Forty Years Later
Suzie Lechtenberg
AUGUST 16, 2008Full Episode Audio
- Tommie Smith (center) and John Carlos (right)
- (Weekend America)
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The Olympics are often seen as a place where tension and strife are set aside in favor of the purity and joy of athletic competition. But it doesn't always work out that way.
Forty years ago, John Carlos was a track and field athlete. He won the bronze in the 200-meter at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
When Carlos stood on the podium at the medal award ceremony, he and fellow American Tommie Smith raised their black-gloved fists, showing the Black Power salute.
It's one of the most memorable images in Olympic history.
John Carlos says this moment on the medal stand was about more than winning.
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- Music Bridge:
- Wing Body Wing
- Artist: Four Tet
- CD: Ringer (Domino)
Comments
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08/16/2008
I find in this politically correct(or should I say politically skiddish) society that this great moment in history has been passed over for more "palatable" fare. Further proof that the sins of the past have not been reconciled. Power to the people!
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