The 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City took place at the height of the civil rights movement. As a result, some athletes chose to use their platforms to make a statement about racial injustice. Most notably, after winning gold and bronze in the 200-meter dash, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists on the podium as the national anthem began to play. Their protest stunned the world — and cost them their spot on the Olympic team — but it served as an unforgettable tribute to Black power.