
From Wikipedia: Nichelle Nichols (born Grace Dell Nichols; December 28, 1932)[3] is an American actress, singer, and voice artist best known for her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, and its film sequels. Nichols’s portrayal as Uhura was groundbreaking for African American female characters on American television.[4]
From 1977 to 2015, Nichols volunteered her time to promote NASA‘s programs, and to recruit diverse astronauts, including women and ethnic minorities.[5]
Nichols is an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Robert A. Heinlein dedicated his 1982 novel, Friday, to her.[42] In 2010, Nichols received an honorary degree from Los Angeles Mission College.
Asteroid 68410 Nichols is named in her honor.[43]
In 1999, Nichols was awarded a Goldene Kamera for Kultstar des Jahrhunderts (English: Cult Star of the Century).[44] Nichols received The Life Career Award, from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, in 2016. The award was presented as part of the 42nd Saturn Awards ceremony.


