Tommie Smith & John Carlos "Black Power" - Import Images
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It was one of the 20th century's most powerful
and controversial moments in sports, and a watershed event in the civil
rights movement. After failing to convince their fellow black athletes
to boycott the Mexico City 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos
succeeded in winning the gold and bronze medals in the 200 meters track
& field event. Determined to use the grand stage of the Olympic games
as a platform for protest, Smith and Carlos accepted their medals in bare
feet (to bring attention to the poverty of the African-American community),
wearing beads (in honor of the countless blacks murdered as victims of
slavery or racism), and holding black-gloved fists in the air (the "Black
Power" salute).
A storm of outrage hit Smith and Carlos immediately. For disrespecting the "Star Spangled Banner" and the Olympic games, the IOC forced the U.S. Olympic Committe to withdraw them from the relays, banish them from the Olympic Village, and expel them from the U.S. Olympic team. Most of white America was also outraged at their actions, and both men experienced a heavy backlash upon their return home. Nonetheless, their legend has grown, and this classic black-and-white image has become a symbol of the struggle for equality for black athletes in America. Popularized by its appearance in the 2000 football film Remember the Titans, this poster gives you the chance to celebrate a historic moment that means so much to so many. In beautiful, classic black-and-white, this is a must for anyone interested in Smith, Carlos and the Civil Rights movement - as well as those wishing simply to display a classic moment in Olympic history! Poster Specifications:
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