Author(s): Danielle Smith-Llera
Format: Hardback
No. of Pages: 64
Publisher: COMPASS POINT BOOKS
Language: English
Date Published: 2017-01-01
Dimensions: 236 x 262 x 10mm
Publication City/Country:
Edition:
Illustrations: Illustrations, unspecified

Two American athletes made history at the 1968 Summer Olympics, but not on the track. They staged a silent protest against racial injustice. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter sprint, stood with heads bowed and black-gloved fists raised as the national anthem played during the medal ceremony. The Australian silver medalist wore a human rights badge in support. All three would pay a heavy price for their activism. A Life magazine photograph seen by millions would ensure that the silent protest was remembered, and eventually admired, as a symbol of the battle for equality and civil rights.