South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
‘Woman in Motion’ filmmakers talk Nichelle Nichols’ NASA legacy
Nichelle Nichols’ legacy as Lt. Uhura in the “Star Trek” series cemented the late actress as part of film and TV history, but her efforts in real life to increase diversity at NASA changed the trajectory of the space program in ways that continue to be felt to this day.
Nichols’ work with NASA is detailed in the 2019 Emmy-nominated documentary, “Woman in Motion” which tells the inspiring true story of Nichols’ determination to break racial barriers and recruit women and people of color for the shuttle program.
In the film, Nichols says, “Let me in the door, I will open it so wide they will see the world.”
Director and producer Todd Thompson says Nichols’ work with NASA is a critical part of her legacy, and one he hopes is remembered just as much as her work in acting. “She broke all these barriers for Black women in Hollywood. But, you know, she did literally change the face of the space program to make it the diverse program we have today.”
“Woman in Motion” executive producer and civil rights attorney,
Ben Crump said his first inclination was to look to the heavens when he learned of Nichols’ passing.
“There’s a new star in heaven,” he said. “The stars share her cause. She had talent, the grace, the beauty and the power to change television and space forever.”
Crump wants Nichols to be remembered as someone who was unsatisfied with the status quo, and used her platform to create opportunities for others in marginalized groups.
“She was a trailblazer and a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion,” Crump said. “At the highest levels of NASA, [Nichols said] that women and minorities have the right stuff... No women were allowed [at that time] and Nichelle Nichols was offended by that and she knew she had to do something about it.”
Any discussion of Nichols’ legacy is incomplete without acknowledging her role in the space program, according to Crump.
“In telling her story, the whole story, you can’t leave out [her work with NASA] because I think, just as impactful as she was on Star Trek as one of the first Black women to be on prime-time television in America, she was just as impactful as the Civil Rights trailblazer who opened the door for women and minorities to participate in the NASA space program. Sally Ride [got] to be a NASA astronaut because of the efforts of this angelic figure.”
“Woman in Motion” has been nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition, following the film’s debut on Paramount+ last year. In light of this and Nichols’ passing, Thompson said it would be great to have the film play in the theaters again, saying the documentary was “designed for the big screen” and adding that he’s received several “interesting” phone calls already about the prospect.
In addition, Crump said more people are finding “Woman in Motion” on Paramount+, with the title seeing a 100% increase in views since news of Nichols’ death broke over the weekend.
Thompson says he hopes new viewers, particularly young people, come away inspired after watching the film and realize they too have the power to change the world, just like Nichols did.
“You don’t need to be an actress. You don’t need to be a Hollywood celebrity. You don’t need to be a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist in this case, to make a difference in the world,” Thompson said. “You can do it, no matter who you are, no matter what you do with your life, every little moment counts.”
“Woman In Motion” is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+.