Olympic Black Power Statue — Attraction in San Jose

The Olympic Black Power Salute Statue is a must-see. The sculptor Ricardo Gouveia did an outstanding job in capturing the iconic gestures by Smith and Carlos. For those who lack historical perspective, Peter Norman was fine with his figure not being present as artist Gouveia has been clear in his interpretation of why he kept it blank. Anyway, it is at a great location with a very serene setting to allow for reflection and perspective. My hope is more people become inspired have a thirst to gain more knowledge about the meaning of the statue as well as issues which led to the boycott discussion. There is plenty of material available. "Upon Drawn Arms" - "The Salute (Peter Norman)" and "The John Carlos Story" just...

I was very impressed with this statue located at the heart of San Jose State. There is meter parking on the street that accepts credit cards. This statue was breathtaking. I have studied and followed that event and this is a fitting tribute to the two pioneer alumni John Carlos and Tommie Smith and their protest on the podium at the 1968 Olympics. If you do not know about the controversial protest, which somewhat mirrors that of Colin Kaepernick, it is a good story to read about. The statue is huge and the colors are perfect. I could not stop staring. There is also a small exhibit for John Carlos in the nearby Hall. The campus is clean...

During their medal ceremony in the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City on October 16, 1968, African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos each raised a black-gloved fistduring the playing of the US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". While on the podium, Smith and Carlos, who had won gold and bronze medals respectively in the 200-meter running event of the 1968 Summer Olympics, turned to face the US flag and then kept their hands raised until the anthem had finished. In addition, Smith, Carlos, and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman all wore human-rights badges on...