Athlete Activism: Justice and Power for Black Americans

By Dylann Gretz | Graphic by Gigi Claus |

At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved fists during their medal ceremony and changed the face of sports activism forever. Their gesture –an ode to Black power–was a political statement in solidarity with Black Americans facing continual oppression and discrimination. 

Following their statement, Carlos and Smith were immediately expelled from the Olympics – while their athletic careers were in jeopardy, the two also faced global ridicule and threats. Despite the social turmoil endured at the time, the two became world renowned and admired for their courage. 

History repeated itself – as it does –in 2016 when San Francisco 49ers player Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem in protest of police brutality in the United States. Kaepernick’s actions caused an uproar of negative responses, and soon after his protest, his contract ended and he left the NFL. Many hypothesized that he was blacklisted from the NFL after his contract ended; he had only played three years in the league. 

Like Carlos and Smith, Kaepernick’s controversy also came with significant support. After Kaepernick’s protest, athletes across the U.S. began kneeling during the national anthem to show their alliance with Kaepernick’s beliefs. With each athlete’s kneel, more awareness spread for systemic racism in the United States. 

Smith, Carlos and Kaepernick are not the only athletes who have demonstrated in protest of social injustice. From smaller athletes like Toni Smith Thompson – a Division 3 women’s basketball ball player who turned her back on the American flag during the national anthem in 2003 – to whole teams like the WNBA’s New York Liberty and Seattle Storm – who walked out before the national anthem and dedicated their 2020 season to Breonna Taylor – many athletes have used their platform for social change. 

The impact of these gestures outweighs the hate brought forth onto the protesting athletes. Sports activism has been – and will continue to be – a critical part of bringing awareness to injustices in America and promoting social change. In 2020 when the WNBA wore t-shirts that said “Vote Warnock” and spoke openly about the importance of the Black vote in political elections, people listened and registered to vote. Jackie Robinson was fearless enough to speak on the importance of ending racial segregation while he himself broke the color barrier after being signed to the Dodgers in 1947. He made history and changed the future for athletes of color. Even after 5 decades, protesters still raise their fists the way Smith and Carlos did at the Mexico City Olympics, they still refuse to stand for the national anthem and they still turn away from the flag all protesting the same things athletes did before them. 

From Simone Biles to Muhammad Ali, Black athletes have revolutionized sports; it is undeniable that they have changed the game. Historically, sports have been an outlet for Black excellence and an important part of Black American culture – not only have they played key roles in civil rights activism, but they have worked as inspiration for many. Sports have long served as a powerful platform for activism, playing a vital role in the fight against racial injustice. They continue to spotlight both the struggles and achievements of Black Americans while amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.