Stories this photo appears in:

Tease photo

How 'Star Trek' legend Nichelle Nichols helped shape a diverse future for NASA

Start a conversation about the power of Afrofuturism, and it won't be long before "Star Trek" legend Nichelle Nichols's name is dropped. As the iconic Lt. Uhura, the actress made television history with her portrayal of a 23rd-century communications officer aboard the "Star Trek" USS Enterprise. It was one of the first times a Black woman was cast in a position of power on TV -- and it was in a science fiction series, no less.