SJSU Honors Athletes Behind 1968 Olympics Black Power Salute

by 56 Years After Historic Event

Thu, Oct 17, 2024 8:37PM

The Black Power freedom salute at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics remains emblazoned in the collective memory of people worldwide. The two athletes behind that moment were San Jose State University (SJSU) students John Carlos and Tommie Smith. Smith spoke in the shadow of his own statue at a ceremony at the University yesterday. Photos by Len and Nancy.

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Fifty-six years ago on 10/16/1968, San Jose State University students Tommie Smith and John Carlos made headlines at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics by raising their fists in a Black Power salute to protest racial inequality. It has taken until now for SJSU and local officials to honor their legacy, officially declaring October 16 as Tommie Smith and John Carlos Day. During the ceremony at SJSU Smith spoke, while Professor Scott Myers-Lipton highlighted that this recognition was the culmination of 20 years of dedicated efforts.

§Tommie Smith speaks in the shadow of statue in his and John Carlos' Honor

by 56 Years After Historic Event

Thu, Oct 17, 2024 8:37PM

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The statue commemorating Tommie Smith and John Carlos's brave protest at the 1968 Olympics was installed on campus in 2005. The statue's creator is Portuguese American Rigo who still lives in Northern California.

§Professor Scott Myers-Lipton

by 56 Years After Historic Event

Thu, Oct 17, 2024 8:37PM

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Said that this recognition was the culmination of 20 years effort

§Corporate Press Covered

by 56 Years After Historic Event

Thu, Oct 17, 2024 8:37PM

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§Peter Norman

by John Englart

Fri, Oct 18, 2024 9:02AM

Don’t forget Australian silver medalist Peter Norman who suggested they share the one set Of gloves and stood with them on the medal dais in solidarity and wore a badge of the Olympic Project for Human Rights in support of fellow athletes.

Despite being national 200m champion and qualifying for the 1972 Olympics, he was never selected to compete by the Australian Athletics Federation..

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