The 1968 Summer Olympics
The 1968 Summer Olympics
Peter Norman, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos
October 16, 1968, is memorable to me for three reasons: first it was the second month of my senior year in college; and second, it was the day Peter Norman, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos won gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively in that order, at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico, and later received Death Threats and Expulsion for Protesting Racial Inequality. Third, I later met and took a photo with Dr. John Carlos.
On October 16, 1968, Black Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, now Dr. John Carlos, who engaged in a silent protest on the medal stand to bring light to the racial discrimination and violence against Black people in the U.S., were met with hostility by white supporters and the media and were eventually suspended for their protest.
There was much controversy surrounding Tommie Smith’s and John Carlos’ participation, subsequent win, and dismissal. Some argue that their actions diminished the honor bestowed upon them and America when they raised their black-gloved fist as they were also representing their country.
