On October 16, 1968, a historic event took place during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race at the Mexico City Olympic Games. Two African-American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, made a bold and iconic statement to protest racial inequality and oppression in the United States. As the American national anthem played, Smith and Carlos stood on the podium, their heads bowed and their fists raised high in black gloves, symbolizing black power. This powerful and symbolic gesture ignited global conversations about human rights, the Olympic movement, and the struggle for racial justice. remains as a powerful and lasting testament of courage and activism.