Nichelle Nichols was on the verge of leaving Star Trek. (Photo Credit – Koimoi)
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Lieutenant Uhura’s absence was quite near, though. Star Trek’s breakthrough character, portrayed by the legendary actress Nichelle Nichols, almost left the Star Trek series to pursue a career on Broadway. However, everything changed when she by chance met civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The brilliant lights of Broadway drew Nichols, a gifted singer and dancer, in. She made the decision to retire after Star Trek’s first season so that she may follow her passion. She received an invitation to talk at an NAACP fundraiser, though, before she could formally depart.
Nichols had no idea that her life would change in the next few moments. One of her fans came up to her as she was getting ready to speak. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. surprised her by being the person who spoke. Nichols’s participation on Star Trek is significant, and the civil rights legend revealed how much he appreciated her work. King convinced Nichols, he said (via Geektyrant):
“STOP! You cannot! You cannot leave this show! Do you not understand what you are doing?! You are the first non-stereotypical role in television! Of intelligence, and of a woman and a woman of color?! That you are playing a role that is not about your color! That this role could be played by anyone? This is not a black role. This is not a female role! A blue eyed blond or a pointed ear green person could take this role!”
When Nichols understood the effect she was having on the audience, King’s words struck a deep chord with her. Choosing instead to keep playing Uhura, she withdrew her resignation.
The show’s legacy was significantly impacted by Nichols’ choice to remain on Star Trek. Innumerable people were impressed by her persona, a powerful, astute woman of color who broke down barriers. And the catalyst for it all was an accidental run-in with one of the 20th century’s most important personalities.
A powerful example of the value of representation and the narrative ability of Nichelle Nichols is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s story. Reminding us that one person can make a difference even in the midst of adversity.
