Avery Brooks Honored in Starfleet Academy Tribute Episode

‘Star Trek’ Legend Avery Brooks Honored in Touching ‘Starfleet Academy’ Tribute: ‘I Cannot Be Another Person Tugging at His Sleeve’

Los Angeles, March 2, 2026 – Iconic actor Avery Brooks, forever etched in sci-fi history as Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has been quietly yet profoundly honored in a recent episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy—and the story behind it is as respectful as it is heartfelt.

The Paramount+ series’ tribute episode, “Series Acclimation Mil,” explored the enduring mystery of Sisko’s fate after vanishing into the Celestial Temple in the DS9 finale.

A holographic cadet, SAM (played by Kerrice Brooks—no relation), draws inspiration from Sisko’s legacy as an emissary, culminating in a poignant resolution that fans have craved for decades. At the episode’s end, a simple dedication card read: “Thank you, Avery.“

In a new interview with Parade, Starfleet Academy writer Tawny Newsome (also known for voicing Ensign Mariner on Lower Decks) opened up about the careful, reverent process of honoring Brooks, who has long retired from acting and maintains a low public profile.

Newsome explained that Brooks provided his blessing for the use of his voice in the episode and for the tribute itself—but made clear he wouldn’t return on-screen. “He has retired from acting, and that choice I respect so much,” she said.

Approaching him was delicate: Newsome enlisted DS9 alum Cirroc Lofton (Jake Sisko) to help facilitate the conversation, ensuring no pressure with a script. “There wasn’t even a hint of a script written yet before we asked him, like, how do you want to participate.”

The result? A genuine “thank you” card: “That was literally a thank you of like, thank you for letting us honor you… Thank you for lending your voice to us. We couldn’t have done this without him.”

Newsome emphasized the deeper motivation: honoring not just the character but the man who broke barriers as the first Black lead in a Star Trek series.

Reflecting on Brooks’ impact—especially as a single father figure in Sisko—she shared a personal resolve: “This man has given so much to this universe and so much has been asked of him and so much has been taken from him… I cannot be another person tugging at his sleeve and then do it wrong.”

The episode also prioritized meaningful representation, with Newsome insisting on a young Black woman character interacting with Sisko’s legacy “optically” for authenticity.

Brooks’ legacy continues to resonate, from groundbreaking leadership portrayals to fan tributes across the franchise. This subtle nod in Starfleet Academy stands as a classy celebration of his contributions—proving some legends don’t need the spotlight to shine.

Stream the episode on Paramount+ and relive the DS9 magic. What’s your favorite Sisko moment? 🖖

Rachel Harper

Rachel Harper is a reality TV enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for uncovering the behind-the-scenes magic of shows like Big Brother. A self-proclaimed superfan, Rachel has followed every season since 2010, even attending an open casting call for Season 22 in 2020—where she made it to the callback round! With a degree in Media Studies from UCLA and over five years of experience covering entertainment for outlets like Reality Rewind and Pop Culture Pulse, Rachel brings insider insights and fan-driven energy to her writing. When she’s not analyzing houseguest strategies or sharing audition tips, you can find her hosting Big Brother watch parties in Los Angeles or tweeting her hot takes @RachelLovesBB. Her mission? To help dreamers like you step into the Big Brother house and make reality TV history!