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