Race, Culture, and the Revolt of the Black Athlete

This book explores the iconic protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos, analyzing its impact on race, sports, and the civil rights movement.

Since 1968, an iconic image has become a powerful symbol of race in American sports: sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the podium at the Mexico City Olympics, their black-gloved fists raised in protest. This moment not only captured the attention of the world but also sparked critical conversations about racial inequalities in sports and society. But what motivated their act of defiance? What were the repercussions of their protest, and how did it resonate within the larger civil rights movement?

In Race, Culture, and the Revolt of the Black Athlete, Douglas Hartmann delves into these questions through extensive archival research and firsthand accounts. He examines the historical context surrounding Smith and Carlos, placing their actions within the broader narrative of the civil rights movement and the contentious role of black athletes in American sports. Despite facing significant backlash, their protest ultimately contributed to significant changes in the structure of amateur athletics in the United States.

Hartmann transitions from historical storytelling to cultural critique, offering insights into the ongoing relationship between race and sport in America today. By analyzing this pivotal event and its aftermath, the book encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of race in contemporary sports and society, revealing lessons that continue to resonate in our current cultural landscape.