For more than thirty years, Nichelle Nichols has been a part of the Star Trek experience.  As Lieutenant Uhura, Communications Officer of the Starship Enterprise, Nichelle not only flew on the Enterprise but soared into fame as the first African American woman to have a major continuing role on television.  

     Granddaughter of a rebellious son of a slave owner, born in Robbins, Nichelle Nichols grew up in a socially progressive family.  ( Her father was a former mayor of Robbins)  

     By the age of sixteen the young singer-dancer had already been praised by Josephine Baker and worked with Duke Ellington.

     With true tenacity and talent, she established herself as a first-rate performer in nightclubs and eventually film.

Today she is said to be dealing with complications of advanced dementia