Star Trek's Biggest Fan? Nichelle Nichols Remembers MLK, Jr.

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Actress Nichelle Nichols, who played the role of Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek series, recalls a surprise visit from her biggest fan: Martin Luther King, Jr. Nichols describes how Dr. King approached her as she was considering leaving the show and convinced her to change her mind.

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They are the legendary women of television who strolled, sprinted, fought, laughed, cried and loved through worlds that took viewers to places past, present and future. They broke through barriers and glass ceilings to become much beloved and powerful television stars. Join 92Y as they share their compelling behind-the-scenes stories from their illustrious careers that are featured in PBS's Pioneers of Television. Alison Stewart moderates the discussion. - 92nd Street Y

Nichelle Nichols' most famous role is that of communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in "Star Trek," which she starred in until the series ended in 1969. Following the end of the original series, Nichols assisted NASA in recruiting females and minorities, including the first American female astronaut, Sally Ride. She is also a skilled songstress and dancer who toured with the Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton bands.

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[mattghtpa]

Gene Rodenberry was a friend to humanity and a true human being.

[darkenlight22]

Wow what a story.

[sheltv100]

Her role was the first non-stereotypical role for a black woman. The first black actor to have a non-stereotypical role on TV was Bill Cosby on I-Spy.

[MORPHIOUS1011]

Whos the son of another mother's brother who disliked this video? A racist redneck?!?

[chrisSo91]

I wrote a song/made a video about this topic that won a music video contest at the Star Trek convention in Boston this summer. I think it's respectful, and also a little funny, but it gets the idea across.  Check it out!

[delmarvamulaa]

Look ppl Dr King was a fan because uhura is fine as hell lmao but seriously in tos she is so sexy!

[kamdan2011]

I remember first hearing this story when I was in 2nd grade on the William Shatner’s Star Trek Memories VHS. When we were learning about MLK, I recited the story to my teacher and class. When I finished, my teacher was flabbergasted that someone my age told that story and she and the class gave me a round of applause. It reminded me of Star Trek VI.

[manofhearts1978]

I love uhura!

[gumbyftlaud]

Respond to this video...yes Gene, DR. King, and Miss Nichols, should ALL be MADE SAINTS for how they helped to shape humanity!!!! 

[gumbyftlaud]

@mattghtpa WOW MOST people do not REALIZE what HE did....... :-)

[LYinKansas]

@LYinKansas everytime she opens her mouth i get dumbounded lol

[LYinKansas]

before there was next generation, i grew up watching TOS episodes over my stepdads shoulder. whats funny is my mom always seemed to be frying chicken whenever it was on, so like, thats what i'm always reminded of. that smell of chicken and the smoke in the air combined with the video haziness of the original episodes with no air-conditioning. Yeah, dude, hell yeah.