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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Rediscovering Home >> Washington Rediscovered: Year 2 >> Rainy Afternoon at the Smithsonian > 'Leveling the Playing Field' exhibit
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08-NOV-2017

'Leveling the Playing Field' exhibit

The 1968 Olympics Human Rights Salute was a political demonstration conducted by African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. After having won gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter running event, they turned on the podium to face their flags, and to hear the American national anthem. Each athlete raised a black-gloved fist and kept them raised until the anthem had finished. In addition, Smith, Carlos and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman all wore human rights badges on their jackets. In his autobiography, “Silent Gesture,” Smith stated that the gesture was not a "Black Power" salute, but a "human rights salute." The event is regarded as one of the most overtly political statements in the history of the modern Olympic Games.

I wonder what Trump would have said about this...

Alone, posted earlier.

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Julie Oldfield06-Jan-2018 17:53
Still relevant today sadly today in this country. Very poignant. V
Don05-Jan-2018 21:37
I'm exhausted and have almost given up bothering what Trump thinks. But then, he's not my president.
globalgadabout05-Jan-2018 16:49
a powerful statement, and a brave one too for the times...doubtless they would have felt Trump's wrath, as have contemporary black athletes...but then, the man seems to be angry with everyone..
Suzanne Lanthier05-Jan-2018 16:42
I remember this scene very well...thanks for reminding us, Helen !
marie-jose wolff05-Jan-2018 14:58
superb capture of this interesting exhibit, beautiful framing! V
Tom LeRoy05-Jan-2018 14:25
I recall this very well, things haven't changed that much I guess. Trump would have to ask someone what it's all about.... V
Nick Paoni05-Jan-2018 04:57
Fifty years later and athletes are still feeling compelled to demonstrate against social injustice.
bill friedlander05-Jan-2018 00:46
The battle still continues. Poignant capture. V
janescottcumming04-Jan-2018 22:10
I remember when this happened! V
Jim Coffman04-Jan-2018 20:58
A nice capture of this interesting exhibit...
victorswan04-Jan-2018 20:32
Helen beautiful image of that monument me still fresh in the memory is the protest gesture on stage, very lovely work I think Trump so saying all fake BV