Black History Treat: John Carlos and Tommie Smith

With all eyes on the chaos in northern Africa and the Middle East, American Blacks know oh so well about fighting for human rights and freedom. When a people have had enough of the belittlement, prejudice and inhumane treatment at the hands of a corrupt society, they will take a stand no matter the cost. In 1968, John Carlos and Tommie Smith had had enough.

As founding members of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR), Smith, Carlos and others planned to boycott the 1968 Summer Games (Olympics) in Mexico City, but it did not materialize as planned. But Carlos and Smith had a message to share with the entire world anyway. After finishing the 200 meters in 1^st and 3^rd places respectively, and while standing on the podium to accept their medals as the American national anthem played, Carlos and Smith, wearing black socks and no shoes, held up black gloved fists in the Black Power Salute in protest of African American poverty in the US. Australian silver medalist Peter Norman also standing on the podium, supported the boycott by wearing an OPHR badge. The International Olympic Committee president ordered Carlos and Smith suspended from the US Olympic team and banned from the Olympic Village. In the aftermath, Carlos and Smith were celebrated for their bravery by people from around the world.

Today, both Carlos and Smith are still human rights activists. Peter Norman died of a heart attack in 2006 at age 64. Carlos and Smith gave eulogies and participated as pall bearers at Norman's Funeral.