This iconic moment in American history occurred when African American winners Tommie Smith (gold medalist) and John Carlos (bronze medalist) used the podium to express their opposition to racism during the U.S. national anthem at the Olympic Games, in 1968. As members of the Olympic Project for Human Rights their silent ‘black power’ salute resulted in them returning home as hero’s to the African American community, whilst the wider community, who were furious at their political statement, ensured they were suspended from the US team and the Olympic Village. For several years afterwards they received death threats and were unable to obtain employment as a result of their courageous actions.         Tommie Smith and John Carlos