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Civil Rights Icon Martin Luther King, Jr. Was An Original Star Trek Trekkie
The civil rights activist was a Trekkie because of a particular actress that captured his attention
When Star Trek first graced television screens in 1966, it was far from the cultural phenomenon it would eventually become. The science fiction drama initially received lukewarm reviews and tepid viewership, which may have been in part because many people had never seen anything quite like it before. Despite its initial three-season run, some viewers recognized the show’s exceptional potential and became the super fans. Among them included an unlikely person — civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Time Magazine’s Lily Rothman reported in 2016 about the deep connection between the humanitarian and the unique show, which depicted an alternate time and universe. King’s fandom was linked specifically to one of the show’s actresses, a groundbreaking woman named Nichelle Nichols. As an African-American, her depiction of Lieutenant Uhura, a bridge officer and a main character, made her one of the first Black women to have a leading role on an American television show.
King was attracted to the show by the presence of Nichols. A show featuring a Black character, and a woman at that, was unheard of. He…
