1948 – Tommy Smith Is Born, Future Olympic Protest Icon

Tommy Smith, the African American sprinter who would become a global symbol of Black power and human rights, was born on June 16, 1944. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Smith won gold in the 200-meter race and used the medal stand to make a silent yet thunderous political statement. Alongside bronze medalist John Carlos, Smith raised a black-gloved fist in salute of Black power during the national anthem. The gesture cost him dearly—both athletes were suspended and faced public backlash—but it also cemented their place in history. Smith’s activism predated Colin Kaepernick and other athlete-activists by decades. His legacy continues to inspire those who use platforms for justice. Born in Clarksville, Texas, Smith’s life was shaped by poverty, faith, and athletic brilliance. June 16 is a fitting day to honor a man who risked everything to make a stand seen around the world.