Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who caused a furor by hanging their heads and raising their fists in a "black power" salute during their medal award ceremony at the 1968 Olympics -- it also happened to be during the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner" -- have received honorary doctorate degrees from San Jose State University in San Jose, California. They will be honored on campus later this year with a 23-foot statue that will recreate the shocking moment of their gesture.

The whole "black power" thing was viewed with alarm by many in 1968. Now the image has mellowed, and Smith and Carlos's defiance is seen as a protest against intolerance and poverty, and an act of social conscience worthy of larger-than-life celebration in bronze. Smith and Carlos are San Jose State alumni, and went on to become teachers in California.

Update: The statue was unveiled on October 17, 2005.

Update2: Smith and Carlos reportedly refuse to speak to each other or to appear together, making anniversary celebrations at their statue somewhat awkward.

[06/02/2005]