A rare African American 'Olympic Project For Human Rights' protest button from the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, black and green printing on white cellul
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A rare African American 'Olympic Project For Human Rights' protest button from the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games, black and green printing on white celluloid, 6.5cm. diameter, brooch fitting, a rare and historically significant survival Team mates at San Jose University, Tomme Smith and John Carlos were both competitors in the 200 metres final and won the gold and bronze medals respectively. At the medal ceremony Smith and Carlos stood on the podium wearing black socks without shoes and both wore an Olympic Project For Human Rights button such as the example being offered here. They also both wore a black scarf around the neck. As the American flags were raised in the stadium and the National Anthem was played, Smith and Carlos bowed their heads and each raised a gloved fist in the 'Black Power' salute.