1968 Olympics Black Power salute

Black Power is a political slogan it is used by African Americans in the United States. This movement was in the late 1960s and early 1970s and pursued racial equality, creation of cultural institutions and policies to defend, promote and fight for the interests of black society.

The ideological struggle was constant and followers of The Black Power movement needed something to call the world's attention, a scream to say "we are here". It was there when they were born the legends of Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

Sports Revolution

The October 16, 1968 the American runner Tommie Smith won the 200 meters at the Olympic Games in Mexico and the gold medal was awarded. The athlete clocked 19.83 seconds and set a new world record. The second place went to Australian Peter Norman -20.06 seconds and third place stood fellow American John Carlos -20.10 seconds. After the race was completed, the three went to the podium for their medals and when the singing of the anthem of the United States started, Smith and Carlos closed their eyes, bowed their heads and raised their arms to the top. The fists which had black gloves were closed strongly. The message was clear; full support for The Black Power. As they left the podium they were booed by the crowd. Smith later said, "If I win, I am American, not a black American. But if I did something bad, then they would say I am a Negro. We are black

The president Avery Brundage of International Olympic Committee (IOC) ordered to expel athletes from the Olympic Village, and at its discretion gesture was due to internal political conflict, which went against the Olympic values. When the US Olympic Committee refused, Brundage threatened to ban the entire US track team. This threat led to the two athletes being expelled from the Games.

Why two great athletes they must leave aside his career for being Negro?