Nichelle Nichols to be honored on closing night of Outfest 2008...

It was so great to see Nichelle Nichols in "Tru Loved" as the sassy grandmother of a closeted high school football player who doesn't seem to care if he dates girls or boys - as long as they're black! It's a sweet film and i recommend it highly if you don't yet have a ticket for closing night of Outfest tonight at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown LA.
Nichelle, who played Lt. Uhura on the original "Star Trek" television series, will receive the Liberty and Justice Award from the ACLU of Southern California Foundation before the film is screened. The award is in recognition of her contributions to the fight for civil rights and social justice and will be presented to her by her "Star Trek" co-star George Takei who has become an outspoken leader for LGBT issues in recent years..

She was the first African American actor to have a recurring, non-stereotypical role on a network television series. Even though the role was groundbreaking, she felt it was not substantial and was tempted to quit the show. But Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. convinced her to stay with the series because Lt. Uhura was an important role model for black children.

Related post: Countdown to Outfest: "Tru Loved" is a true gem...

For more information about Outfest, the 26th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - which runs July 9-21 - go to Outfest.org