Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos Receive ESPY
source: http://www.sjsuspartans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5600&ATCLID=1514626
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- amilli23
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Smith and Carlos were recognized for taking a stand for civil rights during the medal ceremony after capturing gold and bronze, respectively, in the 200 meters at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. A statue immortalizing the moment was unveiled on the San Jose State campus three years ago.
They athletes were stripped of their medals and sent home immediately for "militant" behavior according to the International Olympic Committee in 1968. It is wonderful to see their actions praised for being bold enough to stand and tell the world they were proud to be Black.
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davidmcc1975
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ESPN was wrong to give Smith and Carlos an award. Those two athletes did not take a stand for civil rights by offering the black power salute. Instead they disrespected their country in Mexico City during the playing of the American National Anthem with a salute that is synonymous with the Black Panthers and the Nation of Islam. No question America has had its civil rights struggles, but that doesn't mean the entire country should be disrespected by athletes wearing "USA" on their chests. If ESPN wanted to give a "courage award" they should have given it to Olympic gold medalist George Foreman who proudly waved the American flag when he won his medal in the same Olympics Smith and Carlos gave their salute. Foreman was heavily chastised and called an "Uncle Tom" for his courageous actions.
- 3 years ago
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davidmcc1975
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amilli23
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davidmcc1975:
I just raise my Black fist even higher when ignorant things like that are said. I hope you are having a wonderful day :)
- 3 years ago
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amilli23
