Nichelle Nichols was discovered by Duke Ellington at the age of 15. She created a ballet for one of Ellington's musical suites and was lead singer for his band.

As Lieutenant Uhura, on Star Trek, Nichols was one of the only Blacks to be regularly featured on a television program during the 60's. After her first season she wanted to quit, but she was advised by Martin Luther King to continue and be a role model for the many Black kids who watched the show, after all she was the only Black woman on TV in a postive role..

After six Star Trek motion pictures she is still in demand to appear all over the country at conventions and exhibits. A well-known and talented dancer and singer, she has a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.