Two men that go by the name of Tommie Smith and John Carlos took part in what would soon be remembered as the legacy of the 1968 Olympic Black Power Salute on October 16. This was a silent protest where both men stood on the podium at the Olympics and held their black-gloved fists in the air while the United States national anthem played. There was a lot of racial injustice, economic inequality, and human rights violations that by doing this gesture would spark a strong form of protest.
The platforms athletes have is one of the most influential and powerful tools one can obtain, and this protest by Smith and Carlos was an important turning point in sports activism. How athletes decide to use such platforms is where it can get complicated because as soon as you involve anything personal or stand up for what in this case would be categorized as controversial things can blow up quick. Smith and Carlos were scolded, they were no longer permitted to stay in the Olympic village, the International Olympic Committee criticized them alongside the American media. However, this silent protest became a symbol of empowerment, passing down to future generations of athletes to use their sport as a platform to advocate for what they believe in. It would take time before this Black Power Salute would become viewed as a brave gesture of justice that has led to more impactful discussions regarding civil rights and racial fairness.
Furthermore, the initial reaction of the media to the protest was staggering with negativity, revealing the racial tensions of the late 1960s. Interrupting the National anthem was unpatriotic and disruptive of Smith and Carlos in the eyes of the media and they took it a step further by saying they were undeserving of their Olympic medals. These two men were being racially labeled in some media releases, but alternative media outlets would portray this protest in a brighter light. There was empahasis on their heroism and explanations of the larger struggle for racial justice. Black owned newspapers and progressive publications provided a more detailed account, recognizing the systemic challenges Smith and Carlos were putting on display.
Social media was not a factor back then as it did not exist so the traditional media channels had full control over how this legacy would be remembered. However, as years past, reviews would come out on this event reframing Smith and Carlos as pioneers of athlete activism.
The future for Smith and Carlos in their athletic career was destroyed by the media, resulting in their exclusion from professional sports and personal challenges. Despite these challenges, Smith and Carlos left behind a legacy that will forever be pinnacle for athletes and social injustice.