Nichelle Nichols (born Grace Dell Nichols; December 28, 1932) sang with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton before turning to acting. Her most famous role is that of communications officer Lieutenant Uhura aboard the USS Enterprise in the popular Star Trek television series (1966–1969), as well as the succeeding motion pictures, where her character was eventually promoted in Star Fleet to the rank of commander.
Nichols’ Star Trek character, one of the first African American female characters on American television not portrayed as a servant, was groundbreaking in U.S. society at the time. Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. personally praised her work on the show and asked her to remain when she considered leaving the series.
Black History Album: The Way We Were. 100 Years of African American Vintage
Photography from the end of slavery in the 1860′s to the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and beyond.Pinterest | Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook.
I’ve been meaning to post this for a few days but I thought I’d save it for the #blackout.
A couple weeks ago I attended Megacon 2016 in Orlando, FL. While I go every year for the general fun of the con, I had a goal this time around, to meet Nichelle Nichols. So armed in my Lt. Uhura t-shirt I made my way back to the celebrity signing area and took my spot in line. I was so pleased that there were people there waiting for her as I was nervous she wouldn’t get the love I feel she deserves.
She came out around 10:45am and she was beautiful as always. I hadn’t seen her since her stroke and I was pleasantly surprised by how good she looked and energetic she was. She came out blowing kisses and waving at us in line and you could really tell she was happy to be there and see everyone.
As my time came to approach her table my heart was racing I was so nervous. I hadn’t checked if she would be able to sign my shirt or if I would have to buy a picture. I asked the people running her table and they said it would be fine so I handed over my money and waited for my turn. I suddenly found myself looking up at her, theeNichelle Nichols, seated at her table on a small stage. I couldn’t believe it. She saw my shirt and absolutely LOVED it and pointed it out to her assistant. I then asked if she would sign it and she said she’d be happy to and I pointed to the shoulder since that’s all she could reach. She then said, “Why don’t I sign it down there?” and pointed to my stomach. Her assistant said that’s a much better idea then told me to walk around to join them on stage so Nichelle could reach! I WAS FREAKING OUT!
So then I found myself on stage NEXT TO NICHELLE NICHOLS waiting while she signed another fan’s memorabilia and I could barely contain myself. Then her assistant pointed me out to her and she told me to come over and pulled me closer so she could get a better angle. As she’s signing my shirt she asked, “Does this tickle yet?” and proceeded to TICKLE MY STOMACH!! I wanted to cry it was amazing.
I barely formed words to tell her how much I love her and she took my hand in both of hers, compared our jewelry and then she saw I was about to cry and said, “Give me a kiss.” Still seated she pulled me down to her and KISSED MY CHEEK! NICHELLE NICHOLS KISSED MY CHEEK!! I said goodbye and waved as I walked away from the stage shaking.
It was a dream come true. She was everything I hoped and more, such a sweet and generous woman who seemed to genuinely love her fans. A blessing.
***Disclaimer: Most
of the images used do not belong to me. If you see one that’s yours,
and you would like credit or to have it removed/replaced, please just
ask.
I’m making a general call out to all you creators of beautiful fanart out there: Give me Nichelle Nichols as Spock.
Please.
Here’s a quick version from me. I tried to give her a very Vulcan-like hair do, because the Vulcan girls get real creative with their hair, but also keep it military professional…Though when you look at Yeoman Rand’s hair…
