During the abusive confrontation, Williams’s abusers called him “nigger”, and also ridiculed him by nicknaming him “fraction”–in reference to the old three-fifths law which recognizes Black people in this country as partially human.

The representatives of the white men implied that their clients were engaged in an excessive “prank war”, because they were “immature, insensitive, and stupid.”

Although the defendants were found guilty for misdemeanor assault on Monday of this week, they were not found guilty on more severe charges of hate crimes. The 12-person jury on hand for the two-plus week trial were comprised of six men and six women–none of who were Black.

For more on this story, follow this link.

B. Clark

John Carlos and Tommie Smith, the Melanoid Track & Field athletes who dominated the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, were both born on this week, with Mr. Carlos being born on June 5, and Mr. Smith’s birthday taking place the following day. However, their connection was much deeper than their birthday weeks, or even the university they both attended (San Jose State University). They were both immortalized for the powerful statement they made by raising the Black Power fist as a defiant and empowering gesture in the face of White supremacy that occurred in the United States during the tumultuous decade of the 1960s.

Mr. Carlos and Mr. Smith were pioneers in that they were athletes who took such a stance, which has become a foreign concept in today’s sporting world. Check out this short documentary that shows John Carlos and Tommie Smith in a more in-depth light. This is an excellent viewing source for many of our Melanoid youth who may not be familiar with the two historical figures.

by B. Clark