Star Trek Did Not Go Boldy Where No One Had Gone Before With ‘First Interracial Kiss’

For the better part of 50 years, it has been reported, falsely, that Star Trek was responsible for televising the very first interracial kiss. As much as I would like to think Star Trek was responsible for every historic event, the reality is: it isn't true.

Star Trek is responsible for the first "scripted" interracial kiss. The episode was "Plato's Stepchildren," a pretty lousy episode in the franchise. Having said that, though, Star Trek ultimately is kind of like sex or pizza; even when it's bad, it's still pretty good.

In this episode, our hero Kirk is forced via the Platonians and their telekinetic powers to kiss Uhura. Pretty much the only redeeming quality of this installment in the series. The episode "Plato's Stepchildren" aired November 22nd, 1968.

According to Nichelle Nichols, the actress who brilliantly portrays Lt. Uhura, there was never any real fuss over the scene.

This, however, was not the first televised interracial kiss. Almost a year earlier, in December 1967, an interracial kiss between Sammy Davis Jr. and Nancy Sinatra was televised on the program "Movin' With Nancy."

Star Trek has shaped our culture in more ways than one could even begin to imagine. As much as I would like to think Star Trek was responsible for this colossal step in television history, the reality is, the honor goes to someone else. However, this episode, "Plato's Stepchildren," did at least bring us this jewel. Watch and enjoy.