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George Takei was on hand at the Orpheaum Theatre in LA to present his friend and co-star Nichelle Nichols with an award last night at the Closing Night Gala of this year’s Outfest Film Festival. George presented Nichelle with the Liberty and Justice Award on behalf of the ACLU … here are a few pics of the Star Trek stars at last night’s affair:

Pioneering actress Nichelle Nichols, 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 on the closing night of this year’s Outfest 2008: the 26th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival on Monday, July 21, 2008. The award, in recognition of Ms. Nichols’ contributions to the fight for civil rights and social justice, will be presented at the closing night gala screening of “Tru Loved” at 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre, 842 South Broadway, in downtown Los Angeles. Ms. Nichols is one of the stars of the film. As Lt. Uhura, Ms. Nichols was the first African American actor to have a recurring, non-stereotypical role on a network television series. The series was broadcast from 1966 to 1969 and before that time, most black actors on television portrayed servants. 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. “Ms. Nichols’ trail-blazing role on ‘Star Trek’ allowed her to portray racial equality in our nation’s future, which brought us closer to full equality in our present,” said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the ACLU/SC, in announcing the award. “She also worked to expand opportunities for women at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).” After the series ended, Ms. Nichols worked as volunteer for NASA on a special project to recruit women and minorities to the space program. Among those recruited by that project were Dr. Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, and U.S. Air Force Col. Guion Bluford Jr., the first African American astronaut. Dr. Mae Jemison, a former astronaut who is African American, said seeing Ms. Nichols on “Star Trek” inspired her to become a physician and astronaut.

I have always held Nichelle Nichols as one of the unsung heroes in Hollywood. She absolutely was a pioneer for helping fight racism just by being herself … for boldly going where no other African American actress went before. Lt. Uhura‘s skin color was never an issue on the show, which was significant because Star Trek aired during a time of particular racial unrest. I am very pleased to see that she is being recognized for her efforts … and by her good friend George Takei, who has done his part to help fight sexual orientation discrimination. Much congrats and love goes out to Nichelle Nichols, her Liberty & Justice Award is well deserved.

[Photo credit: Splash News]