Nichelle Nichols & a fangirl named 'Me'
@ The Dailies
She's why I read, watch, write, and create genre.
I may never meet Whoopi Goldberg or Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson but they, and what Ms. Nichols did as Uhura on the original Star Trek, have been inspiration to brilliant actors, scholars, scientists, and engineers, and are woven into the fabric of my highest achievements and aspirations.
As Iman Abdulmajid has said, success is measured by what you inspire people to do.
Genre isn't about escape. For me, the best bits of genre are about celebration and problem-solving. Solving mysteries AND surrendering to wonder.
I took ad astra per aspera to heart and know my path is lit by the light within me. The light I share with her, and Ms. Goldberg, and Dr. Jackson and millions upon millions of black African women like, and unlike, me shines bright and has always been seen by those who are awake.
Some women, when they greet each other, sometimes do with nou la nou led. Mwen di, non. nou la nou belle. nou te la. nap la touju. We're here. We're beautiful. We've been here. We'll always be.