Black Power Salute

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Synopsis

Film about one of the most iconic images of the 20th century, when the radical spirit of the Sixties upstaged the greatest sporting event in the world. Two men made a courageous gesture that reverberated around the world and changed their lives forever. There were a number of unforgettable performances at Mexico City Olympic Games and many world records were broken, but the enduring image from the 1968 Games was when African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved clenched fists in support of the Black Panther movement during the Star Spangled Banner, after receiving gold and bronze medals for the 200m sprint. They were subsequently banned from the Games for life. This documentary asks what inspired them to make their protest, why it carried such a powerful message and what happened to the unlikely revolutionaries following the Games.

Credits

Producer

Natasha Dack

Broadcasts

1. Wed 9 Jul 2008
   21:00
   BBC Four
2. Thu 10 Jul 2008
   00:45
   BBC Four
3. Thu 10 Jul 2008
   02:45
   BBC Four
4. Tue 5 Aug 2008
   10:00
   Satellite and Cable Four
5. Tue 5 Aug 2008
   12:00
   Satellite and Cable Four
6. Tue 5 Aug 2008
   18:00
   Satellite and Cable Four
7. Wed 13 Aug 2008
   20:00
   BBC Four
8. Thu 14 Aug 2008
   01:30
   BBC Four
9. Fri 15 Aug 2008
   23:15
   BBC Four
10. Wed 27 Aug 2008
    23:20
    BBC Two
11. Tue 23 Sep 2008
    02:15
    BBC Four