Second Look at Black Power Salute

Tommie Smith taking stride in the 200 meter sprint

After the research I have done on this topic, my perception on the topic did change. I now see it as a far greater action than I ever did before. Many saw it simply as politics through sports. Another couple of athletes who believe they have a voice in more than what they do best. This could not be further from the truth. Tommie Smith and John Carlos risked almost everything when they rolled the dice and decided to come through and raise a black gloved fist while bowing their heads during the national anthem on the podium.

This action came during a time when police brutality of the black population was at a height. In fact in 1961, in Watts, California alone, there were 60 killings of black males by the police. Of the 60, 25 were unarmed, 27 were shot in the back. All 60 homicides were justified and upheld by the court.

On top of this, many black soldiers were being drafted into the Vietnam War. Despite the fact that there was still heavy segregation in our own country, how can we expect many of these black soldiers to be willing to contribute to what they called the US Imperialist movement. Black and white soldiers would get into brawls at their camps. Black soldiers wore amulets around their necks to symbolize black power. Smith and Carlos demonstrated the strength to provide the inspiration needed for these Black soldiers to take a stance.

Smith and Carlos used sport as a gateway to take a stance with all eyes watching. The Olympics is a global event, not simply a national one. These two proved that no matter what background a person has, one can make a difference if they really want to.

1968 Olympics and the Black Power Salute

The topic I am choosing for assignment number 3 is the Black Power Salute displayed by Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The power and symbolism behind the salute defines the whole segregation era. I feel that this would be an excellent topic for re-evaluation.

I believe this is a good candidate for re-evaluation because Smith and Carlos were not only trying to empower black athletes, but they were trying to prove a point and take a stance in regards to the entire black population in the United States. Being in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors because the athletes represent the entire country. Through the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Smith and Carlos small action became heavily debated and was seen as very controversial at the time.