That is pretty sad, but I think she and he were both right to respect the impact she had by staying in the role.
The most iconic science fiction crew of all time will forever include a prominent impressive black woman. Nichelle made that happen, through her performances.
It's not about consciousness, it's about continuity.
The philosophical point is that if I accept kinship with myself of yesterday and myself of tomorrow without proof - then I can learn to accept kinship with all other living things, in the same way.
There's a peace in that acceptance - if I lived my life investing equally in the future of any other life I encounter, then perhaps I will pass on from my current arrangement of atoms feeling confidence in the future rather than fear.
I'll let you know how that works for me. Or rather, I suppose I will not.
Lots of folks replying don't seem believe in self empathy.
That makes me sad.
Self empathy is the foundation of empathy toward others.
The golden rule - treat others as I want to be treated - only really became effective, for my friends, after I learned to treat myself well.