Video: 'Tommie Smith and John Carlos during American anthem'

(Wednesday, October 16, 1968, 7:15 p.m. CST; during the Civil Rights movement) — African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists tonight in a “Black Power” salute during the ceremony in which they received their track medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City, saying they did it to “show black people are united.”

Smith, who finished first in the 200-meter dash, and Carlos, who finished third, appeared on the victory stand wearing black gloves and buttons reading “Olympic Project For Human Rights.”

When the U. S. flag was raised and the national anthem played, both dropped their chins on their chests and raised their hands aloft in the “Black Power” gesture.

The third man on the platform, white Australian silver medalist Peter Norman, also wore an OPHR badge to show solidarity with Smith and Carlos.

All three athletes would suffer professionally and economically for decades as a result of the protest, but would eventually be recognized for their significant courage.

Video: '63 Black Power Salute'