The "Woman in Motion" movie cover, showing on March 14th at Odd Fellows Lodge. Photo courtesy of Auburn State Theatre

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Best known for her role as Star Trek’s Lt. Uhura, pop-culture icon Nichelle Nichols also changed the face of space. As a recruiter for NASA’s new Space Shuttle Program, Ms. Nichols made a huge impact on social justice, equal rights, and equal opportunities, attracting 8,000 of the nation's best and brightest including the trailblazers who became the first African American, Asian and Latino men and women to fly in space. This film is sponsored by Mike Holmes.

This biography begins with Nichols’ early career as a dancer and singer for Duke Ellington. From there, she famously played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series. The majority of the film covers Nichols' work with NASA for their start of the "Space Shuttle Program" that would last from 1981-2011. Prior to her work, NASA was the “all-boys club” with no women or people of color in their pilot classes or programs. The first women, Black, and Asian American astronauts applied to NASA's space shuttle pilot training program as a result of Nichols' recruitment.

Many show their admiration for Nichols, like celebrities and friends George Takei and Michael Dorn, as well as astronauts, scientists, engineers and technicians. Nichols almost single-handedly changed the game for women, people of color, NASA, and recruitment policies everywhere. Nichols is a hero and fantastic role model; she deserves to be celebrated.

Time and Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024  7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Run Time: 2 hr. 11 min.  

Admission:  $12 Adults, $10 Seniors and Kids 11 and under  (including $2 fee)

Location:  Odd Fellows Lodge, 1226-1/2 Lincoln Way, Auburn CA

Tickets:  AuburnStateTheatre.org or 530-885-0156