Date: 10/13/2003

NEWS RELEASE

Tues., Oct. 14, 2003
Contact Alfonso De Alba at 408-924-6243

SAN JOSE, Calif.  Thirty-five years to the day after their symbolic stand for human rights at the Mexico City Olympics in 1968, medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos will come to San Jos? State University Thursday, Oct. 16, as guests of honor of the Associated Students and the university. The day will culminate with SJSU Interim President Joseph Crowley presenting the pair with a campus proclamation commemorating their historic stance at the a dinner to be held at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jos?.

The duo, who both were track stars at SJSU, will take part in a daylong series of events intended to reflect on their action on Oct. 16, 1968 and its meaning today.

After Smith and Carlos received their gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter dash in Mexico City, they bowed their heads and raised gloved fists to represent black power and unity in the United States. Smith also wore a black scarf around his neck representing black pride. The two wore black socks, without shoes, to represent black poverty.

By their quiet and powerful statement at the 1968 Olympics, said Alfonso De Alba, executive director of the Associated Students, Tommie Smith and John Carlos proved that student advocacy is of the utmost importance in bringing attention to social issues that affect their community and their nation. They provided the world with a powerful symbol of empowerment and human dignity in their silent protest of racism and economic oppression.

The community is invited to a wide variety of campus events on Oct. 16  including a panel discussion, lecture, art exhibit, and musical performances.

The dinner is a fund-raiser to support the creation of a commemorative sculpture at SJSU in honor of Smith and Carlos. The keynote speaker is David Horne, chair of the Pan African Studies Department at California State University, Northridge. During the dinner, SJSU President Crowley will announce the artist for the project and where the sculpture will be placed on campus.

For more information on the Oct. 16 events, call the Associated Students at 408-924-6242 or visit www.as.sjsu.edu/legacy/legacy.htm

Below are some of the activities planned for Oct. 16:

Civil Rights Art at the PlazaArt Quad, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. SJSU students, through their art, display their vision of civil rights.

Panel Conversation on SJSU Student ActivismUmunhum Room, Student Union, 10-11 a.m. Smith, Carlos and other discuss civil rights and activism.

Forum on Athletes as Role ModelsUpper Pad, Student Union, 11 a.m.-noon. Smith and Carlos discuss the role-model responsibilities of student athletes.

Multicultural and Step Show7th Street Plaza, noon-1 p.m. Several SJSU ethnic groups perform; food and memorabilia will be available.

DocumentaryMosaic Cross-Cultural Center, 2-3 p.m. Showing of Fists of Freedom, the HBO documentary on Smith and Carlos historic moment.

A Conversation with Smith and CarlosCultural Heritage Center (5th floor), Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Hosted by the Africana Center and the Black Student Union.

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