Today is the 55th anniversary of one of the most iconic images of the Black freedom struggle: two Black athletes, heads bowed, raising clenched fists atop the victors’ podium at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Now celebrated as a historic act, Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ Olympics Black Power salute was widely condemned in its day. The 1968 Olympics Black Power salute raised questions we’re still grappling with today about racial justice, “politicized” sports, and the meaning of real solidarity.

Take Action

• Support trans-inclusive athletics and share information debunking myths about transgender athletes.
• Support NOlympics LA, the Union de Vecinos, and the Los Angeles Community Action Network fighting to oppose the Olympics gentrification of Los Angeles and Asian Americans’ United’s work to defend Philadelphia’s Chinatown from a basketball arena.
• Support the Players’ Alliance or a local organization fighting for justice on and off the field.

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We’d love to hear your reflections on today’s episode - email us at hello@antiracismdaily.com. Include the title of this edition in the subject line.

We’d love to hear your reflections on today’s episode - email us at hello@antiracismdaily.com. Include the title of this edition in the subject line.

This podcast uses computer-generated audio. Inconsistencies may occur.

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