Power from the Podium

Power from the Podium: The Story of Black Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos, is a wonderfully written and richly illustrated story of two Olympic icons whose silent Black Power protest at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico reverberated worldwide. From the awards podium during the playing of the American National Anthem, Tommie and John, heads bowed with their black-gloved fists raised in the Black Power symbol, signified one of the most powerful protests in sports history that called attention to Black social justice and racial inequality. This powerful message about race in America transformed world consciousness and changed their lives forever.

Remembered as courageous trailblazers, today, Smith and Carlos are celebrated as pioneers of athletic activism and much like Muhammed Ali's 1967 Vietnam protest have inspired generations of athletes to use their platforms to herald social and political causes and inequities including Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protest at the NFL.  In Power from the Podium: The Story of Black Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos, Dr. Ptahsen-Shabazz captures their brave spirits and greatness as never before.