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{{Short description|Statue at San Jose State University, United States}}
{{Short description|Statue at San Jose State University, United States}}
{{Italic title}}{{Infobox artwork
{{Italic title}}{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox artwork
| title = Victory Salute
| title = Victory Salute
| image = File:"Victory Salute", Olympic Black Power Statue 2 (cropped).jpg
| image = File:"Victory Salute", Olympic Black Power Statue 2 (cropped).jpg
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| year = 2005
| year = 2005
| completion_date =
| completion_date =
| medium = Bronze Sautes covered in a fiberglass mosaic
| medium = fiberglass and ceramic
| movement =
| movement =
| subject = [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]]
| subject = [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]]
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| museum =
| museum =
| city = [[San Jose, California]], United States
| city = [[San Jose, California]], United States
| coordinates = {{coord|37.335495|-121.882563|region:US-CA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|37|20|7.8|N|121|52|57.2|W|region:US-CA_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| owner = [[San Jose State University]]
| owner = [[San Jose State University]]
| accession =
| accession =
| module =
| module =
| website = <!-- Official webpage/site only: {{URL|example.com}} -->
| italic title = yes
| italic title = yes
| mapframe =
| mapframe = yes
| mapframe-zoom =
| mapframe-zoom = 14
| preceded_by = <!-- preceding work by the same artist -->
| preceded_by = <!-- preceding work by the same artist -->
| followed_by = <!-- next work by the same artist -->
| followed_by = <!-- next work by the same artist -->
| website = <!-- Official webpage/site only: {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
}}
'''''Victory Salute''''', commonly referred to as the '''Olympic Black Power Statue''', is a monument depicting the [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute]] performed by African-American athletes [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]]. The monument consists of two [[Bronze sculpture|bronze statues]] covered in a [[Mosaic|fiberglass mosaic]], atop a concrete base designed to emulate the [[Podium#Use at modern Olympics|Olympic podium]]. It was created in 2005 by Portuguese artist [[Rigo 23]] and is installed next to [[Tower Hall (San Jose State University)|Tower Hall]] on the [[San Jose State University]] campus, in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], California, United States.
'''''Victory Salute''''', commonly referred to as the '''Olympic Black Power Statue''', is a monument depicting the [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute]] performed by African-American athletes [[Tommie Smith]] and [[John Carlos]]. The monument consists of two [[fiberglass]] statues covered in ceramic tiles, atop a concrete base designed to emulate the [[Podium#Use at modern Olympics|Olympic podium]]. It was created in 2005 by Portuguese artist [[Rigo 23]] and is installed next to [[Tower Hall (San Jose State University)|Tower Hall]] on the [[San Jose State University|San José State University]] campus, in [[San Jose, California|San Jose]], California, United States.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:John Carlos, Tommie Smith, Peter Norman 1968cr.jpg|left|thumb|227x227px|The photo recreated by ''Victory Salute'']]
[[File:John Carlos, Tommie Smith, Peter Norman 1968cr.jpg|left|thumb|227x227px|The photo recreated by ''Victory Salute'']]
In 1968, as members of San Jose State's [[Speed City|Speed City era]] of athletics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos competed in the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in [[Mexico City]]. After earning gold and bronze medals respectively, the duo raised a [[Black Power]] salute while ''"''[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" played, which became one of the most defining acts of protest of the [[civil rights movement]].<ref name="SJSU">{{cite web |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://www.as.sjsu.edu/legacy/Smith-Carlos.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218111444/http://www.as.sjsu.edu/legacy/Smith-Carlos.pdf |archive-date=December 18, 2008 |access-date=9 November 2008 |publisher=[[SJSU]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="BBC3">{{cite news |date=17 October 1968 |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723190733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm |archive-date=23 July 2010 |access-date=9 November 2008 |publisher=BBC |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slot |first=Owen |date=2024-10-19 |title=America finally honours rebels as clenched fist becomes salute |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/america-finally-honours-rebels-as-clenched-fist-becomes-salute-36lcjr07wh6 |access-date=2024-05-17 |language=en |issn=0140-0460}}</ref>
In 1968, as members of San Jose State's [[Speed City|Speed City era]] of athletics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos competed in the [[1968 Summer Olympics]] in Mexico City. After earning gold and bronze medals respectively, the duo raised a [[Black Power]] salute while "[[The Star-Spangled Banner]]" played, which became one of the most defining acts of protest of the [[civil rights movement]].<ref name="SJSU">{{cite web |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://www.as.sjsu.edu/legacy/Smith-Carlos.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218111444/http://www.as.sjsu.edu/legacy/Smith-Carlos.pdf |archive-date=December 18, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2008 |publisher=[[SJSU]] }}</ref><ref name="BBC3">{{cite news |date=October 17, 1968 |title=1968: Black athletes make silent protest |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723190733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/october/17/newsid_3535000/3535348.stm |archive-date=July 23, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2008 |publisher=[[BBC]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slot |first=Owen |date=October 19, 2024 |title=America finally honours rebels as clenched fist becomes salute |newspaper=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/america-finally-honours-rebels-as-clenched-fist-becomes-salute-36lcjr07wh6 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |language=en |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194157/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/america-finally-honours-rebels-as-clenched-fist-becomes-salute-36lcjr07wh6 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite disapproval of the protest among the general public, San Jose State University President [[Robert D. Clark]] expressed his support of the act.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Asimov |first=Nanette |title=Robert Clark -- former San Jose State president |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Robert-Clark-former-San-Jose-State-president-2624298.php |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323231649/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Robert-Clark-former-San-Jose-State-president-2624298.php |url-status=live }}</ref>


In Spring 2003, San Jose State student, Erik Grotz, initiated a project to honor Smith and Carlos at their [[alma mater]]; "One of my professors was talking about unsung heroes and he mentioned Tommie Smith and John Carlos. He said these men had done a courageous thing to advance civil rights, and, yet, they had never been honored by their own school.".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black Power Olympic Statue by Andy Lopušnak Photography |url=https://pbase.com/andyshots/blackpower |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=PBase |language=en-US}}</ref> Grotz worked with Department of Art Chair, Dr. Robert Milnes to create a mock-up to pitch to the University's Associated Students board, who approved the project and began fundraising.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Barbassa |first=Juliana |title=San Jose State Students Want Statue |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/San-Jose-State-Students-Want-Statue-7121041.php |access-date=2024-05-17 |work=Midland Daily News |language=en}}</ref> On October 16, 2003, the 35th anniversary of the protest, Portugese artist [[Rigo 23]] was announced to be the sculptor for the project.<ref name=":0" />
In Winter 2002, San Jose State student Erik Grotz initiated a project to honor Smith and Carlos at their alma mater; "One of my professors [Cobie Harris]<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last1=Carlos |first1=John |title=The John Carlos Story |last2=Zirin |first2=Dave |publisher=[[Haymarket Books]] |year=2011 |isbn=9781608462247 |pages=168–169 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dr. Cobie Archer Harris (Kwasi) {{!}} NCOBPS, Inc. |url=https://www.ncobps.org/cobi-kwasi-harris |access-date=2024-06-04 |language=en-US}}</ref> was talking about unsung heroes and he mentioned Tommie Smith and John Carlos. He said these men had done a courageous thing to advance civil rights, and, yet, they had never been honored by their own school".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dickey |first=Glenn |date=May 27, 2005 |title=Overdue honor: SJS pays tribute to Smith, Carlos |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Overdue-honor-SJS-pays-tribute-to-Smith-Carlos-2667688.php |website=[[SFGate]] |access-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528182234/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Overdue-honor-SJS-pays-tribute-to-Smith-Carlos-2667688.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Grotz worked with Department of Art Chair, Dr. Robert Milnes to create a mock-up to pitch to the University's Associated Students board, who approved the project on December 11, 2002, and began fundraising.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Barbassa |first=Juliana |date=May 14, 2003 |title=San Jose State Students Want Statue |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/San-Jose-State-Students-Want-Statue-7121041.php |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=[[Midland Daily News]] |language=en}}</ref>


''Victory Salute'' was completed in 2005, with the unveiling drawing hundreds in attendance on October 18, 2005. A discussion was panel held featuring Smith and Carlos, as well as silver-medalist [[Peter Norman|Peter Norman,]] fellow Speed City era sprinter [[Lee Evans (sprinter)|Lee Evans]], and head coach [[Payton Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Beitpolous |first=Ilbra |date=2005-10-18 |title=Panel revisits ’68 Olympics |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173 |journal=[[Spartan Daily]] (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=125 |issue=30 |pages=1}}</ref> Additional speeches were given by vice-mayor of San Jose [[Cindy Chavez]], San Jose State President [[Don Kassing|Don W. Kassing]], and actor [[Delroy Lindo]], followed by [[Honorary degree|honorary doctorate degree]]<nowiki/>s awarded to Smith and Carlos.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=2005-10-18 |title=Statue honors stand at 1968 Olympics |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/10/18/statue-honors-stand-at-1968-olympics/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=East Bay Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cheeto |first=Barrera |date=2005-10-18 |title='Fists of Freedom' Raised over SJSU |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173 |journal=[[Spartan Daily]] (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=125 |issue=30 |pages=1, 4}}</ref> The statue was unveiled during a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner", mirroring the original protest.<ref name=":1" />
The Associated Students raised over $300,000 for the project<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pellissier |first=Hank |date=August 29, 2010 |title=Black Power Statue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/us/29bcintel.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530181503/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/us/29bcintel.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5" /> and initially intended the statue to be placed next to the now former location of the Scheller House<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2019 |title=Historic Scheller House at San Jose State being moved |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/01/09/historic-scheller-house-at-san-jose-state-being-moved/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[The Mercury News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104082259/https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/01/09/historic-scheller-house-at-san-jose-state-being-moved/ |url-status=live }}</ref> on the [[Paseo de San Carlos]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Yuen |first=Kevin |date=October 18, 2004 |title=Carlos and Smith visit King Library, discuss SJSU athletics, '68 Olympics |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9038 |journal=Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=123 |issue=34 |pages=1,3 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408175837/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9038/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the project was moved to be on the lawn adjacent to the [[Tower Hall (San Jose State University)|Tower Hall]] and the Robert D. Clark Hall in order to be in a more central location on campus and to honor President Clark's support of the protest.<ref name=":4" /> On October 16, 2003, the 35th anniversary of the protest, Portuguese artist [[Rigo 23]] was announced as the sculptor for the project.<ref name=":0" />


''Victory Salute'' was assembled in early October 2005,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=White |first1=Kevin |last2=Liu |first2=Ben |date=October 6, 2005 |title=Tommie Stands Tall |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9167 |journal=Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=125 |issue=24 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408183409/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9167/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and was unveiled to the public on October 17, 2005, drawing hundreds in attendance. A panel discussion was held featuring Smith and Carlos, as well as silver-medalist [[Peter Norman]], fellow Speed City era sprinter [[Lee Evans (sprinter)|Lee Evans]], and head coach [[Payton Jordan]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Beitpolous |first=Ilbra |date=October 18, 2005 |title=Panel revisits '68 Olympics |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173 |journal=Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=125 |issue=30 |pages=1 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194206/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Additional speeches were given by vice-mayor of San Jose [[Cindy Chavez]], San Jose State President [[Don Kassing|Don W. Kassing]], and actor [[Delroy Lindo]], followed by [[Honorary degree|honorary doctorate degrees]] awarded to Smith and Carlos.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Beacham |first=Greg |date=October 18, 2005 |title=Statue honors stand at 1968 Olympics |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/10/18/statue-honors-stand-at-1968-olympics/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=[[East Bay Times]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194203/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/10/18/statue-honors-stand-at-1968-olympics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cheeto |first=Barrera |date=October 18, 2005 |title='Fists of Freedom' Raised over SJSU |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173 |journal=Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications) |volume=125 |issue=30 |pages=1, 4 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194206/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9173/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The statue was unveiled during a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner", mirroring the original protest.<ref name=":1" />
In January 2007, [[History San Jose]] opened a new exhibit called ''Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power'', covering the San Jose State athletic program. The exhibit focused on the San Jose State athletic program, highlighting how many student athletes from the Speed city program gained global recognition during Civil Rights and Black Power movements.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 July 2005 |title=Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power |url=http://historysanjose.org/exhibits_collections/current_upcoming_exhibits/speedcity.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206061853/http://www.historysanjose.org/exhibits_collections/current_upcoming_exhibits/speedcity.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |access-date=9 November 2008 |publisher=History San José |df=mdy-all}}</ref>


In January 2007, [[History San Jose]] opened a new exhibit called ''Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power'', covering the San Jose State athletic program. The exhibit focused on the San Jose State athletic program, highlighting how many student athletes from the Speed city program gained global recognition during Civil Rights and Black Power movements.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 28, 2005 |title=Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power |url=http://historysanjose.org/exhibits_collections/current_upcoming_exhibits/speedcity.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206061853/http://www.historysanjose.org/exhibits_collections/current_upcoming_exhibits/speedcity.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |access-date=November 9, 2008 |publisher=[[History San José]] }}</ref>
In 2022, San Jose State students and faculty embedded ''Victory Salute'' into their Public Art as Resistance project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victory Salute {{!}} Public Art as Resistance in San Jose |url=https://www.sjsu.edu/ha-public-art-tour/public-art/black-power.php |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.sjsu.edu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Art as Resistance in San José: A Walking Tour |url=https://humanitiesforall.org/blog/public-art-as-resistance-in-san-jose-a-walking-tour |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=humanitiesforall.org |language=en}}</ref>

In 2008, after critics argued that ''Victory Salute'' did not give unfamiliar onlookers the appropriate historical context, a plaque was added in front of the statue.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Smith |first=Maureen Margaret |date=2009 |title=Frozen Fists in Speed City: The Statue as Twenty-First-Century Reparations |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26405221 |journal=Journal of Sport History |volume=36 |issue=3 |pages=393–414 |jstor=26405221 |issn=0094-1700}}</ref> The plaque reads:
{{Quote frame|text={{Center|At the México City 1968 Olympic Games,<br>San José State University Student-Athletes <br> '''Tommie Smith and John Carlos'''<br>Stood for<br>'''Justice, Dignity, Equality, and Peace.'''<br><br>Hereby the University and Associated Students<br>Commemorate their Legacy. <br><br>16 October 2005.}}|align=center||4=}}

In 2022, San Jose State students and faculty embedded ''Victory Salute'' into their Public Art as Resistance project.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victory Salute {{!}} Public Art as Resistance in San Jose |url=https://www.sjsu.edu/ha-public-art-tour/public-art/black-power.php |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=www.sjsu.edu |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530052943/https://www.sjsu.edu/ha-public-art-tour/public-art/black-power.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Art as Resistance in San José: A Walking Tour |url=https://humanitiesforall.org/blog/public-art-as-resistance-in-san-jose-a-walking-tour |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=humanitiesforall.org |language=en |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194158/https://humanitiesforall.org/blog/public-art-as-resistance-in-san-jose-a-walking-tour |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Public Art as Resistance Walking Tours {{!}} San José Museum of Art |url=https://sjmusart.org/event/public-art-resistance-walking-tours |access-date=May 28, 2024 |website=sjmusart.org |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528182233/https://sjmusart.org/event/public-art-resistance-walking-tours |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Design ==
== Design ==
[[File:"Victory Salute", Olympic Black Power Statue 3 No. 259 John Carlos.jpg|thumb|A closeup of the John Carlos portion of the statue]]''Victory Salute'' was Rigo 23's first-ever sculpture, but wanted the statue to be a "labor of love". In order to correctly sculpt the musculature, he took [[3D scanning|3D full-body scans]] of Smith and Carlos.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Biela |first=Sara |title=Beyond Bronze |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/beyond-bronze |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=sjsunews.com}}</ref> Rigo 23's signature is on the back of Smith's shoe, and the year 2005 is on Carlos' shoe.
''Victory Salute'' was Rigo 23's first-ever sculpture, but he wanted the statue to be a "labor of love". In order to correctly sculpt the musculature, he took [[3D scanning|3D full-body scans]] of Smith and Carlos.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Biela |first=Sara |title=Beyond Bronze |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/beyond-bronze |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=sjsunews.com |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620021128/https://sjsunews.com/article/beyond-bronze |url-status=live }}</ref> Rigo 23's signature is on the back of Smith's shoe, and the year 2005 is on Carlos's shoe.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=San Jose State University, School of Journalism and Mass Communications |date=October 16, 2018 |title=About the Statue |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2018/67 |journal=Spartan Daily, 2018 |volume=151 |issue=24 |pages=B4–B5 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-date=April 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408183750/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2018/67/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


The statues' faces were rendered realistically and with emphasis placed on the emotion of the athletes. They were constructed from fiberglass over steel supports and covered with ceramic tiles, their track pants and jackets form a mosaic of dark blue ceramic tiles, with red and white detailing on the stripes of the track suits.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crumpacker |first=John |title=OLYMPIC PROTEST: Smith and Carlos / Statue captures sprinters' moment / San Jose State honors protest of oppression |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/OLYMPIC-PROTEST-Smith-and-Carlos-Statue-2601229.php |access-date=2024-05-17 |work=SFGATE |language=en}}</ref>
The statues' faces were rendered realistically and with emphasis placed on the emotion of the athletes. They were constructed from fiberglass over steel supports and covered with ceramic tiles, their track pants and jackets form a mosaic of dark blue ceramic tiles, with red and white detailing on the stripes of the track suits.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crumpacker |first=John |title=OLYMPIC PROTEST: Smith and Carlos / Statue captures sprinters' moment / San Jose State honors protest of oppression |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/OLYMPIC-PROTEST-Smith-and-Carlos-Statue-2601229.php |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=[[SFGATE]] |language=en |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194157/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/OLYMPIC-PROTEST-Smith-and-Carlos-Statue-2601229.php |url-status=live }}</ref>


Peter Norman was intentionally occluded from the monument, which Norman himself requested so that visitors could participate by standing in his place, and feeling what he felt.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 October 2011 |title=Part 2: John Carlos, 1968 U.S. Olympic Medalist, On the Response to His Iconic Black Power Salute |url=http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/10/12/part_2_john_carlos_1968_olympic_us_medalist_on_the_response_to_his_iconic_black_power_salute |access-date=8 October 2015 |publisher=Democracy Now! |quote=I would like to have a blank spot there and have a commemorative plaque stating that I was in that spot. But anyone that comes thereafter from around the world and going to San Jose State that support the movement, what you guys had in '68, they could stand in my spot and take the picture.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-06 |title=The Story Behind The Missing Man |url=https://www.bartoldclinical.com/the-story-behind-the-missing-man/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Bartold Clinical |language=en}}</ref> There is a plaque in the empty spot which reads "Fellow Athlete Australian Peter Norman Stood Here in Solidarity Take a Stand".
Peter Norman asked to be excluded from the monument, so that visitors could participate by standing in his place, and feeling what he felt.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Part 2: John Carlos, 1968 U.S. Olympic Medalist, On the Response to His Iconic Black Power Salute |url=http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/10/12/part_2_john_carlos_1968_olympic_us_medalist_on_the_response_to_his_iconic_black_power_salute |access-date=October 8, 2015 |publisher=[[Democracy Now!]] |quote=I would like to have a blank spot there and have a commemorative plaque stating that I was in that spot. But anyone that comes thereafter from around the world and going to San Jose State that support the movement, what you guys had in '68, they could stand in my spot and take the picture. |archive-date=December 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213110652/http://www.democracynow.org/blog/2011/10/12/part_2_john_carlos_1968_olympic_us_medalist_on_the_response_to_his_iconic_black_power_salute |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2020 |title=The Story Behind The Missing Man |url=https://www.bartoldclinical.com/the-story-behind-the-missing-man/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=Bartold Clinical |language=en |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194158/https://www.bartoldclinical.com/the-story-behind-the-missing-man/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Norman said, "Anybody can get up there and stand up for something they believe in. I guess that just about says it all".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zirin |first=Dave |date=October 20, 2005 |title=When Fists are Frozen: The Statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos |url=https://www.edgeofsports.com/column/when-fists-are-frozen-the-statue-of-tommie-smith-and-john-carlos/index.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=Edge of Sports |language=en |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604163653/https://www.edgeofsports.com/column/when-fists-are-frozen-the-statue-of-tommie-smith-and-john-carlos/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5" /> There is a plaque in the empty spot which reads "Fellow Athlete Australian Peter Norman Stood Here in Solidarity; Take a Stand".<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Marinelli |first=Kevin |date=June 20, 2016 |title=Placing second: Empathic unsettlement as a vehicle of consubstantiality at the Silent Gesture statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1750698016653442 |journal=[[Memory Studies]] |language=en |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=440–458 |doi=10.1177/1750698016653442 |issn=1750-6980 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531093111/https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1750698016653442 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Gallery
|File:"Victory Salute", Olympic Black Power Statue 3 No. 259 John Carlos.jpg
|The John Carlos portion of the statue.
|File:Human-rights badges on the Victory Salute Statue.jpg
|A close-up of John Carlos, showing the mosaic of the statue and the [[Olympic Project for Human Rights]] badge worn by all three athletes.
|File:Peter Norman's empty spot on the Victory Salue Statue.jpg
|Peter Norman's intentionally empty place on the podium.
|
|The plaque added in front of ''Victory Salute'' in 2008.
|align=center}}


== Use as protest space ==
== Use as protest space ==
Due to the statue depicting an act of protest during the civil rights movement, as well as its proximity to [[San Jose City Hall]] (less than 0.3 miles away), ''Victory Salute'' and its surrounding lawn have been focal points for protests in San Jose.
Due to ''Victory Salute'' depicting an act of protest during the civil rights movement, as well as its proximity to [[San Jose City Hall]] (less than 0.3 miles away), the statue and its surrounding lawn have been focal points for protests in San Jose.<ref name=":3" />


=== 2020 Black Lives Matter protests ===
=== 2020 Black Lives Matter protests ===
On June 5, 2020, after the [[murder of George Floyd]] and the ensuing [[2020 Black Lives Matter protests|Black Lives Matter protests]], a protest was held at the statue with protestors raising their fists, mirroring the 1968 protest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Group |first=Shayna Rubin {{!}} Bay Area News |date=2020-06-14 |title=SJSU athletes raise awareness, money in unique protest against police brutality |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/14/sjsu-athletes-raise-awareness-money-in-unique-protest-against-police-brutality/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}</ref> On September 1 of that year, [[San Jose State Spartans|San Jose State student athletes]] organized a protest which started with the athletes giving speeches given at ''Victory Salute'', followed by a march to the City Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-02 |title=San Jose State University athletes organize Black Lives Matter solidarity walk in Downtown San Jose - ABC7 San Francisco |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902011545/https://abc7news.com/black-lives-matter-protest-san-jose-state-university-sjsu/6399716/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
On June 5, 2020, after the [[murder of George Floyd]] and the ensuing [[2020 Black Lives Matter protests|Black Lives Matter protests]], a protest was held at ''Victory Salute'' with protestors raising their fists, mirroring the 1968 protest.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Group |first=Shayna Rubin {{!}} Bay Area News |date=June 14, 2020 |title=SJSU athletes raise awareness, money in unique protest against police brutality |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/14/sjsu-athletes-raise-awareness-money-in-unique-protest-against-police-brutality/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=[[The Mercury News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517000521/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/14/sjsu-athletes-raise-awareness-money-in-unique-protest-against-police-brutality/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 1 of that year, [[San Jose State Spartans|San Jose State student athletes]] organized a protest which started with the athletes giving speeches given at ''Victory Salute'', followed by a march to the City Hall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2020 |title=San Jose State University athletes organize Black Lives Matter solidarity walk in Downtown San Jose - ABC7 San Francisco |url=https://abc7news.com/black-lives-matter-protest-san-jose-state-university-sjsu/6399716/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902011545/https://abc7news.com/black-lives-matter-protest-san-jose-state-university-sjsu/6399716/ |archive-date=September 2, 2020}}</ref>


=== 2024 pro-Palestine protests and encampment ===
=== 2024 pro-Palestine protests and encampment ===
[[File:Pro-Palestine Protest at SJSU.jpg|thumb|The 2024 pro-Palestine encampment surrounding ''Victory Salute'']]
[[File:Pro-Palestine Protest at SJSU.jpg|thumb|The 2024 pro-Palestine encampment surrounding ''Victory Salute'']]
On October 12, 2023, after the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Hamas-led attack on Israel]] and subsequent [[Israel–Hamas war]], the San Jose State chapter of [[Students for Justice in Palestine]] organized a protest consisting of speeches given at ''Victory Salute'', followed by a march around the campus.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-10-13 |title=San Jose State University students rally for Palestine |url=https://fightbacknews.org/articles/san-jose-state-university-students-rally-for-palestine |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Fight Back! News |language=en}}</ref>
On October 12, 2023, after the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|Hamas-led attack on Israel]] and subsequent [[Israel–Hamas war]], the San Jose State chapter of [[Students for Justice in Palestine]] organized a protest consisting of speeches given at ''Victory Salute'', followed by a march around the campus.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 13, 2023 |title=San Jose State University students rally for Palestine |url=https://fightbacknews.org/articles/san-jose-state-university-students-rally-for-palestine |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=Fight Back! News |language=en |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517104349/https://fightbacknews.org/articles/san-jose-state-university-students-rally-for-palestine |url-status=live }}</ref>


In April 2024, following the [[2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation|campus occupation at Columbia University]], student protestors began demanding that San Jose State [[Disinvestment from Israel|divest from Israel]] over its [[Allegations of genocide in the 2023 Israeli attack on Gaza|alleged genocide of Palestinians]]. The university's Associated Students board unanimously adopted a measure to boycott [[Silicon Valley]] companies active in pro-Israeli activity on April 24.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Resolution in Support of Boycott From Companies That Have Been Involved in the Human Rights Violations in Palestine |url=https://www.sjsu.edu/as/docs/gov/AS%20SJSU%20Resolution%20in%20Support%20of%20Boycott%20of%20Companies%20involved%20in%20the%20Human%20Rights%20Violations%20in%20Palestine.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508232023/https://www.sjsu.edu/as/docs/gov/AS%20SJSU%20Resolution%20in%20Support%20of%20Boycott%20of%20Companies%20involved%20in%20the%20Human%20Rights%20Violations%20in%20Palestine.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=San Jose State Associated Students}}</ref>
In April 2024, following the [[2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation|campus occupation at Columbia University]], student protestors began demanding that San Jose State [[Disinvestment from Israel|divest from Israel]] over its [[Allegations of genocide in the 2023 Israeli attack on Gaza|alleged genocide of Palestinians]]. The university's Associated Students board unanimously adopted a measure to boycott [[Silicon Valley]] companies involved in pro-Israeli activity on April 24.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Resolution in Support of Boycott From Companies That Have Been Involved in the Human Rights Violations in Palestine |url=https://www.sjsu.edu/as/docs/gov/AS%20SJSU%20Resolution%20in%20Support%20of%20Boycott%20of%20Companies%20involved%20in%20the%20Human%20Rights%20Violations%20in%20Palestine.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508232023/https://www.sjsu.edu/as/docs/gov/AS%20SJSU%20Resolution%20in%20Support%20of%20Boycott%20of%20Companies%20involved%20in%20the%20Human%20Rights%20Violations%20in%20Palestine.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=San Jose State Associated Students}}</ref>


Protests continued on campus,<ref>{{Cite journal |last= |date=2024-05-09 |title=Students protest on Smith & Carlos lawn |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2024/43 |journal=[[Spartan Daily]], 2024 |volume=162 |issue=43 |pages=1}}</ref> when on May 13, an encampment was established on the lawn around ''Victory Salute''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=LaMonica |date=2024-05-13 |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit-in at San Jose State University |url=https://www.ktvu.com/news/pro-palestinian-protesters-stage-sit-in-at-san-jose-state-university |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=KTVU FOX 2 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SJSU Sit-In in Solidarity with Palestine |url=https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2024/05/09/18866053.php |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Indybay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-14 |title=San Jose State students set up pro-Palestine encampment, but school warns it must come down |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/14/san-jose-state-students-set-up-pro-palestine-encampment/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}</ref> One of the encampment's demands was the firing of history professor Johnathan Roth after a physical altercation between himself and a pro-Palestine protestor in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |last2=Noah |date=2024-02-26 |title=San José State University puts professor on leave over altercation with pro-Palestine student |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-02-26/san-jose-university-puts-professor-on-leave-after-altercation-with-pro-palestine-student |access-date=2024-05-14 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 14, the University communicated with the protestors about their demands but asserted that the encampment had to be disbanded before finals began on May 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannestra |first=B. Sakura |date=2024-05-15 |title=San Jose State students stage protest and call for divestment |url=https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-state-university-sjsu-students-stage-protest-and-call-for-divestment-israel-hamas-war/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=San José Spotlight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ta |first=Alina |date=May 16, 2024 |title=San José State University administration responds to encampment |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/san-jos-state-university-administration-responds-to-encampment- |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=sjsunews.com |publisher=[[Spartan Daily]]}}</ref> Additionally, the University released a statement which indicated that both Tommie Smith and John Carlos disapproved of the encampment around ''Victory Salute''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Henkes-Power |first=Kaya |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Smith and Carlos confirm disapproval of encampment in email |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/smith-and-carlos-confirm-disapproval-of-encampment-in-email |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=sjsunews.com |publisher=[[Spartan Daily]]}}</ref> Rigo 23 released a statement supporting the encampment.<ref name=":2" />
Protests continued on campus,<ref>{{Cite journal |last= |date=May 9, 2024 |title=Students protest on Smith & Carlos lawn |url=https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2024/43 |journal=Spartan Daily, 2024 |volume=162 |issue=43 |pages=1 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194206/https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartan_daily_2024/43/ |url-status=live }}</ref> when on May 13, an encampment was established on the lawn around ''Victory Salute''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=LaMonica |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit-in at San Jose State University |url=https://www.ktvu.com/news/pro-palestinian-protesters-stage-sit-in-at-san-jose-state-university |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=KTVU FOX 2 |language=en-US |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514063450/https://www.ktvu.com/news/pro-palestinian-protesters-stage-sit-in-at-san-jose-state-university |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2024 |title=San Jose State students set up pro-Palestine encampment, but school warns it must come down |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/14/san-jose-state-students-set-up-pro-palestine-encampment/ |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=[[The Mercury News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515222558/https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/14/san-jose-state-students-set-up-pro-palestine-encampment/ |url-status=live }}</ref> One of the encampment's demands was the firing of history professor Johnathan Roth after a physical altercation between himself and a pro-Palestine protestor in February 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Goldberg |last2=Noah |date=February 26, 2024 |title=San José State University puts professor on leave over altercation with pro-Palestine student |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-02-26/san-jose-university-puts-professor-on-leave-after-altercation-with-pro-palestine-student |access-date=May 14, 2024 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514182332/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-02-26/san-jose-university-puts-professor-on-leave-after-altercation-with-pro-palestine-student |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2024 |title=San Jose State professor suspended after altercation during Gaza protest |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/23/san-jose-state-professor-suspended-after-altercation-during-gaza-protest/ |access-date=May 14, 2024 |website=[[The Mercury News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620021200/https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/23/san-jose-state-professor-suspended-after-altercation-during-gaza-protest/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 14, the University communicated with the protestors about their demands but asserted that the encampment had to be disbanded before finals began on May 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannestra |first=B. Sakura |date=May 15, 2024 |title=San Jose State students stage protest and call for divestment |url=https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-state-university-sjsu-students-stage-protest-and-call-for-divestment-israel-hamas-war/ |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=San José Spotlight |language=en-US |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517000521/https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-state-university-sjsu-students-stage-protest-and-call-for-divestment-israel-hamas-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ta |first=Alina |date=May 16, 2024 |title=San José State University administration responds to encampment |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/san-jos-state-university-administration-responds-to-encampment- |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=sjsunews.com |publisher=[[Spartan Daily]] |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194158/https://sjsunews.com/article/san-jos-state-university-administration-responds-to-encampment- |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, the University released a statement cosigned by Tommie Smith, John Carlos, activist [[Harry Edwards (sociologist)|Harry Edwards]], and activist Ken Noel which expressed disapproval of the encampment around ''Victory Salute''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Henkes-Power |first=Kaya |date=May 16, 2024 |title=Smith and Carlos confirm disapproval of encampment in email |url=https://sjsunews.com/article/smith-and-carlos-confirm-disapproval-of-encampment-in-email |access-date=May 17, 2024 |website=sjsunews.com |publisher=[[Spartan Daily]] |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517194158/https://sjsunews.com/article/smith-and-carlos-confirm-disapproval-of-encampment-in-email |url-status=live }}</ref> Rigo 23 released a statement supporting the encampment and gave a speech at the encampment.<ref name=":2" />

On May 21, the protestors met with University President [[Cynthia Teniente-Matson]] and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Mari Fuentes-Martin to discuss the protestors' demands. Teniente-Matson suggested the creation of a student advisory council composed of students from Middle Eastern student organizations that would work with faculty to address concerns about university partnerships with Israel. Following these talks, the encampment was dismantled on May 23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Student encampments end at San Jose State University and University of San Francisco |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/23/student-encampments-end-at-san-jose-state-university-and-university-of-san-francisco/ |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=[[The Mercury News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524000704/https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/05/23/student-encampments-end-at-san-jose-state-university-and-university-of-san-francisco/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute]]
* [[1968 Olympics Black Power salute]]
* [[Speed City]]
* ''[[Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice]]''
* ''[[Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice]]''


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
<references responsive="1"></references>
{{San Jose State University|state=expanded}}
{{San Jose State University|state=expanded}}
{{2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses}}

[[Category:San Jose State University]]
[[Category:San Jose State University]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in California]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in California]]
[[Category:2005 sculptures]]
[[Category:2005 sculptures]]
[[Category:Politics and sports]]
[[Category:Politics and sports]]
[[Category:Statues of sportspeople]]
[[Category:Black Power]]
[[Category:Sculptures of African Americans]]

Latest revision as of 04:34, 27 June 2024

Victory Salute
Map
ArtistRigo 23
Year2005
Mediumfiberglass and ceramic
SubjectTommie Smith and John Carlos
Dimensions6.7 m (22 ft)
StandortSan Jose, California, United States
Coordinates37°20′7.8″N 121°52′57.2″W / 37.335500°N 121.882556°W / 37.335500; -121.882556
OwnerSan Jose State University

Victory Salute, commonly referred to as the Olympic Black Power Statue, is a monument depicting the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute performed by African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos. The monument consists of two fiberglass statues covered in ceramic tiles, atop a concrete base designed to emulate the Olympic podium. It was created in 2005 by Portuguese artist Rigo 23 and is installed next to Tower Hall on the San José State University campus, in San Jose, California, United States.

History

[edit]
The photo recreated by Victory Salute

In 1968, as members of San Jose State's Speed City era of athletics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. After earning gold and bronze medals respectively, the duo raised a Black Power salute while "The Star-Spangled Banner" played, which became one of the most defining acts of protest of the civil rights movement.[1][2][3] Despite disapproval of the protest among the general public, San Jose State University President Robert D. Clark expressed his support of the act.[4]

In Winter 2002, San Jose State student Erik Grotz initiated a project to honor Smith and Carlos at their alma mater; "One of my professors [Cobie Harris][5][6] was talking about unsung heroes and he mentioned Tommie Smith and John Carlos. He said these men had done a courageous thing to advance civil rights, and, yet, they had never been honored by their own school".[7] Grotz worked with Department of Art Chair, Dr. Robert Milnes to create a mock-up to pitch to the University's Associated Students board, who approved the project on December 11, 2002, and began fundraising.[8]

The Associated Students raised over $300,000 for the project[9][5] and initially intended the statue to be placed next to the now former location of the Scheller House[10] on the Paseo de San Carlos.[11] However, the project was moved to be on the lawn adjacent to the Tower Hall and the Robert D. Clark Hall in order to be in a more central location on campus and to honor President Clark's support of the protest.[12] On October 16, 2003, the 35th anniversary of the protest, Portuguese artist Rigo 23 was announced as the sculptor for the project.[8]

Victory Salute was assembled in early October 2005,[13] and was unveiled to the public on October 17, 2005, drawing hundreds in attendance. A panel discussion was held featuring Smith and Carlos, as well as silver-medalist Peter Norman, fellow Speed City era sprinter Lee Evans, and head coach Payton Jordan.[14] Additional speeches were given by vice-mayor of San Jose Cindy Chavez, San Jose State President Don W. Kassing, and actor Delroy Lindo, followed by honorary doctorate degrees awarded to Smith and Carlos.[15][16] The statue was unveiled during a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner", mirroring the original protest.[15]

In January 2007, History San Jose opened a new exhibit called Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power, covering the San Jose State athletic program. The exhibit focused on the San Jose State athletic program, highlighting how many student athletes from the Speed city program gained global recognition during Civil Rights and Black Power movements.[17]

In 2008, after critics argued that Victory Salute did not give unfamiliar onlookers the appropriate historical context, a plaque was added in front of the statue.[18][19] The plaque reads:

At the México City 1968 Olympic Games,
San José State University Student-Athletes
Tommie Smith and John Carlos
Stood for
Justice, Dignity, Equality, and Peace.

Hereby the University and Associated Students
Commemorate their Legacy.

16 October 2005.

In 2022, San Jose State students and faculty embedded Victory Salute into their Public Art as Resistance project.[20][21][22]

Design

[edit]

Victory Salute was Rigo 23's first-ever sculpture, but he wanted the statue to be a "labor of love". In order to correctly sculpt the musculature, he took 3D full-body scans of Smith and Carlos.[12] Rigo 23's signature is on the back of Smith's shoe, and the year 2005 is on Carlos's shoe.[23]

The statues' faces were rendered realistically and with emphasis placed on the emotion of the athletes. They were constructed from fiberglass over steel supports and covered with ceramic tiles, their track pants and jackets form a mosaic of dark blue ceramic tiles, with red and white detailing on the stripes of the track suits.[24]

Peter Norman asked to be excluded from the monument, so that visitors could participate by standing in his place, and feeling what he felt.[25][26] Norman said, "Anybody can get up there and stand up for something they believe in. I guess that just about says it all".[27][5] There is a plaque in the empty spot which reads "Fellow Athlete Australian Peter Norman Stood Here in Solidarity; Take a Stand".[18]

Use as protest space

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Due to Victory Salute depicting an act of protest during the civil rights movement, as well as its proximity to San Jose City Hall (less than 0.3 miles away), the statue and its surrounding lawn have been focal points for protests in San Jose.[18]

2020 Black Lives Matter protests

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On June 5, 2020, after the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests, a protest was held at Victory Salute with protestors raising their fists, mirroring the 1968 protest.[28] On September 1 of that year, San Jose State student athletes organized a protest which started with the athletes giving speeches given at Victory Salute, followed by a march to the City Hall.[29]

2024 pro-Palestine protests and encampment

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The 2024 pro-Palestine encampment surrounding Victory Salute

On October 12, 2023, after the Hamas-led attack on Israel and subsequent Israel–Hamas war, the San Jose State chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine organized a protest consisting of speeches given at Victory Salute, followed by a march around the campus.[30]

In April 2024, following the campus occupation at Columbia University, student protestors began demanding that San Jose State divest from Israel over its alleged genocide of Palestinians. The university's Associated Students board unanimously adopted a measure to boycott Silicon Valley companies involved in pro-Israeli activity on April 24.[31]

Protests continued on campus,[32] when on May 13, an encampment was established on the lawn around Victory Salute.[33][34] One of the encampment's demands was the firing of history professor Johnathan Roth after a physical altercation between himself and a pro-Palestine protestor in February 2024.[35][36] On May 14, the University communicated with the protestors about their demands but asserted that the encampment had to be disbanded before finals began on May 15.[37][38] Additionally, the University released a statement cosigned by Tommie Smith, John Carlos, activist Harry Edwards, and activist Ken Noel which expressed disapproval of the encampment around Victory Salute.[39] Rigo 23 released a statement supporting the encampment and gave a speech at the encampment.[39]

On May 21, the protestors met with University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Mari Fuentes-Martin to discuss the protestors' demands. Teniente-Matson suggested the creation of a student advisory council composed of students from Middle Eastern student organizations that would work with faculty to address concerns about university partnerships with Israel. Following these talks, the encampment was dismantled on May 23.[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "1968: Black athletes make silent protest" (PDF). SJSU. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 18, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
  2. ^ "1968: Black athletes make silent protest". BBC. October 17, 1968. Archived from the original on July 23, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
  3. ^ Slot, Owen (October 19, 2024). "America finally honours rebels as clenched fist becomes salute". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Asimov, Nanette. "Robert Clark -- former San Jose State president". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c Carlos, John; Zirin, Dave (2011). The John Carlos Story. Haymarket Books. pp. 168–169. ISBN 9781608462247.
  6. ^ "Dr. Cobie Archer Harris (Kwasi) | NCOBPS, Inc". Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  7. ^ Dickey, Glenn (May 27, 2005). "Overdue honor: SJS pays tribute to Smith, Carlos". SFGate. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Barbassa, Juliana (May 14, 2003). "San Jose State Students Want Statue". Midland Daily News. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  9. ^ Pellissier, Hank (August 29, 2010). "Black Power Statue". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  10. ^ "Historic Scheller House at San Jose State being moved". The Mercury News. January 9, 2019. Archived from the original on November 4, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  11. ^ Yuen, Kevin (October 18, 2004). "Carlos and Smith visit King Library, discuss SJSU athletics, '68 Olympics". Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications). 123 (34): 1, 3. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Biela, Sara. "Beyond Bronze". sjsunews.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  13. ^ White, Kevin; Liu, Ben (October 6, 2005). "Tommie Stands Tall". Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications). 125 (24). Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  14. ^ Beitpolous, Ilbra (October 18, 2005). "Panel revisits '68 Olympics". Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications). 125 (30): 1. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Beacham, Greg (October 18, 2005). "Statue honors stand at 1968 Olympics". East Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  16. ^ Cheeto, Barrera (October 18, 2005). "'Fists of Freedom' Raised over SJSU". Spartan Daily (School of Journalism and Mass Communications). 125 (30): 1, 4. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  17. ^ "Speed City: From Civil Rights to Black Power". History San José. July 28, 2005. Archived from the original on December 6, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
  18. ^ a b c Marinelli, Kevin (June 20, 2016). "Placing second: Empathic unsettlement as a vehicle of consubstantiality at the Silent Gesture statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos". Memory Studies. 10 (4): 440–458. doi:10.1177/1750698016653442. ISSN 1750-6980. Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  19. ^ Smith, Maureen Margaret (2009). "Frozen Fists in Speed City: The Statue as Twenty-First-Century Reparations". Journal of Sport History. 36 (3): 393–414. ISSN 0094-1700. JSTOR 26405221.
  20. ^ "Victory Salute | Public Art as Resistance in San Jose". www.sjsu.edu. Archived from the original on May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  21. ^ "Public Art as Resistance in San José: A Walking Tour". humanitiesforall.org. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  22. ^ "Public Art as Resistance Walking Tours | San José Museum of Art". sjmusart.org. June 5, 2022. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  23. ^ San Jose State University, School of Journalism and Mass Communications (October 16, 2018). "About the Statue". Spartan Daily, 2018. 151 (24): B4–B5. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  24. ^ Crumpacker, John. "OLYMPIC PROTEST: Smith and Carlos / Statue captures sprinters' moment / San Jose State honors protest of oppression". SFGATE. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  25. ^ "Part 2: John Carlos, 1968 U.S. Olympic Medalist, On the Response to His Iconic Black Power Salute". Democracy Now!. October 12, 2011. Archived from the original on December 13, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2015. I would like to have a blank spot there and have a commemorative plaque stating that I was in that spot. But anyone that comes thereafter from around the world and going to San Jose State that support the movement, what you guys had in '68, they could stand in my spot and take the picture.
  26. ^ "The Story Behind The Missing Man". Bartold Clinical. June 6, 2020. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  27. ^ Zirin, Dave (October 20, 2005). "When Fists are Frozen: The Statue of Tommie Smith and John Carlos". Edge of Sports. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  28. ^ Group, Shayna Rubin | Bay Area News (June 14, 2020). "SJSU athletes raise awareness, money in unique protest against police brutality". The Mercury News. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  29. ^ "San Jose State University athletes organize Black Lives Matter solidarity walk in Downtown San Jose - ABC7 San Francisco". September 2, 2020. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  30. ^ "San Jose State University students rally for Palestine". Fight Back! News. October 13, 2023. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  31. ^ "Resolution in Support of Boycott From Companies That Have Been Involved in the Human Rights Violations in Palestine" (PDF). San Jose State Associated Students. April 24, 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  32. ^ "Students protest on Smith & Carlos lawn". Spartan Daily, 2024. 162 (43): 1. May 9, 2024. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  33. ^ Peters, LaMonica (May 13, 2024). "Pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit-in at San Jose State University". KTVU FOX 2. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  34. ^ "San Jose State students set up pro-Palestine encampment, but school warns it must come down". The Mercury News. May 14, 2024. Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  35. ^ Goldberg; Noah (February 26, 2024). "San José State University puts professor on leave over altercation with pro-Palestine student". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  36. ^ "San Jose State professor suspended after altercation during Gaza protest". The Mercury News. February 23, 2024. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  37. ^ Cannestra, B. Sakura (May 15, 2024). "San Jose State students stage protest and call for divestment". San José Spotlight. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  38. ^ Ta, Alina (May 16, 2024). "San José State University administration responds to encampment". sjsunews.com. Spartan Daily. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  39. ^ a b Henkes-Power, Kaya (May 16, 2024). "Smith and Carlos confirm disapproval of encampment in email". sjsunews.com. Spartan Daily. Archived from the original on May 17, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  40. ^ "Student encampments end at San Jose State University and University of San Francisco". The Mercury News. May 23, 2024. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.