A vintage photograph depicting the most iconic moment of the 1968 Mexico City Summer Olympics: American men's track and field athletes Tommie Smith (born 1944) and John Carlos (born 1945) giving the Black Power salute on the medals podium after the men's 200-meter race on October 16, 1968. The black and white glossy photograph is probably a later restrike from the late 1970s or early 1980s, within a range of about 15 years after the actual event, and is printed on Kodak photo paper. Expected surface wear including a few gentle wrinkles. Isolated mounting traces verso, else near fine. 8" x 10." Accompanied by a RMY Auctions (Wilder, Idaho) Letter of Authenticity, serial number 63367, dated February 19, 2023 and providing an overall grade of 9/10.

The Summer Olympics were held in Mexico City, Mexico from October 12 - 27, 1968. At the men's 200-meter meet on October 16, 1968, American Tommie Smith won the gold medal, Australian Peter Norman won the silver, and American John Carlos secured the bronze. All three medalists showed their support for civil rights by wearing badges associated with the Olympic Project for Human Rights. In addition, Smith and Carlos donned single black gloves on their hands, which they raised in a one-arm salute during the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Smith and Carlos also wore black socks without shoes to symbolize poverty among Black communities in the United States. Both American athletes were later expelled from the Games by the International Olympic Committee in response to what was perceived as inappropriate explicit political messaging.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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