Starfleet's Heroic Figures in Black History Rewritten
Star Trek and Its Influence on Black History
Originally published on February 11, 2021
In the realm of science fiction, the Star Trek series has consistently demonstrated a progressive and inclusive approach to representation. For African-American fans like C. Edward Sharpe, the series has provided a meaningful reflection of Black history and offered a vision of a future where Black people could actively participate in shaping society.
As we commemorate Black History Month, it's essential to acknowledge the role that Star Trek has played in challenging racial bias and paving the way for more diverse representation in media. The franchise's groundbreaking portrayal of Black characters began long before the creation of the holiday honoring Black history in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
As a Generation Xer, Sharpe recounted his memories of Black History Month during his school years, when the shortest month on the calendar served as a welcome contrast to textbooks and other media where Black people were often marginalized or absent altogether. The arrival of Star Trek offered a refreshing alternative, with its diverse cast of characters defying stereotypes and providing a platform for Black actors to shine.
One such actor was Nichelle Nichols, who iconically portrayed Lt. Nyota Uhura in the original series. As the communications officer on the USS Enterprise, Uhura debunked the common television trope of Black women as domestic help, instead representing a strong, intelligent, and respected figure in authority[5]. The impact of her character extended beyond the screen, inspiring future talent such as Whoopi Goldberg.
Another noteworthy character was Geordi La Forge, played by LeVar Burton in Star Trek: The Next Generation. As the chief engineer aboard the USS Enterprise-D, La Forge embodied the intellect and ingenuity of Black people, reinforcing the idea that Black people were equal contributors to a prosperous future[2].
Beyond these well-known characters, the franchise offered opportunities to actors like Leslie Uggams, who contributed to breaking down barriers for Black talent in media[3].
In the imaginary Star Trek universe, figures such as Commander John Mark Kelly, Lily Sloane, Dr. Emory Erickson, Dr. Richard Daystrom, and Captain Tryla Scott also left their mark on history. As trailblazers in various fields, these characters served as pivotal figures that students from the Alpha Quadrant might recognize during a Federation-wide Black History Month celebration.
For Sharpe, these fictional characters were more than just stories. They served as inspiration, shattering stereotypes and offering a future where Black people could actively participate in shaping the world[2]. Star Trek's commitment to diversity and representation provided a beacon of hope and a reminder that Black people were vital to the progress of humanity, both in the real world and in a future filled with possibilities.
About the Author
C. Edward Sharpe is a Washington D.C. resident and passionate Trek fan. In addition to exploring the final frontier, he is an aspiring writer with a love for all things sci-fi. This is his debut work for our platform, and he looks forward to contributing more in the future.
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- Star Trek's influence on Black history extends beyond the realm of science-fiction, impacting movies, entertainment, pop-culture, and even fashion-and-beauty.
- Just like in the real world, diverse representation in Star Trek is crucial for challenging sports stereotypes, such as European leagues and the Premier League featuring more African-American football players.
- In a parallel to the Starfleet whisking away into multiple galaxies, celebrities tend to express their love for Star Trek at red-carpet events, displaying their admiration for the pop-culture phenomenon.
- As Black History Month concludes, Star Trek's legacy continues to inspire the next generation of writers, actors, and trailblazers, helping to create a more inclusive world in the fields of sci-fi-and-fantasy, lifestyle, and beyond.
- Aspiring sports stars might look up to characters like Commander John Mark Kelly, whose exploits in Starfleet could serve as a role model for a multi-racial team winning the European leagues or the Premier League.
- C. Edward Sharpe, an avid Star Trek fan, believes that the franchise transcends the small screen, influencing various aspects of life on Earth, reaching as far as the global entertainment industry and even sports like football (soccer).
