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southernmedicineAbsolutely gutted to hear about Nichelle Nichols.
I know that in recent years she has not been doing well, between illness and issues with her son behaving in ways that had undoubtedly caused her lots of stress. Even so, it's never a good day when you click your phone on and immediately see that someone you treasure has appeared in the top headlines.
I consider myself really fortunate to have met her a few years ago, at the last Star Trek Las Vegas event I attended. She was all smiles, and extremely kind and attentive, allowing me to get teary eyed as I rambled at her and thanked her for everything she's done for the genre, for women in the genre specifically. I remember her clasping my hand in both of hers and thanking me in a way that seemed so much more sincere than so many other actors and actresses I've met over the years.
I was the very last one allowed to see her, that day. When the line formed, I was told they accepted cash only, and I remember sprinting across the exhibit hall, the convention floor, through the halls, across the casino, searching for an ATM. I remember balking at the exorbitant fees associated with pulling money from it. I remember that I was huffing and puffing, out of breath and red faced by the time I ran all the way back, and god, I had worn sandals that day. There was no one around. She was just sitting there alone at her table, getting ready to leave; the handler had left, leaving only her and her son behind. I was allowed to meet her even though the line had closed, and Nichelle seemed genuinely happy to allow me to come behind the table to sit next to her and talk for a minute and get a couple of pictures with her. Worth it. Completely worth it.
This woman accomplished so much during a time when the odds were stacked against her. She inspired so many other women, so many other black women in particular, who were able to see her on TV in a rare role where she was depicted as being an equal to her peers, rather than being thrust into the background or cast as a servant or worse. She was an amazing dancer. A beautiful singer. I know she could play the piano, and probably other instruments, besides. When she was tempted to quit her role as Uhura in response to so many of her lines being cut, she took inspiration in the hope she gave to other people of color and stayed with it, feeling that what she was doing was more than merely a job. And it was.
I know that in recent years she has not been doing well, between illness and issues with her son behaving in ways that had undoubtedly caused her lots of stress. Even so, it's never a good day when you click your phone on and immediately see that someone you treasure has appeared in the top headlines.
I consider myself really fortunate to have met her a few years ago, at the last Star Trek Las Vegas event I attended. She was all smiles, and extremely kind and attentive, allowing me to get teary eyed as I rambled at her and thanked her for everything she's done for the genre, for women in the genre specifically. I remember her clasping my hand in both of hers and thanking me in a way that seemed so much more sincere than so many other actors and actresses I've met over the years.
I was the very last one allowed to see her, that day. When the line formed, I was told they accepted cash only, and I remember sprinting across the exhibit hall, the convention floor, through the halls, across the casino, searching for an ATM. I remember balking at the exorbitant fees associated with pulling money from it. I remember that I was huffing and puffing, out of breath and red faced by the time I ran all the way back, and god, I had worn sandals that day. There was no one around. She was just sitting there alone at her table, getting ready to leave; the handler had left, leaving only her and her son behind. I was allowed to meet her even though the line had closed, and Nichelle seemed genuinely happy to allow me to come behind the table to sit next to her and talk for a minute and get a couple of pictures with her. Worth it. Completely worth it.
This woman accomplished so much during a time when the odds were stacked against her. She inspired so many other women, so many other black women in particular, who were able to see her on TV in a rare role where she was depicted as being an equal to her peers, rather than being thrust into the background or cast as a servant or worse. She was an amazing dancer. A beautiful singer. I know she could play the piano, and probably other instruments, besides. When she was tempted to quit her role as Uhura in response to so many of her lines being cut, she took inspiration in the hope she gave to other people of color and stayed with it, feeling that what she was doing was more than merely a job. And it was.
no subject
Date: 2022-07-31 22:45 (UTC)Thank God for us all that Dr. King was able to help Nichelle realize how important her contribution was. I watched Trek as a child, and Uhura was an officer on the bridge, equal to everyone else. I lived in a small town with no diversity, so that was my introduction to the world and I knew no different until I got a little older. I'm grateful for having that foundation.
With all the new Treks that have recast old beloved characters, the one I actually have the most trouble with is Uhura. Nichelle's footsteps are just so huge and impossible to fill that I have so much trouble seeing anyone but her in the role.
no subject
Date: 2022-08-01 02:46 (UTC)That's an awesome memory with her! Thanks for sharing! When I was a kid I went with my mom and aunt to a Star Trek convention and got a picture with her. Then a few years ago she was at our Motor City Comic Con. At the time I didn't have enough money to get a pic with her but I could see she was having a good time with fans.