That’s when Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura, challenged NASA by asking the question: “Where are my people?” and embarks on a four-month campaign to recruit the first Black, Latino, and Asian men and women to fly in space. The documentary “Woman in Motion…” tells the story and struggle of how African American, Asian, and Latino people joined the NASA workforce.

In collaboration with the US Consulate in Dubai, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology showed the documentary on Tuesday, Mar. 14, 2023. Her Excellency the US Consul, Mrs. Megan Gregonis, attended the movie with several US Consulate staff. Prof. Ilias Fernini welcomed Mrs. Meghan and her staff and described how Star Trek changed his life since his youngest age. The US Consul, in her introducing speech, highlighted the role of UAE women in the space sector and how the US is helping and collaborating with the UAE Space Agency to enhance the role of women.

Nichelle Nichols began her show business career at age 16 as a singer and dancer with Duke Ellington and his band. Adding acting to her repertoire, she was twice nominated for the Sarah Siddons Award for best actress. In 1966 she joined the cast of Star Trek, where she embraced her best known role as communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura.

Nichelle was invited to join the board of directors of the National Space Institute and asked to aid in its astronaut recruitment program for the space shuttle project. She embraced the challenge and launched a daunting national blitz for NASA, recruiting 8,000 of the nation’s best and brightest, including the trailblazing astronauts who became the first African American, Asian, and Latino men and women to fly in space.

Nichelle’s efforts improved our world, helping break down barriers and unite us.