” is translated as “freedom”. Which, of course, is not accidental in such a program as Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry was well aware of the power of his series and used it to open up space and generate discussion. Everything important and considerable depth in difficult times.
Nichelle Nichols was the standard bearer for most of them. An integral part of the original cast of the television series and the first six Star Trek films, the actress gracefully wore her emblem. Star Whoopi Goldberg said that as a child, Uhuralala’s assertiveness and strength inspired her in “new and different ways.” As well as many other African American actresses such as Halle Berry and Zoe Saldana.
Nichelle Nichols, Enduring Legacy
Nichelle Nicholls has never been content with being an important character in the entertainment world. with a series Star Trek completed, it was integrated into NASA’s efforts to encourage the African American community to join its programs. In 1978, a plan to integrate women and ethnic minorities into space exploration included three African Americans. Actually a doctor May Jemison, the first black woman aboard the spacecraft, hailed the actress’ impact on her life. “It was decisive in my decision to become an astronaut,” he said in an interview.
Nichelle Nichols died as the face of a notable revolution. In addition, in the form of a powerful figure, whose legacy is of great importance and weight. An actress who through her efforts has achieved a stubborn struggle for equality and integration of great value. Perhaps his greatest legacy for the future.
