Lt. Uhura

In the 1960's, when both African-Americans and women were rarely seen on television in any position of authority, Star Trek presented Nyota Uhura, a woman of intelligence, beauty, and strength.

As communications officer, she often makes use of her technical knowledge of 23rd century communications technology while making repairs and rewiring equipment. She is also skilled with languages, and is fluent in both English and Swahili, her native tongue. Despite her range of skills, Uhura's most frequent task is sending and relaying messages. The lieutenant doesn't take these duties lightly, but she is able to deal with the repetitiveness of this job with a sense of humor. She tells Spock "Mr. Spock, sometimes I think if I hear that word 'frequency' one more time, I'll cry," playing on Spock's sense of humor (or apparent lack thereof).

A gifted musician, Uhura both sings and plays the harp. She can be heard in such episodes as "The Conscience of the King" and "Charlie X," the latter in which she gently teases Spock with a song of her own composition.

Uhura proves time and again that she is a woman who can take care of herself. In "The Naked Time," when Sulu (swinging a foil around) says, "I'll protect you, fair maiden!" Uhura replies "Sorry, neither". Indeed, in such episodes as "Mirror, Mirror" and "The Gamesters of Triskelion," Uhura is brave, cool, and resourceful. She gives 'Mr. Adventure' a surprise in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock when she forces him to sit in a closet.

Uhura is strong while retaining feminine side, and is a skilled musician and Starfleet officer. She was an inspiration to women and girls of the Sixties and remains an inspiration today.