Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek transcended boundaries during her lifetime, and three years posthumously, she continues to pave the way for women and girls.
In January, the Nichelle Nichols Foundation will inaugurate the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp, a weekend program for female adolescents aged 14 to 18 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The website states, “Students will collaborate as a team to tackle mission scenarios that necessitate dynamic problem-solving and critical thinking—essential 21st-century skills for the workplace.”
Walter Koenig, Nichols’ old Star Trek co-star, is well suited for the role.
The 88-year-old exclusively tells PEOPLE, “It is a commendable project to participate in.” “Establishing a career that is both exhilarating and promising is commendable.”
Bonnie Gordon, 39, from Star Trek: Prodigy, will act as a mentor at the camp, a role she describes as a “no-brainer” to accept.
“I am not only an avid enthusiast of space exploration and science, but I also take great pleasure in mentoring young girls and children in the field of science,” she informs PEOPLE. There is enormous abundance on Earth still to be explored, alongside the significant achievements of NASA and space projects in expanding technology in space. There is an abundance of knowledge to be gained from the interconnectedness of all things.
Furthermore, she states, “Encouraging these young women to pursue their aspirations, to transcend the limits of not only space but also science and their individual explorations, is truly a dream realized for me.”
Gordon met Nichols via their mutual participation in Star Trek conventions and activities.
“I consider myself fortunate to have encountered her,” she expresses. “Her joy was palpable when she encountered fans, particularly the women she had inspired.”
Koenig has the same sentiment.
“He states that she was exceptionally benevolent.” We had several moments of laughter. She was the first individual from the series to approach me and introduce herself; I recall this and found it rather endearing. We have maintained a harmonious relationship throughout the years.
Nichols, who passed away in July 2022 at the age of 89, garnered prominence over many decades via her acting, musical endeavors, and advocacy for women’s advancement in astronomy.
Her prominent role emerged when Gene Roddenberry selected the actress to portray Lt. Nyota Uhura in the original Star Trek series. Upon its debut in 1966, Nichols was among the first Black women to assume a significant position on primetime television.
Subsequent to the conclusion of the science-fiction series, Nichols endeavored to enlist a diverse cohort of astronauts for NASA, including women and individuals of color. Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, was among many recruited under the program.
Shortly after her death, her ashes were sent into space via a Celestial Memorial Spaceflight.
Gordon asserts that many people fail to recognize her breakthrough impact, not just in entertainment but also in science, since several young females who saw Star Trek throughout their upbringing perceived the possibility of a career in scientific fields. “She has left behind an abundance.” She strongly endorsed the notion of endless variation and infinite combinations, essentially the Vulcan doctrine.
Although she is enthusiastic about the camp’s activities—simulations, moon walks, and more—Gordon is exhilarated “to be part of an initiative that advances life,” she says. “Currently, there is a significant movement to restrict and limit scientific inquiry, particularly affecting individuals with diverse values or perspectives,” she states. “I believe the moment has arrived to dismantle those barriers and collaborate.” We may discover shared understanding on several levels via communication, avoiding the obscuring effects of hatred or fury.
The Nichelle Nichols Foundation does just that, she asserts. She aspires for the camp to expand and prosper for years ahead.
“I understand the objective is to enhance and expand this program,” she states. “This is merely the inception.” If it continues to expand, it will provide even more chances for young women in the future.
The registration for the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is now open.
