Today we say goodbye to a pioneer in television, in race relations, in the way the world looks at women in the workforce and so much more.
She was one of the most important television trailblazers of the 20th century. But today, Nichelle Nichols has passed into eternity. She was famous for playing Uhura on the original Star Trek where she redefined the way the future appeared — once she made her way onto airwaves, suddenly girls and people of all skin colors could see themselves in any role just a tomorrow away.
“I think many people took it into their hearts… that what was being said on TV at that time was a reason to celebrate.”
— Nichelle Nichols
The actress even went so far as to impress Martin Luther King Jr to the point he encouraged her to stay with the show. He reportedly told her that her work on Star Trek was changing minds and hearts.
Her son Kyle announced that his mother had passed on.
Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.
In memory of her amazing life, we leave you with this interview completed not long before:
From everyone here at That Park Place, we send out sincerest condolences to her family, her friends and all who loved her. Thank you for a life that allowed so many more to prosper.
