Amid the recent controversy surrounding NFL players’ rights to protest during the national anthem, John Legend and Jesse Williams are teaming up to highlight one of the most famous protests in sports – Tommie Smith at the Games of the XIX Olympiad in Mexico City.
Legend and Williams, who have both been very vocal about racial injustices in America, will be joining forces to executive produce a documentary about Smith’s world-renowned protest for racial injustice and human rights during the national anthem. The documentary, titled “With Drawn Arms,” will focus on Smith’s strength and John Carlos’ courage to join in, despite the consequences.
However, as the protests of the national anthem have resurfaced in sports, both Legend and Williams believe Smith’s story deserves to be told.
“We are excited to collaborate with true artists in Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi to bring this powerful story to the world in a fresh and compelling way,” Legend said. “In this current climate we are once again being charged to stand up to bigotry, fear, and hate. We are inspired by this story and honored to be a creative partner on this film.”
“Tommie Smith is more than an iconic poster or risky act of defiance that inspires people the world over,” Williams said. “He is a living man, whose incredible journey is worthy of examination. I couldn’t be more excited to join forces with this team of film makers, to share his reality and challenge our notions of heroism in the process.”
According to Deadline, the film is expected to be released October of next year, for the 50th anniversary of the raised fist by the now-73-year-old Smith.
