Olympic Statue at SJSU: The Origin Story: Sunday, August 1 at 11 AM at the statue

In 2005, a statue was unveiled on San Jose State University (SJSU) campus honoring John Carlos and Tommie Smith, two sprinters from SJSU who won medals at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Their black power salute when the national anthem was played got them ejected from the games, and had lasting repercussions in their lives. It was an early act of anti-racism activism in sports.

What took so long to get a statue to them erected in San Jose? It took a student with curiosity, determination, and resilience to take on the task and the University!

Let’s visit the statue at SJSU, and hear the story of the making of the statue from Cotton Stevenson, who has a passion for the origin story. We’ll hear about Political Science Major Erik Gortz, Political Science Professor Cobie Harris, Art Professor Robert Milnes, Associated Student Executive Director Alfonso De Alba and sculptor Rigo23. To see a video about the making of the statue, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglOlcAeMSk

Gather at the statue at 11 AM. The statue is by a grassy knoll. Bring a chair or blanket. Trees provide some shade. After the presentation we will linger together outdoors so bring a lunch and visit. In person, outdoors. Be respectful of others as we are still in a pandemic. Masks and social distancing recommended.

An event sponsored by the Ethical Action group of the Ethical Culture Society of Silicon Valley. Co-sponsored by WILPF San Jose branch and the San Jose Peace and Justice Center.