Iconic Olympic protesters honored at White House

Summary

In a powerful moment at the 1968 Olympics, sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in protest against racial inequality, a stance that led to their ejection and decades of vilification. Nearly 50 years later, they were honored by President Obama for their courageous activism. Smith, reflecting on their protest, emphasized the importance of standing up for what you believe in despite the cost. Their legacy of peaceful resistance continues to inspire athletes like Colin Kaepernick, who protests police violence against African Americans by kneeling during the national anthem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1968 Olympic protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos involved raising their black-gloved fists in protest against racial inequality.
• 😀 Smith described the protest as overwhelming, feeling that the national anthem, which is only 90 seconds long, seemed to last forever during the moment.
• 😀 Their protest resulted in Smith and Carlos being ejected from the Olympics and banned from the Olympic community for decades.
• 😀 Despite being vilified at the time, Smith believes the backlash showed that their protest was necessary for social change.
• 😀 Nearly 50 years later, Smith and Carlos were honored by President Obama, recognizing the long-lasting impact of their protest.
• 😀 Smith views their silent protest as a catalyst that woke people up to racial inequality and opened doors for future athletes.
• 😀 Today, athletes like Colin Kaepernick, who kneels during the national anthem to protest police violence against African Americans, continue the legacy of activism.
• 😀 Smith supports peaceful athlete protests, emphasizing that actions driven by deep belief can speak louder than words.
• 😀 Smith believes that when you truly believe in a cause, you act on it without considering the cost, demonstrating courage and commitment.
• 😀 The protest of 1968 and its legacy has inspired athletes across generations to use their platforms to advocate for social change.
• 😀 Smith's protest is seen as a key moment in history that shaped the opportunities and activism of future generations of athletes.

Q & A

What was the significance of Tommie Smith and John Carlos's protest during the 1968 Olympics?

Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists in protest against racial inequality, making a powerful statement on the global stage during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. This act of defiance became an iconic moment in the civil rights movement and is considered one of the most significant protests in Olympic history.

How did the public react to the protest by Smith and Carlos in 1968?

The protest led to intense backlash, with Smith and Carlos being vilified and ostracized. They were ejected from the Games and banned from the Olympic community for decades. The public's reaction was overwhelmingly negative at the time, which highlighted the deep societal divisions regarding race and civil rights.

What was Tommie Smith's perspective on the backlash they faced after the protest?

Tommie Smith believed that the intense backlash proved that their protest was necessary. He stated, 'Because we were hated and vilified, that shows you that there was something that needed changing.' This response suggests that they understood their actions as a catalyst for broader social change.

What happened nearly 50 years after the 1968 protest?

Nearly 50 years after their protest, Tommie Smith and John Carlos were invited back into the Olympic community by President Obama. The gesture served as recognition for their bravery and the lasting impact their protest had on the fight for racial equality and social justice.

How did President Obama acknowledge Smith and Carlos's protest?

President Obama welcomed Tommie Smith and John Carlos to the White House and acknowledged their role in challenging racial inequality. He praised their peaceful protest, recognizing its power in raising awareness and opening doors for future generations of athletes to use their platforms for social change.

What is the connection between the 1968 protest and modern athlete activism?

The 1968 protest by Smith and Carlos set the stage for modern athlete activism. Colin Kaepernick, for example, followed in their footsteps by kneeling during the national anthem to protest police violence against African Americans. Smith sees these modern acts of protest as a continuation of the fight for racial equality.

How does Tommie Smith feel about modern athletes who protest?

Tommie Smith supports modern athletes who engage in peaceful protest, like Colin Kaepernick. He believes that such acts take courage and are an important means of expressing belief in a cause. Smith emphasized that when you truly believe in something, you don't focus on the cost; you simply take action.

What did Smith mean when he said, 'You just do it' in relation to protest?

When Smith said, 'You just do it,' he was expressing the idea that when you deeply believe in a cause, the act of protest becomes a necessity. It's not about worrying about the consequences but about taking a stand for what is right, regardless of the personal cost.

How did the 1968 protest affect future generations of athletes?

The 1968 protest inspired future generations of athletes to use their platforms to raise awareness about social justice issues. By taking a stand, Smith and Carlos paved the way for athletes like Colin Kaepernick, who continue to use their visibility to challenge systemic racism and advocate for change.

What role does silent protest play in raising awareness, according to Smith?

Tommie Smith believes that silent protests, like the one he and Carlos staged in 1968, are powerful because they speak volumes without the need for words. These gestures draw attention to issues of injustice and can serve as a catalyst for wider societal change.