The Intersection of Sports, Politics and Culture

The Stand: How Gesture Shook the World 

      The 1968 Olympics, American Boycotts, Tommy Smith and John Carlos

Presented by Dr. Gary Gershman

Each week, the library will feature a video or radio interview (30 to 60 minutes in length) highlighting a specific African American athlete or athletes who played a pivotal role in breaking barriers and challenging societal norms in the United States. The program will examine the broader historical context through the lens of sports and will connect key moments in history with iconic athletes and events.

Using the documentary The Stand, this session delves into the circumstances that led runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos to make their iconic gesture of defiance at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, during a pivotal and volatile period for the civil rights movement. The 1968 Olympics were marked by numerous politically charged events and controversial actions. Amid a strong push by Black athletes to boycott the games—some of whom did—the enduring image of that event remains Smith and Carlos raising their fists in black gloves during the medal ceremony. This powerful moment underscored the intersection of sports and politics, highlighting the profound influence sports can have on society and culture, while reigniting the ongoing debate over the role of politics in sports and the rights of athletes to protest.

Complimentary lunch will be served.