Nichelle Nichols, <br />Lt. Uhura of 'Star Trek,' , Dead at 89 .<br />The death of the trailblazing Black actress was announced by her son, Kyle Johnson, via social media.<br />Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. , Kyle Johnson, via CNN.<br />Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and <br />draw inspiration, Kyle Johnson, Son of Nichelle Nichols, via CNN.<br />Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all, Kyle Johnson, via CNN.<br />Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura on the iconic sci-fi series represented a milestone in the representation of Black women in U.S. media.<br />Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. referred to Lt. Uhura as "the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a Black woman in television history.".<br />When Nichols kissed white co-star William Shatner during a episode, the scene was widely considered to have "changed television forever.".<br />Throngs of celebrities, including 'Star Trek' co-star <br />George Takei, paid tribute to Nichols via social media.<br />I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, George Takei, via CNN.<br />For today, my heart is heavy, <br />my eyes shining like the stars <br />you now rest among, my <br />dearest friend, George Takei, via CNN.<br />We lived long and <br />prospered together, George Takei, via CNN.<br />The National Air and Space Museum also paid tribute to Nichols' "work with NASA to recruit women and people of color to apply to become astronauts.".<br />Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for governor in GA, shared a photo she had taken with Nichols.<br />Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars, Stacey Abrams, GA Gubernatorial Nominee (D), via CNN
