Despite being a young African American female, born in 1932 Chicago, Nichelle Nichols was raised to believe she could be anything she wanted to be. Her career began in dance, where she danced for Duke Ellington. Later, she got the role of Norma on the TV Show “The Lieutenant.” But what she is known best for is her role as Lieutenant Uhura on the original “Star Trek” Series. The series was innovative and sometimes controversial at the time (1966-1969). With a diverse cast, and a storyline that embraced diversity, Nichols was changing attitudes just being on screen as a role model for many young African Americans. Nichols still participates in fan conventions due to her popularity with those that love the “Star Trek” series. What most people do not know about Nichols is that her life took a turn from fantasy to fact after “Star Trek” got canceled. Her new mission was one that would change the face of space exploration, and help bring STEM career opportunities available to everyone, despite their race or gender.
“Women in Motion,” directed by Todd Thompson, starts out alternating between space exploration milestones with “Star Trek” clips, comparing the importance of each within their own industry. “Star Trek” broke barriers with its diversity and storylines that were often controversial. Nichols’s role on the show, while sometimes minimized, was so important for the time that Dr. Martin Luther King asked her not to resign. By simply being on screen, she was changing attitudes. It was a responsibility she took seriously. When she met a NASA scientist at a fan convention, she realized that while space exploration on “Star Trek” was diverse and open to everyone, the NASA program was not. She wondered, “Where are my people?”
Through stock footage and past and current interviews with both Ms. Nichols and a variety of experts in politics and science, “Women in Motion” charts how Nichols helped change the face of NASA by opening the doors for women and people of color. Through her recruitment campaign applications to NASA’s space program went from 1000 to 8000 in just four months, with almost 2,000 applications from women and people of color. Nichols was responsible for recruiting three astronauts that perished in the Challenger Disaster in 1986. Ellison Onizuka was the first Asian American in space. Ronald McNair, an African American astronaut, was also on board. Nichols breaks down talking about Judith Resnik, one of Nichelle’s recruits and a close friend, that perished. It is one of the many emotional moments in the documentary.
Those providing commentary and reflection include astronauts Mae Jemison and Frederick Gregory. In addition, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Al Sharpton, Maxine Waters, Pharrell Williams, and the late John Lewis also provide insight on Nichols’s legacy and impact. Nichols is still an active voice in STEM education and access. Her personal story, along with her impact to the space program, is an uplifting testimony to the idea that “all things good are possible.” You do not have to be a “Star Trek” fan to appreciate this documentary. As Neil deGrasse Tyson said, Nichols is “a force of nature,” and her impact on the space program is a story worth knowing and celebrating.
“Women in Motion” is available on Paramount+ streaming and Amazon.
Check out the trailer.
Written by Michelle Haab
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