Tommie Smith is a former Olympic track-and-field gold medalist. He held the world record for the 200-meter dash with turn (1966–71) and the straightaway 200-meter dash (1965–79). Smith’s autobiography, Silent Gesture – co-written with David Steele – was published in 2007. Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice (Norton Young Readers), Smith’s first-ever memoir for young readers, was co-written with Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Honor recipient Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Emmy Award-winning artist Dawud Anyabwile. The book revisits the events on October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics. Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and continuing economic hardships. In Victory. Stand! Smith reflects on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest. It’s a stirring portrait of an iconic moment in Olympic history that still resonates today.
