that was one of the first times i saw myself in the sci-fi genera. after the first season of star trek, mona king met with michelle nichols. he said, no, you can t quit. he said, you have the first non-stereotypical role on television for the world to see. this is not a black role and it s not a female role, and you ve got it. michelle nichols, her characters, you heard whoopi goldberg. so, it gave us black actors who were in this sci-fi genre. i m glad to hear it. i came into star trek: the next generation, so burton was the primary representation there, jody. that is not right. i was certain that jody la forge and lieutenant