Why did Tommie Sm

The 1968 Olympics was held in Mexico City. Two players named Tommie Smith and John Carlos, an African-American athletes had won gold and bronze respectively in 200m race. They raised their voice against racism and discrimination in the US, during the medal ceremony they stood with clenched fists upraised, head bowed wearing black socks and no shoes while the American anthem was played.

They represented themselves on behalf of that population which were discriminated in the United States on the basis of creed and colour.