WHO/WHAT: The picture above was taken in 1968 at the Summer Olympics held in Mexico City. The gold medalist Tommie Smith stands in the center alongside bronze medalist and fellow American John Carlos, both men holding their fists up during the playing of the national anthem to show support for 'human rights'. The silver medalist was an Australian sprinter by the name of Peter Norman, who supported and stood by during the two Americans protest.
WHEN: October 16, 1968
WHERE: Mexico City, 1968 Summer Olympics 200 meter race/podium ceremony.
WHY: The two athletes were protesting in a non-violent manner to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gold medalist Tommie Smith raised his right hand with a black glove to signify black power in America, where as John Carlos rose his black gloved fist to signify unity in the black communities of America. Together the two wanted to send a message to the world of the mistreatment and the civil right struggles within a segregated America.
WHERE: Mexico City, 1968 Summer Olympics 200 meter race/podium ceremony.
WHY: The two athletes were protesting in a non-violent manner to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gold medalist Tommie Smith raised his right hand with a black glove to signify black power in America, where as John Carlos rose his black gloved fist to signify unity in the black communities of America. Together the two wanted to send a message to the world of the mistreatment and the civil right struggles within a segregated America.
IDENTITY:This non-violent protest gave all three men in the picture identities that day, to some at the time, they were disgraces. Smith and Carlos were suspended off their national teams and both men were banned from the Olympic village. To others they were heroes for having stood up in front of the world to speak out against inequalities and injustices.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/summer-olympics-mexico-city.html
http://time.com/3880999/black-power-salute-tommie-smith-and-john-carlos-at-the-1968-olympics/
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