Olympic Project for Human Rights

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) was an American organization started by sociologist Harry Edwards and several Black American athletes, including famous Olympic sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos in 1967. The group wanted to support civil rights and human rights for Black people in the United States and for Africans in places like South Africa. They also wanted to fight against racism in sports.

The OPHR suggested that Black athletes should not take part in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City to make their point. However, not all athletes agreed to boycott together. Some athletes made their own statements of protest during the Olympics.

One famous protest happened when Smith and Carlos gave what is known as the Black Power salute at the Games. Smith said he hoped people would understand that their actions were about human rights for everyone. The work of the OPHR and these powerful gestures are part of a longer story of athletes standing up for racial equality. Even many years later, people like Colin Kaepernick have carried on these traditions of using sports to speak out for justice.

Background to the OPHR

In the 1960s, many people thought that Black athletes doing well in sports meant that things were getting better for everyone in the United States. But Black athletes like Bill Russell talked about the unfair treatment they faced because of their skin color. Some people thought Black athletes should not go to the Olympic Games to show they were unhappy with this treatment.

The idea for not going to the games started with an activist named Dick Gregory. Later, athletes like Tommie Smith and a sociologist named Harry Edwards helped it grow. Edwards organized a meeting on October 7, 1967. At this meeting, they created the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). The group wanted to use not going to the 1968 Summer Olympics to fight for fair treatment for everyone.

Proposed boycott of the 1968 Summer Olympics

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) wanted Black athletes to skip the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. They did this to show the need for human rights and to protest racism in sports. The boycott would only happen if six important changes were made. These included not allowing South Africa and Rhodesia to compete, giving back Muhammad Ali's boxing title, and hiring more Black coaches for the U.S. Olympic team.

The group's leader, Harry Edwards, shared these ideas in December 1967 with other important figures, including Martin Luther King Jr.. People had different thoughts about the boycott. Some believed sports offered great chances for Black Americans, while others felt the boycott was needed to make real change.

OPHR before the 1968 Summer Olympics

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) wanted to fight for equal rights and against unfair treatment of people. In February 1968, they organized a protest against a track meet at Madison Square Garden because the venue would not allow Black and Jewish members. This protest showed that such actions could make a difference.

At the same time, the International Olympic Committee decided to let South Africa compete. South Africa had strict racial laws. Many countries, including those in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, said they would not take part if South Africa was allowed. Because of this, the Olympic Committee decided not to let South Africa compete. The OPHR supported this but still wanted more changes. Later, they decided to make individual protests during the events instead of a big boycott.

Black Power salute

Main article: 1968 Olympics Black Power salute

Two members of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, made a strong statement during the 1968 Summer Olympics. After winning medals in the 200-meter dash, they stood on the podium with raised fists. They wore black socks and gloves to show support for their cause. Their actions were a symbol of unity and pride for Black Americans. They drew attention to issues of equality and respect. Their protest led to some criticism, but it remains a memorable moment in sports history.

Other OPHR supporters at the 1968 Summer Olympics

Lee Evans was an important part of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). He won the 400-meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics. With teammates Larry James and Ron Freeman, he showed support by wearing a black beret and making a raised fist gesture. They did not face harsh criticism like some other athletes.

Some white athletes also supported the OPHR. Members of the Harvard University men's rowing team publicly backed the group's goals for equality. Australian sprinter Peter Norman showed solidarity by standing with athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos during their famous protest. Sadly, Norman faced some negative reactions from his country's Olympic committee for his support.

Recent sporting protests

In 2016, American football player Colin Kaepernick started protesting during the national anthem. He wanted to show concern about unfair treatment of Black people in the United States. His actions inspired many athletes in different sports to also make protests.

During the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, some athletes continued this tradition of protest. For example, American track and field athlete Raven Saunders crossed her arms in the shape of an "X" on the medal podium. She did this to show support for people treated unfairly around the world. Another athlete, American fencer Race Imboden, showed a symbol on his hand during his medal ceremony. He did this to speak out against unfair treatment and problems with guns in the United States.