The raised fists of two African-American Olympic medal winners at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, is one of the most iconic images of our time. The man standing on the podium in 1st place, Tommie Smith, talks about that moment and his new autobiography, “Silent Gesture.” [includes rush transcript]

The raised fists of two African-American Olympic medal winners at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, is one of the most iconic images of our time. Today in honor of black history month, we look back at that moment and the men who made it happen. The 1968 Olympics were among the most controversial Olympics ever held — buffeted by the Vietnam War, the Democratic Convention in Chicago, and the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The U.S. Civil Rights movement was grappling with the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King. And ten days before the Olympics were scheduled to open in October, scores of Mexico City University students were killed by army troops.

Officials at the Olympic Games managed to quell any disruption until two black Americans, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who finished first and third in the 200-meter run, bowed their heads and, at great personal risk to themselves, raised their fists in the Black Power salute during the national anthem as a protest against racism in the U.S.

Tommie Smith joins me now from Atlanta. His new autobiography is called “Silent Gesture.” David Steele is the co-author of the book. He is a sports columnist with the Baltimore Sun and he joins us now on the phone.

• Tommie Smith. The only man in track and field history to hold eleven world records simultaneously. He has been an educator and track and field coach for 40 years. His new autobiography is “Silent Gesture.”
• David Steele. Sports Columnist for The Baltimore Sun. Co-Author, “Silent Gesture.”