Tommie Smith is most well-known not only for winning gold in the Men’s 200m in the 1968 Olympics, but for being snapped in an iconic photo from the victory podium:
Given the volatile state of the country during this time, this black power salute given by Smith and fellow American runner, John Carlos was a powerful symbol that many people needed to hear & see.
Fast-forward to tonight’s monday night football game, Smith once again finds himself in front of thousands…and once again he finds himself living in a country where things seem to be working differently for him as opposed to others; so:
The fire that burns the brightest in the Raiders organization is the will to win.
Olympic champion Tommie Smith lights the torch in Mexico. pic.twitter.com/EocNkNKEoB
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) November 22, 2016
Big props to the Oakland Raiders for giving Smith this platform.