On this date in 1966, the first episode of “Star Trek” aired on NBC-TV in the U.S., which led to the annual observance of Star Trek Day. (In Canada, the episode, titled “The Man Trap,” aired Sept. 6 on CTV.) The script was written by George Clayton Johnson and edited by series creator Gene Roddenberry. The crew visits an outpost on planet M-113 to conduct routine medical exams on residents, only to be attacked by shape-shifting aliens that kill victims by extracting the salt from their bodies.
After 79 episodes over three seasons, the series was canceled and Paramount marketed it to TV stations as a syndication package. The show’s popularity worldwide eventually led to the creation and expansion of the Star Trek franchise, which as of the early 2020s included 11 more TV series, 13 motion pictures and numerous books, games and toys.
As Capt. James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, led the starship Enterprise in the 23rd century into “space, the final frontier,” viewers were introduced into a future where diversity, inclusion, acceptance and hope were central themes.
Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, had mixed Vulcan-human heritage. Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura had a groundbreaking role for a Black actress on American television. Her kiss with Kirk was among the first interracial displays of affection on the small screen. During a celebrity roast of Shatner, Nichols jokingly referred to the kiss: “What do you say, let’s make a little more TV history … and kiss my black ass!” (“Comedy Central,” Aug. 20, 2006)
In 1977, NASA asked her to be the spokesperson for its push to recruit more women and people of color to be astronauts. “Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazing actress, advocate and dear friend to NASA,” agency administrator Bill Nelson said after she died at age 89. “At a time when Black women were seldom seen on screen, Nichelle’s portrayal as Nyota Uhura on Star Trek held a mirror up to America that strengthened civil rights.” (nasa.gov, July 31, 2022)
In 2024, Paramount announced partnership with three worldwide nonprofits that embody the values of the franchise: Code.org, which supports K-12 computer science education; DoSomething.org to work with Gen Z leaders on issues of equity and justice, climate and sustainability and safety and well-being; and Outright International to advocate globally for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality.
PHOTO: Nichelle Nichols c. 1967, public domain photo.
