Tommie Smith to Speak at Delaware State University

Tommie Smith, one of the two figures in the iconic photo of the Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics, will speak at Delaware State University in a presentation entitled “Civil Discourse and Silent Gestures” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the Education & Humanities Theatre on campus. The event is free and open to the public.

During the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Tommie Smith broke the world and Olympic records with a time of 19.83 seconds and became the 200-meter Olympic champion. As the Star Spangled Banner was played, Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood wearing their Olympic medals, each with a raised a clinched fist covered in a black leather glove in a stand for human rights, liberation and solidarity. The act was captured in a powerful iconic photo that is among the most famous Olympic moments.

This act propelled Tommie Smith into the spotlight as a human rights spokesman, activist, and symbol of African American pride at home and abroad. Tommie Smith has made a commitment to dedicate his life to champion the cause of oppressed people.

He has written about his 1968 Olympic experience as well as his life before and after in his 2007 autobiography Silent Gesture, copies of which will be available at the event. Mr. Smith will be available to sign copies of his book after his presentation.