Black Power Salute Poster

Black Power Salute 2008

59 min📅 2008-07-09

Black Power Salute (2008) dives deep into one of the most electrifying moments in sports and civil rights history—the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made a defiant gesture that shook the world.

Director: Geoff Small

Cast

Colin Salmon
Colin Salmon
Narrator (voice)
Edwin Moses
Self - 400m Hurdles; Olympic Gold 1976, 1984
Kwame Kwei-Armah
Kwame Kwei-Armah
Self
Delroy Lindo
Delroy Lindo
Self
Steven Millner
Self - Professor, San Jose State University
Harry Edwards
Harry Edwards
Self - Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley
Lee Evans
Self - 400m, 4 × 400m Relay; Olympic Gold 1968
Tommie Smith
Tommie Smith
Self - 200m; Olympic Gold 1968
Art Simburg
Self - Former San Jose State student
Lynda Huey
Self - Former San Jose State sprinter and student

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Power Salute (2008) about?

This documentary recounts the daring protest of sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, where they raised gloved fists in a Black Power salute during the medal ceremony. The film examines the radical 1960s climate that inspired their act and the lifelong impact it had on them.

Who directed Black Power Salute?

Geoff Small directed Black Power Salute, delivering a powerful exploration of sports and social justice through compelling storytelling and archival material.

Who stars in Black Power Salute?

The film features Colin Salmon, Edwin Moses, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Delroy Lindo, and Steven Millner in key roles.

Is Black Power Salute (2008) worth watching?

As a documentary, Black Power Salute offers both historical insight and cinematic tension, making it a compelling watch for fans of sports history and civil rights movements. While IMDb ratings aren't available, its subject matter and execution make it a standout in the genre.

How long is Black Power Salute?

Black Power Salute has a runtime of 59 minutes.

About Black Power Salute (2008) — The Story Behind the Iconic 1968 Protest

Black Power Salute (2008) dives deep into one of the most electrifying moments in sports and civil rights history—the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made a defiant gesture that shook the world. Directed by Geoff Small, this gripping documentary explores not just the iconic Black Power salute on the podium but the radical spirit of the 1960s that fueled it. Through archival footage and intimate interviews, the film captures the raw courage behind their protest, the personal sacrifices they endured, and how their act transcended athletics to become a global symbol of resistance. The atmosphere is charged with tension and inspiration, blending the intensity of competitive sports with the urgency of a movement demanding justice.

This TV documentary isn't just about two athletes—it's about the collision of politics and sports, and how a single moment can echo through decades. With a stellar cast including Colin Salmon and Delroy Lindo, Black Power Salute (2008) brings history to life, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, activism, and legacy.