Celtics to give MLK Day tribute
The Boston Celtics will honor 1968 Olympic medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos as “Heroes Among Us” award recipients as the team pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King during tonight’s game against the Suns. Smith, as well as Carlos’s wife Charlene, will be in attendance to accept the award.
During their medal ceremony in the 1968 Olympic Games, Smith and Carlos raised black-gloved fists to call attention to the ongoing struggles of the Civil Rights movement.
At the time, many vilified Smith and Carlos for their peaceful protest. They were suspended from the Olympic team and even received death threats. Over the past 40 years, however, they have received many accolades including, the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.
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