and in america it was tumultuous and violent. assassinations took from us a kennedy and a king. the vietnam war was the defining issue while issues of race and poverty led to riots and flames in american city streets. against that backdrop two american runners finished first and third in the 200-meter sprint at the olympic games in mexico city. tommy smith and john carlos then decided to take a stand and make a very bold statement. they removed their shoes on the medal stand to symbolize poverty and they wore beads to symbolize the scourge of lynchings. and to symbolize the black power movement they chose to raise their fists and they bowed their heads during the national anthem. one right fist, one left because one of them forgot to bring their pair of black gloves. so they split a pair. boos rained down upon the men. they were forced from the games. they were ostracized by some of their fellow athletes and by sports organizers.