Why Martin Luther King Jr. Felt Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek was Important

Martin Luther King Jr. remains a towering figure in the history of the American Civil Rights movement. Through his tireless efforts, African Americans advanced in social status and became a much more visible human element in the United States of America. Black citizens had always been an integral part of American society, but were often denied things such as prominent roles in TV shows, movies and of course limited in many other aspects of society and the everyday workforce. Gene Roddenberry remains a towering figure in entertainment and pop culture. Through his creative efforts, the notion of future space travel, the unification of Earth's nations to work as one, and a promise of high technology freeing our bodies and minds played out dramatically when he created the landmark television show Star Trek.

On the surface, these two great American figures may not seem to have much in common, but their work was both very much connected to the social fabric of America. As the 2009 summer box office continues to be dominated by, and film audiences dazzled with the new Star Trek movie from director J.J. Abrams starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quninto and Eric Bana, it's definitely worth a look to see just how much Martin Luther King Jr. valued the television program which started the whole of Star Trek.

Actress Nichelle Nichols, who first fleshed out communications officer Lt. Uhura, is the fascinating link between the two men. As one of the first African American actresses to be cast in a major role on an American television series, Nichols was uniquely qualified to try to bring attention to the plight of blacks in America. However, as an actress employed by the studio, she had to abide by the scripts of the show. Eventually, Nichols came to feel her part as Uhura was little more than routine, even boring. She felt the writers were more or less ignoring her, and she decided to leave Star Trek.

Soon after her decision to quit Star Trek, a fateful meeting arose between the civil rights leader and the actress. This would not only make Nichols keep her job, but it gave Gene Roddenberry's science fiction space show one of the most historic and important positive endorsements in TV history. Martin Luther King Jr. told Nichelle Nichols that she couldn't quit the show, because her being there on the bridge as Uhura made an inspirational statement about African Americans playing an important role in the future of exploration and society. Nichols rethought her decision and remained on the show. Today the new actress playing the character - Zoe Saldana - can thank Martin Luther King Jr. for helping to keep the social message flame alive for African Americans audiences and Star Trek fans all around the world.

Star Trek has lived long and prospered and its powerful message of diversity remains a bright beacon to the world. Thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. persuading Nichelle Nichols to continue on trekking, Gene Roddenberry's legendary science fiction saga is all the more illuminating.

Sources:

http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Nichelle_Nichols

British documentary with Justin Lee Collins - 'Bring Back Star Trek' - Interview With Nichelle Nichols