The world lost 2 huge African-American icons this week: Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell.
Entertainment :
Although Nichelle Nichols was an accomplished actor, singer, and dancer, she is best known for her groundbreaking role as “Uhura” in the original 1966 STAR TREK series.
With earrings dangling and not a hair out of place, she appeared as the Communications Officer and 4th in command of the Federation starship U.S.S. Enterprise in the 23rd century. Her presence was trailblazing since her role came during a time when African-Americans did not regularly see themselves on television — let alone in roles of great importance. The visual of Lieutenant Uhura on television proved one very valuable point: There Are Black People in the Future.
Nichelle Nichols passed away on Saturday. She was 89.
William Felton Russell was an American professional basketball player who rose to greatness as the center for the NBA’s Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969. In fact, Bill Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Born in West Monroe, LA, Russell grew to a whopping height of 6’10 and had a wingspan of 7’4. It’s no wonder that he was a 5-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a 12-time NBA All-Star, and 11-time NBA champion during his 13-year career.
Bill Russell passed away on Saturday. He was 88.
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OK WASSUP! covers Entertainment News:
Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell are mourned.
Two incredible giants, each in his/her own way!
When I was a young child growing up, the names “Wilt the Stilt” (Wilt Chamberlin), Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali were very common names in my household. My dad, his buddies, my uncles, Black men of that generation period really admired the greatness of such Black male athletes!
Men like Ali, Russell and others were admired as much, if not more so, for the Courage they displayed in their social activism as they were for their superior athletic abilities.