Tommie Smith and John Carlos
Smith won the gold medal in the 200 meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, while Carlos earned the bronze medal. But it was their actions after the race that sent shockwaves worldwide. While standing at the podium, Smith and Carlos each raised a black-gloved fist during the ceremonial playing of the national anthem. The demonstration was orchestrated to protest inequality in the U.S. The protest also included nods to individual issues, like wearing no shoes to raise awareness about poverty and bearing special beads around their necks to denounce lynchings.
Both men were stripped of their medals and suspended by the U.S. Track team. Upon arriving home, they faced a series of death threats. 40 years later, Smith and Carlos were given the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the ESPYs. A statue of Smith and Carlos sits in the National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
