Activist, gold medalist Tommie Smith to speak at Stanislaus State on Friday
Tommie Smith said he still thinks about his “silent gesture” during the 1968 Olympics every day.
After Smith won the gold medal in the 200-meter dash and Team USA teammate John Carlos won the bronze, the two raised their fists during the award ceremony with the purpose of calling attention to racial disparity, especially toward African Americans in the United States.
“I am the 1968 Olympics,” Smith said.
Smith, who has been a college instructor and given speeches for over 50 years, is giving a presentation on “The Power of a Dream” on Friday at the Mainstage Theatre at Stanislaus State at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public.
The presentation will focus on “why it is important to give voice to the things that matter,” according to a press release.
Smith said last week he has spoken all throughout Northern California but can’t remember giving a speech in the Central Valley.
“I am going to talk about how students can participate in movements through abilities and actions,” he said.
Smith, who was expelled from the 1968 Olympic Games after his gesture, said former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Pitman High grad Colin Kaepernick used his platform to “fight back racist attitudes” when Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem during the 2016 NFL season.
Kaepernick hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since the end of the 2016 season.
“Colin bowed for recognition and I stood for recognition,” Smith said. “It was brave for him to use his life as many have before him with the need of improvements.”.
Smith said Kaepernick was “brave” and took an “uncalculated risk” with his actions.
The Lemoore High grad said with the rise of social media, athletes from college to the pros are using their platform to talk about social change.
“Especially in the professional ranks, money is important but not everything,” Smith said. “They (athletes) are standing up and are becoming very strong advocates of social change.”
Smith’s speech is in conjunction with Stan State’s campus observance of Black History Month.
Friday’s speech at Turlock campus won’t be the first time Smith has been in the Central Valley as he said he ran in the Modesto Relays a few times.
“Everyone who was someone came to the Modesto Relays,” Smith said.
As a track and field athlete, Smith — who ran for San Jose State during its famed “Speed City” days — set seven individual world records. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1978 and also played wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
In 2008, he and Carlos received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
After his speech, Smith will do a book signing for his autobiography, “Silent Gesture.” Copies of the book will be on sale in the lobby.
