The Black Power Salute That Rocked the 1968 Olympics
A Moment of Protest Caught in Time
Background
During the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, two American runners, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, made history with a bold protest against racial injustice.
The Incident
On October 16, 1968, Smith won the 200-meter race with a world-record time. As he and Carlos stood on the podium, they raised their black-gloved fists in a Black Power salute, a symbol of resistance and solidarity with the American civil rights movement.
Impact
The gesture caused an immediate uproar and controversy. The International Olympic Committee condemned the action, and Smith and Carlos faced backlash and were expelled from the Olympic Village. However, their protest sparked worldwide attention and became a powerful symbol of the fight for equality.
Legacy
The Black Power salute remains one of the most iconic protest images of all time. It continues to inspire and remind us of the courage and determination of those who fight for justice.
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