It remains among the most iconic Olympics photographs — John Carlos and Tommie Smith, their gloved hands raised and heads bowed, on the medal stand at the 1968 Mexico City Games.
The simple gesture wasn't so simple in its meaning. The two U.S. sprinters delivered the Black Power salute while standing with only black socks on their feet to represent poverty among members of their race. It was a time of upheaval in America wrought by the struggle for civil rights and to end segregation.
MORE: Greatest American Olympians | Ravens' Watson shares thoughts on police, race
Both men faced immediate backlash for bringing political opinions to the Games.