The raised fist, or the clenched fist, is a universal symbol of revolution. It also symbolizes revolutionary solidarity and support. It is also used as a salute to express unity, strength, defiance, or resistance. At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, medal winners John Carlos and Tommie Smith gave the raised fist salute during the American national anthem as a sign of black power, and as a protest on behalf of the Olympic Project for Human Rights. They were banned from further Olympic activities by the IOC, as the rules in place prohibited any political statements at the Olympics. The event was one of the most overtly political statements in the history of the modern Olympic Games. Tommie Smith stated in his autobiography, “Silent Gesture”, that the salute was not a Black Power salute, but in fact a human rights salute. Nelson Mandela also used the clenched right fist salute upon his release from Victor Verster Prison in 1990. The raised fist became widespread again after the death of George Floyd, during the 2020 protests. Zoom In. Full HD.