5 interesting facts about Martin Luther King Jr.

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Monday, January 16, 2023

Was a 'Star Trek' fan

Actress Nichelle Nichols attends the Nichelle Nichols Finale Celebration during Los Angeles Comic Con at Los Angeles Convention Center on December 05, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. | Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images

The classic science fiction television series "Star Trek" originally aired from 1966-1969 and is known for featuring a racially diverse cast of characters.

Nichelle Nichols, who played the character Lt. Uhura, considered quitting the show after the first season to pursue other projects. But then an unexpected fan convinced her otherwise.

In a 2011 interview with National Public Radio, Nichols recounted how it was none other than King who encouraged her to remain on board the Enterprise.

"I went to an NAACP fundraiser, I believe it was, in Beverly Hills. And one of the promoters came over to me and said, Ms. Nichols, there's someone who would like to meet you. He says he is your greatest fan," Nichols recounted.

"I looked across the way and there was the face of Dr. Martin Luther King smiling at me and walking toward me. And he started laughing. By the time he reached me, he said, yes, Ms. Nichols, I am your greatest fan. I am that Trekkie."

King proceeded to tell her that by being on the show, Nichols was "reflecting what we are fighting for," noting that "Star Trek" was "the only show that my wife Coretta and I will allow our little children to stay up and watch."