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, on October 7, 1967. The group aimed 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 overall.

The OPHR suggested that Black athletes should not take part in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City to make their point. However, while many athletes connected with the OPHR did not all agree to boycott together, several individuals made their own statements of protest during the Olympics.

One of the most remembered protests happened when Smith and Carlos gave what is known as the Black Power salute at the Games. In his own book, Smith said he hoped people would understand that their actions were about human rights for everyone, not just about Black Power. 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' success in sports showed that racial equality was improving in the United States. However, Black athletes like Bill Russell spoke out about the racism they faced. Some suggested that Black athletes should boycott the Olympic Games to protest unfair treatment.

The idea for a boycott began with activist Dick Gregory and later grew with athletes like Tommie Smith and sociologist Harry Edwards. Edwards organized a meeting on October 7, 1967, where the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) was created. The group planned to use a boycott of the 1968 Summer Olympics to fight for equal rights.

Proposed boycott of the 1968 Summer Olympics

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) planned to ask Black athletes to skip the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City to draw attention to the need for human rights and to protest racism in sports. They said 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) aimed to fight for equal rights and against racism. In February 1968, they organized a boycott of a track meet at Madison Square Garden because the venue excluded Black and Jewish members. This protest showed that such actions could work, raising hopes for bigger changes.

Around the same time, the International Olympic Committee decided to allow South Africa, which had strict racial laws, to compete. Many countries, including those in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, threatened to boycott the Olympics if South Africa was allowed. Because of this pressure, the Olympic Committee changed its mind and banned South Africa from the Games. The OPHR supported this move but still wanted more changes. Later, when it became clear they couldn’t get enough athletes to boycott the Olympics, they decided instead to make individual protests during the events.

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 powerful statement during the 1968 Summer Olympics. After winning medals in the 200-meter dash, they stood on the podium with raised fists, wearing black socks and gloves to show support for their cause. Their actions were a symbol of unity and pride for Black Americans and drew attention to issues of equality and respect. Though their protest led to some criticism and challenges for them afterward, it remains a memorable moment in sports history.

Other OPHR supporters at the 1968 Summer Olympics

Lee Evans, a key member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR), 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, though 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. Unfortunately, Norman faced backlash from his own country's Olympic committee for his support.

Recent sporting protests

In 2016, American football player Colin Kaepernick began protesting during the national anthem to draw attention to racial injustice and police 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 to show support for oppressed people around the world. Another athlete, American fencer Race Imboden, showed a symbol on his hand during his medal ceremony to protest against racism and gun violence in the United States.