Black History Month art contest! Winners announced

BACKGROUND: During their medal ceremony in the Olympics in Mexico City on October 16, 1968, two African American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, each raised a black-gloved fist during the playing of the US national anthem, "The StarSpangled Banner." While on the podium, Smith, and Carlos, who won gold and bronze medals respectively in the 200-meter running event of the 1968 Summer Olympics, turned to face the US flag and then kept their hands raised until the anthem had finished. In addition, Smith, Carlos, and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman all wore human-rights badges on their jackets. While initially it was thought that the raised fist meant 'Black Power', it actually symbolized human rights. The two athletes were shoeless and wore black socks to represent Black poverty. In the aftermath of their protest, both Smith and Jones were ostracized by the US sporting establishment, and their careers suffered tremendously. Peter Norman was condemned by the Australian Olympic authorities and was not allowed to compete in the 1972 games, even though he qualified several times.

All Lycee High School students are eligible to participate. Your task is to recreate one of the above images in your own interpretation using whatever medium you choose. We do ask that it be placed on a canvas that is at least 30x40”.Once your submission is finished, you will take a picture and email it to edwards@lyceela.org.