By Megan Duenas
Editor in Chief
Walking into the Performing Arts theater on February 6th, it was a moment that would last in the ears and eyes of everyone attending, whether it being history classes or students coming for lunch periods. Tommie Smith and John Carlos gracefully walk on stage with as much confidence as well strength as they acquired that one evening in Mexico City at the 1968 Olympic Games.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos are olympians, athletes, academics and activist that strove to send a message heard by all. That October 16th, 1968 held more than an awards ceremony of honor, but men who took the opportunity to restore honor in those it was taken away from, the many years that has been passed with inequality and racism. With the unzipping of the jackets, the black gloves and the fist held straight in the air with heads turned down, the symbolic moment that was captured by Life Magazine photographer, John Dominis, was a moment that would live in United States history for its political activism.
Smith and Carlos, winners of the olympic gold and bronze medals, respectively come to the event with the plan of symbolically showing their stance on the issues facing the civil rights movement in the 60’s,“wearing black socks and no shoes to symbolize African-American poverty, a black glove to express African-American strength and unity. (Smith also wore a scarf, and Carlos beads, in memory of lynching victims.” The actions was faced with the banishment of both in the olympic village and with times passing, the careers they worked so hard to shape.
Afterwards, many were divided on the if the morales of polit
icizing the olympics should be dignified as heroic or obscene to do in a place trying to serve has a middle ground for all. With the a mass of death threats, and no jobs awaiting them due to the severity of controversy, both took paths in different directions but evidently remained historical figures in history.
Speaking in at the Performing Arts theater about life and the purpose of it all resonated a deep inspiration to make the most of my abilities to leave this world a better place than I found it. The words wisped into my years of two men who took criticism for taking a stand on issues that seem controversial, but are only controversial to those who fear change. John Carlos and Tommie Smith spoke with strength and confidence, relating advice to the young minds of a high school known for as a melting pot of culture and acceptance. They relay the message of how change and the action to take it is two different things, and the inner motivation in ourselves to become the most best individuals we can be.