Tommie Smith prefers to call the iconic Olympic moment he shared — the often-labeled black power salute — by another name.
“It went further than black power,” Smith told NBC Sports last year. “I’d rather call it people power.”
Oct. 16 marks the 50th anniversary of the Mexico City Olympic 200m final, won by Smith with U.S. teammate John Carlos earning bronze. Later that night, Smith and Carlos each thrust one, black-gloved first atop the medal stand as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played.
NBC Sports and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA air programs marking the 50th anniversary of the Mexico City Games this month.