Olympian Tommie Smith to speak at PUC

Dr. Tommie Smith, one of the two figures in the iconic photo of the Black Power salute during the 1968 Olympics, will speak at Pacific Union College at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 in the Dauphinee Chapel of Winning Hall on the college campus. The event, hosted by PUC’s Black Student Union, is free and open to the public.

During the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, Tommie Smith broke the world and Olympic records with a time of 19.83 seconds and became the 200-meter Olympic champion. As the Star Spangled Banner was played, Smith and John Carlos stood wearing their Olympic medals, each with a raised a clenched fist in a stand for human rights, liberation and solidarity. The act was captured in a powerful iconic photo that is among the most famous Olympic moments. This act propelled Smith into the spotlight as a human rights spokesman, activist, and symbol of African American pride at home and abroad. Smith has made a commitment to dedicate his life to champion the cause of oppressed people.

Dr. Smith will host a meet and greet immediately following the program.