At the 1968 Mexico Olympics, two of the most famous African Americans from the United States made history during their victory celebration for their wins of the 200 meter race. John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists during the National Anthem to demonstrate equal human rights. They did this on the podium when they received their medals for first and third place. To stand up for their rights they took of their shoes to represent poverty, wore black gloves, held their fists in the air to symbolize black rights, and wore beads to represent those who have died fighting for their rights. This is just one example of racial discrimination in sports. After John Carlos and Tommie Smith did their salute they were suspended from the United States Olympic team, were forced to return their medals, expelled from Mexico and sent home to America. Even though they sacrificed their spot on the United States Olympic team they made history. Carlos and Smith were forced to do this because their salute was considered against Olympic ideals.The athletes did not expect the outcome they got of their salute. They simply described their gesture as a tribute to their African American heritage and a demonstration for human rights around the world.Taking away their medals was bad enough. Both Smith and Carlos were sent death threats not only threatening their well being but their families too. But for Carlos’s wife the death threats were too much for her she ended up taking her own life. He says the memory still haunts him. For them it was like the whole world had turned against them, even some of their good friends turned their backs on them. When Peter Norman ( the silver medalist in the race) returned back to Australia he was shunned for supporting the salute. After the Olympics it was hard for them to find jobs and support their families.
After all this pain and suffering they went through they still didn’t change their thoughts on the situation. Looking back on the protest they are glad the stood up for their rights even though there were major consequences. Everyone should have equal rights whether they are black, white , hispanic, follow different religions or anything that separates them from everyone else. Tommie Smith and John Carlos believe equality and human rights is important. They felt that they needed to make a change in America.