"The land of the free and the home of the brave," the

notorious line from America's national anthem, Star-

Spangled Banner, but how true was this for African-
Americans during the Civil Rights Movement? On
October 16, 1968, gold medalist Tommie Smith and
bronze medalist John Carlos challenged "the false vision
of what it meant to be black in America." (Pg. 108, John
Carlos story) Despite being ridiculed and ostracized for
their defiant act, which respectfully recognized as an
iconic, powerful image labeled as the "black power
salute" in the summer Olympics of 1968 in Mexico City.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos grew raised only a year
apart and had quite different upbringings. Growing up,
each had encountered some type of racism. Their
background and experiences influenced their beliefs and
principles, which were realized on October 16. Prior to
the most iconic sporting moment in history, their
background and experiences served as stepping stones to
something bigger.