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The black power salute at the 1968 Mexico Olympics was an iconic moment in the US civil rights movement. What part was played by the white Australian who ran second and what price did these athletes pay for standing up for their beliefs?

 

For Teachers

Designed for students of history, citizenship, PSHEE and English aged 13-18, the resource focuses on the story behind the film and its significance for today. Offering activities based on both the film and the issues it raises, these materials provide students with engaging ways into exploring the historical context of the Olympic athlete’s salute protest.

A cross-curricular activity outlined in the study guide introduces opportunities across a range of subjects for learning about concepts such as civil rights, individual risk and collective responsibility. The activities are particularly suitable for covering during October’s Black History Month.

Download study guide: Making a stand PDF icon

 

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Trailer transcript

TITLE: AT THE 1968 OLYMPICS

TITLE: TWO AMERICANS

PETER NORMAN: Performing at the level that they did, white America sat up and took a little bit of notice.

TITLE: AND AN AUSTRALIAN

VOICEOVER: There's a guy from Australia -  who the hell is he?

TITLE: RAN THE FASTEST 200M IN HISTORY

VOICEOVER: The most exciting races that one could imagine

TITLE: WHAT THEY DID NEXT

TOMMIE SMITH: What are we going to do the moment we get out there?

TITLE: SHOOK THE WORLD

TOMMIE SMITH: The silent gesture heard around the world

VOICEOVER: It had nothing to do with the sport and had everything to do with society

NEWSREADER: Widespead racism and bewilderment over a strange war are the seeds of the revolution

PETER NORMAN: The raised arm, and the clenched hand was a symbol of unity, with the fingers coming together in a symbol of strength.

TOMMIE SMITH: Yo! I did it

PETER NORMAN: I couldn't see why anyone would hate someone simply because they were a different colour

JOHN CARLOS: No other guy, particularly a white guy, ever step up

PETER NORMAN: I believe in human rights. There's still a hell of a long way to go.