Lecture on the 1968 Olympic Black Power Salute and its Impact

Introduction

• Date & Time Context:
  • Mexico: 2 a.m.
  • Britain: 9 a.m.
• Key Figures:
  • Tommy Smith and John Carlos, American Negro sprinters
  • Black Power salute during the 200 meters medal ceremony on October 16, 1968

Background Context

• Political atmosphere in America during the 1960s: widespread dissent and search for heroes.
• San Jose State College as a hub for black activism: Harry Edwards’ influence and activism.

Personal Histories and Motivations

• Tommy Smith and Lee Evans: backgrounds in sharecropping, experiences of racial injustice.
• Harry Edwards: a radicalizing figure at San Jose State, influenced by his high school experiences.

Black Athlete Activism

• Formation of a politically active group at San Jose State in 1967.
• Interactions between sports and racial issues; questioning institutional racism.
• Influence of Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War on black athletes.
• Harry Edwards’ role in connecting sports with societal issues through his teachings.

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR)

• Conceptualized as a response to institutional racism in sports.
• Supported by Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael, and other civil rights leaders.
• Key demands included the removal of Avery Brundage, restoration of Muhammad Ali's title, and exclusion of pro-apartheid nations from the Olympics.

The Planned Boycott and Resulting Actions

• Initial push for a boycott of the 1968 Olympics as a protest.
• The boycott evolves into a broader protest movement amid challenges and threats.
• The influence of international events and domestic racial policies on the movement.

The 1968 Olympics: Key Events

• Tommy Smith's injury scare during the 200m semi-final.
• The decision to protest during the medal ceremony with black gloves and socks to symbolize black poverty and suffering.
• The involvement of Australian Peter Norman and his solidarity.

Impact and Reactions

• Immediate backlash and expulsion of Smith and Carlos from the Olympic Village.
• Jesse Owens’ unsuccessful attempt to mediate the situation.
• Long-term effects on the athletes' lives and careers post-Olympics.

Legacy of the 1968 Protest

• The protest as a symbol of black power rather than just civil rights.
• Integration of Smith and Carlos into America's narrative in the 1980s.
• Recognition of their actions as pivotal in the civil rights movement.
• The unveiling of a statue at San Jose State as a testament to their legacy.

Conclusion

• Continued relevance of the 1968 protest in discussions of race, sports, and politics.
• The ongoing acknowledgment of Smith, Carlos, and Evans’ contributions to driving societal change.