Streaming Media
Abstract
Video interview with Dr. Tommie Smith, former track & field athlete, NFL wide receiver, coach, and professor. In the 1968 Summer Olympics, after winning gold, Tommie Smith raised his fist on the podium to show solidarity with people fighting for human rights in the United States and internationally. In this 2008 interview, Dr. Smith begins talking about how running has always been a part of his life. He tells of being a child of poor farmers in Texas during the 1940's, moving to California at age 6, and of a life of hard work and church. He discusses becoming interested in civil rights in college during the 1960's. Dr. Smith goes into detail about his experience during the 1968 Summer Olympics, the decision to raise his fist on the vicotry podium, and the response he faced afterwards.
Scholarship Type
Faculty Scholarship
Publication Date
4-11-2008
City and State
Greenville (S.C.)
Subject(s)
Smith, Tommie, 1944-; Olympic athletes; Olympic Games (19th : 1968 : Mexico City, Mexico); Civil rights United States History;
Recommended Citation
Smith, Tommie and Tollison, Courtney, "Tommie Smith Oral History" (2008). Furman University Oral Histories. 45.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/oral-histories/45
Disciplines
History
Rights
Copyright Furman University Department of History. Materials are intended for non-commercial, educational, and personal use only, and are not to be reproduced or distributed without written permission. In compliance with fair use, whenever items are used for personal use, research, or teaching, please credit as follows: 'Furman University, Department of History'.
