I'm trying to share an even larger version of me with Nichelle Nichols. She deserves to be seen! This is one of the most articulate, intelligent, and spiritually inspiring women I've ever heard speak.

She gave a very moving talk to many Star Trek fans that day, and then she posed with us for photos later. She spoke of her meeting with Martin Luther King, back in the days when she was on "Star Trek." She had been thinking of leaving the show, because she wasn't feeling enough character development in her role and because they hadn't offered her a contract yet. She mentioned this to the Rev. King, who said to her, "You must stay! Do you see what Gene Roddenberry is trying to achieve here? Do you see that you are demonstrating on screen what I am preaching about?" Remember, back then for a black woman and white man to have an on-screen kiss was...unheard of...and she and Captain Kirk were leading up to that, I believe, at this time.

Ok, I just found her actual account of it online with some quotes from Nichelle about this:

Someone else who thought Star Trek was on the right track with Uhura was Dr. Martin Luther King, who persuaded Nichols to stay on the show. "I met Dr. King at a fundraiser and he told me that I was one of the most important people in his family. That they watched Star Trek and that I was a role model and their hero. And I said I said I was very proud of that and that was very nice, and then I told him that I was [considering] leaving the show, and he said abruptly - 'You can not! You absolutely must not. Do you know that you have the first non-stereotypical role on television? You're a first. This is not a female role. This is not a black role. This is a quality role, and this is an equal role, and it is in a command position. You have to carry on, because not only do little black children and do women see you and aspire and do you have meaning for them, but everyone else sees us for the first time the way we are supposed to be - on an equal basis, and on a level of dignity and authority and with the highest of qualifications.'"

She also told Gene about what Dr. King had said, and he was very touched.

There are so many stories like this from the Star Trek Convention. I was also very excited about William Shatner's project about Grief and Laughter, and Leonard Nimoy's art photography project showing the beauty of large, full-bodied women. And Kate Mulgrew, who was Captain Janeway, was a very strong speaker. And there was so much fun and humor too. I will probably write more soon. Hope you enjoy the photos.