Nichelle Nichols the Next Generation!

I chose to portray Nichelle Nichols as both a young Lt. Uhura and as a mature advocate for NASA playing black on white against white on black.

I was impressed a few years ago with her autobiography Beyond Uhura. I had never realized the bias and discrimination she faced although as a woman entering the scientific field myself, I could certainly relate. Her perseverance through personal unpleasantness provided a lasting role model for impressionable youngsters. She gave impetus to the attitude “I can do that!” It impressed on me that one never knows how far reaching the effect of a single person can be.

I chose to play on the balance of black and white and the confidence of command, authority and equality. I also added the X’s and O’s to commemorate the first interracial kiss on TV-only one of Star Trek’s ground breaking firsts. I also paid tribute to Nichols’ vocal background by incorporating music inspired fabrics as well as a black glittery knit (interfaced and stitched for stability) that just cried “space.” The children represent the ongoing reach of inspiring the next generation.

Nichelle Nichols persevered professionally through a discriminatory and biased working environment to become a role model for the next generation of girls of all colors.

Cotton and cotton blend fabrics, knit synthetic fabric with sparkles, cotton batting.