Tommie Smith/John Carlos Sublimation Tee (AOP)

Tommie Smith is best known for his powerful and historic protest at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, a moment that had significant implications for both the Olympic Games and the Black Liberation Movement. On October 16, 1968, Smith won the gold medal in the 200-meter race, setting a world record, while John Carlos won the bronze. During the medal ceremony, Smith and Carlos raised their fists in the Black Power salute while the American national anthem played. They were barefoot, wearing black socks to symbolize Black poverty. Smith wore a black scarf for Black pride, and Carlos had his tracksuit partially unzipped to show solidarity with blue-collar workers. Both athletes also wore Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) badges, emphasizing their commitment to the fight for equality. This protest brought international attention to the struggles and injustices faced by Black Americans and other marginalized communities, highlighting issues like racial discrimination, poverty, and human r