The next two pages or so, will host an expanding exhibit honoring the impact of the "Black Power Salute." A raised, clenched Black fist became a gripping signal of allegiance to community especially after the 1968 Olympics when Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in protest at the awarding of their Olympic medals. While they were inappropriately barred from further participation in the Olympics for their actions, and were called everything from "Black Skinned Storm Troopers" to "Nazi-like", that single beautiful act of resistance in a Euro-traditional forum was a huge, proud moment that resonated among Black peoples the world over.
Also though, Cobbs Alert (cobb.typepad.com) reminds us of the "Black Power handshake, the "high five", "slapping five," "the pound," and the raised fist or "Black Power Salute" - all of which were fixtures in streets and in households across Black communities.
Cobb makes the cogent point that there appears to be no in depth literature on the the salute and other powerful gestures and signals primarily invented by Black men and shared among Black people, other progressive and activist groups and even more conservative Black's and White's in their tender moments of exhibiting temporary coolness.
So physical and graceful, and loving are these Black gestures of power, comraderie and liberation, that examination and documentation of their history and contemporary perpetuation and evolvement are long overdue.
Meantime, look here for a managerie of clenched fists in honor of that relatively untold history and critical importance as a Black propeller of belief, resistance, dissent and Social Change.
Events Immediately Preceding the Black Power Protest at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics
"Yes, there were mass non violent protests against the Mexican Government, and the Mexican military opened fire, killing approximately 250 people 10 days before the opening ceremony of the Olympics.
The International Olympic Committee took the position that this was a domestic affair, and that it didn't affect the Olympics - yet - a couple of weeks later when Tommy Smith and John Carlos won the Gold and Bronze medals in the 200 meters they staged a silent non-violent protest, what was called a Black Power protest.
This completely outraged the International Olympic Committee, and they (Smith and Carlos) were forced to leave country.
(Mention which box, and your comment will hyperlink people back here)
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