Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols was the first black female in the history of television who played a non-stereotypical role. Uhura was a Lieutenant, head of Communications and Bridge Officer aboard the Starship Enterprise. She did not have many lines in the first season, however, and wanted to leave the show. But when she told Dr. Martin Luther King about her decision on the season one wrap party, he said she couldn't. She presented something that was unseen before and a role model to all people, not just black people, around the world. She showed the world that all humans are equal. Nichelle went back to Gene Roddenberry the next monday morning, and told him that if he'd still want her, she'd be happy to return to the show for the next season. Gene burst into tears and told her "finally there is someone out there who understands what I'm trying to do."

In episode 67, "Plato's Stepchildren", Nichelle Nichols and William Shatner performed the first kiss between a black and a white person on television.