The Smithsonian Museum recently debuted a new sculpture dedicated to the protest by legendary track and field star Tommie Smith at the 1968 Olympic Games.
Created by artist Glenn Kaino in partnership with the athlete himself, the sculpture, titled “Bridge,” documents Smith’s symbolic act after he won the men’s 200-meter race in Mexico City. Made to symbolize 200 arms of gold which now hang from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Foundation Center, the sculpture refers to Smith bowing his head and raising his fist in the air to protest against a variety of issues causing civil unrest across the nation.
As the fight for civil rights by groups like the Black Panther Party continued amidst the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the backdrop of the Vietnam War, Smith’s act served as a symbol of Black solidarity.
On the podium, Smith was joined by bronze winner John Carlos in the protest.
“This sculpture is a monument to his gesture and the power of that gesture through time,” said curator Sarah Newman per NBC. “He was very aware of the contrast between his position as a celebrated Black athlete and as a Black American during 1968. You see athletes making their own gestures of protest and support for causes they believe in, and I think that is the legacy of Tommie Smith.”
The opening of the sculpture comes amidst the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics. Set to end on Aug. 11, Black athletes have broken numerous records, making history at this year’s games.
As USA’s track star Noah Lyles won the first gold of his career, Saint Lucian sprinter Julien Alfred won the first-ever medal for her country, bringing in gold at the 100 meters event.
Gymnast Rebeca Andrade also became the most decorated Brazilian athlete in the games’ history when she won gold for the women’s floor exercise final. With legendary athlete Simone Biles, who broke records to become the most decorated gymnast in history, and gold medalist Jordan Chiles at her side, the three further made history by being part of the first all-Black women’s Olympics gymnastics podium.
In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Biles recalled the moment the three trailblazers broke barriers with their wins.
“As soon as we were standing there, me and Jordan looked at each other,” said Biles per Olympics.com. “We were kind of all cherishing that together because we knew how special it would be, and we knew the impact that it would make on all the little girls around the world that are trying to do what we’re doing, just for them to know that it’s possible.”
