I remember a sporting event where the first and second people standing on a podium raised their black gloved hands in a salute. What was the event and who were the people?

sequoianoir

It was at the Olympic Games held in Mexico City in 1968. The two men were Tommie Smith and John Carlos. Teammates at San Jose State College. In the 200 metre race, Smith won the gold medal and Carlos the bronze. As the American flag rose and the Star-Spangled Banner played, the two closed their eyes, bowed their heads, and began their protest. Smith later told the media that he raised his right, black-glove-covered fist in the air to represent black power in America while Carlos' left, black-covered fist represented unity in black America. Together they formed an arch of unity and power. The black scarf around Smith's neck stood for black pride and their black socks (and no shoes) represented black poverty in racist America. http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mm-mexicocity.html (including picture) Mar 09 03, 12:23 PM