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.

As Uhura