*Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the American Olympic sprinters who raised their fists during the 1968 Olympics, joined Team USA during a visit to the White House on Thursday (0929-16) for a meeting with President Barack Obama.
As The News & Observer notes, during the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City, Smith and Carlos — who won the gold and bronze in the 200-meter dash respectively — each wore a black glove and raised their fists in a Black Power salute while the American national anthem played. They were subsequently suspended by the U.S. Olympic Committee and asked to immediately leave the Olympic Village.
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However, for their so-called act of civil disobedience, the duo has been immortalized in the recently opened National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The Associated Press reported that United States Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun asked the men to serve as ambassadors for the organization.
“I think Tommie and John have played an important and positive role in the evolution of our attitudes about diversity and inclusion, not only in the United States but around the world,” Blackmun said on Friday night.
They joined the U.S. team at the White House and also at an awards celebration Wednesday night.
In 2008, Smith and Carlos were honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to mark the 40th anniversary of their decision to take a public stand against racism and intolerance.
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