San Jose State University holds a unique and significant place in the history of the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute. It was the alma mater of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the African-American athletes who performed the iconic protest. Their actions, which became one of the most defining acts of protest of the civil rights movement, were deeply intertwined with their time at San Jose State, particularly during the university's "Speed City" era of athletics.
The university's subsequent decision to honor these athletes with a monument underscores its commitment to recognizing their courageous stand against racial discrimination.
The Speed City Era and Presidential Support
In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos were members of San Jose State's renowned "Speed City" athletics program. They competed in the Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where Smith earned a gold medal and Carlos a bronze in the 200-meter race. It was on the medal podium, as "The Star-Spangled Banner" played, that they raised a Black Power salute, a gesture that garnered both widespread disapproval and significant support. Notably, San Jose State University President Robert D. Clark expressed his support for their act, a stance that was particularly significant given the prevailing public sentiment at the time. This early support from the university leadership laid the groundwork for future recognition of the athletes.
The Genesis and Creation of the "Victory Salute" Monument
The idea to honor Smith and Carlos at their alma mater originated in Winter 2002 with San Jose State student Erik Grotz. Inspired by a professor who spoke of Smith and Carlos as "unsung heroes" who had performed a courageous act for civil rights, Grotz initiated a project to create a monument. He collaborated with Dr. Robert Milnes, the Department of Art Chair, to develop a mock-up for the university's Associated Students board. The board approved the project on December 11, 2002, and began fundraising efforts, ultimately raising over $300,000 for the endeavor.
Initially, the statue was planned for a different location, but it was later moved to a more central spot on campus, adjacent to Tower Hall and the Robert D. Clark Hall. This new location was chosen to honor President Clark's earlier support of the protest. On October 16, 2003, the 35th anniversary of the protest, Portuguese artist Rigo 23 was announced as the sculptor for the project. The monument, officially named "Victory Salute" and commonly referred to as the Olympic Black Power Statue, was assembled in early October 2005.
Unveiling and Lasting Commemoration
"Victory Salute" was unveiled to the public on October 17, 2005, drawing hundreds of attendees. The event included a panel discussion featuring Smith and Carlos themselves, along with Peter Norman, fellow Speed City sprinter Lee Evans, and head coach Payton Jordan. Additional speeches were delivered by San Jose vice-mayor Cindy Chavez, San Jose State President Don W. Kassing, and actor Delroy Lindo. Smith and Carlos were also awarded honorary doctorate degrees. The unveiling ceremony itself mirrored the original protest, taking place during a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
In January 2007, History San Jose further highlighted the university's connection to the event by opening an exhibit titled "Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power." This exhibit focused on how San Jose State's athletic program and its student athletes gained global recognition during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. To provide greater historical context for visitors, a plaque was added in front of the "Victory Salute" statue in 2008. The plaque explicitly states that San José State University student-athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos "Stood for Justice, Dignity, Equality, and Peace," and that the university and Associated Students commemorate their legacy. In 2022, San Jose State students and faculty integrated "Victory Salute" into their "Public Art as Resistance" project, ensuring its continued relevance and educational impact.
