It’s Been 50 Years Since Tommie Smith And John Carlos Raised Their Fists or Black Power

Today marks 50 years since Olympic medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in Black Power, solidarity, and protest.

It was October 1968 in Mexico City, when the country, much like today, was divided. Martin Luther King was assassinated; the country was still in the middle of the Vietnam War, riots were happening outside of the Democratic convention in Chicago and the mistreatment and abuse towards the Black community was still at an all-time high.

After finishing their Olympic 200-meter race, Carlos and Smith stood on their blocks ready to accept their bronze and gold medals. With billions of eyes watching from around the world Smith and Carlos raised their fists to symbolize that through all struggles the Black community will stay strong and always prevail. As the “Star Spangled Banner” played their fists were held high resting in their black leather gloves with their fingers clinched tight. The two athletes chose to go shoeless to symbolize poverty.

The athletes were immediately sent home following their demonstration. According to original articles, Smith explained what made them protest. “White America would not understand,” said Carlos, of San Jose, Calif. “They recognize me only when I do something bad and they call me ‘Negro.’”