Unity, Strength, Resistance: 1968 - 2023

In this 1968 Mexico Olympics photo everyone knows the raised fists that enraged many were a Black Power salute (gloves borrowed from the Australian athlete on podium) but Tommy Smith is also shoeless (protesting poverty) & has a black kerchief around his neck (protesting lynching). pic.twitter.com/Sdeg7NozAG

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) October 16, 2023

On this day in 1968 during the 200-meter race at the Mexico City Olympics US Olympic Team member Tommie Smith won the Gold Medal and his teammate Dr. John Carlos placed third.  After receiving their medals on the podium and standing for the US National Anthem, they both raised their fists — creating an iconic moment of political activism. 

The athletes were protesting the abuse of human rights in apartheid-era South Africa while displaying a show of solidarity with the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Organized as part of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Smith and Carlos wanted to bring visibility to the oppression faced by many across the globe. The clenched or raised fist has often been used as a sign to express unity, strength, and resistance. 55 years on, Dr. John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s iconic protest remains a powerful call for social justice. Their message still resonates today. Let’s keep the dream alive and work towards the change they dared us to imagine all those years ago.

Glenn Kaino and Tommie Smith

With my Fist Raised High

Artist Glenn Kaino has collaborated with Tommie Smith to create several works of art using his iconic fist, which has ignited and sparked change throughout the world

Scenes From the Border Crisis: Sketches by the Artist Molly Crabapple

Must Watch: Scenes From the Border Crisis: Sketches by the Artist Molly Crabapple – Rolling Stone

Medicare and Medicaid Should be Strengthened, Not Gutted

by Gregg Chadwick

Today in 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare & Medicaid into law. We must strengthen and expand, not slash, them. pic.twitter.com/0zX6opMpMw

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 30, 2017

Fifty two years ago on July 30, 1965, in a groundbreaking act, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. Both programs still stand as strong examples of the United States government at its best. Because of LBJ's vision and the thousands of health care activists that laid the groundwork before the bill became law, Medicare and Medicaid have brought high quality, affordable health care to seniors, people with disabilities and qualifying individuals.

The 1965 Medicare Act required that hospitals had to desegregate in order to get Medicare money. Medicaid, also, required the desegregation of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Both programs pushed the country forward towards a more equitable health care system. 

Instead of cutting back or repealing Medicare and Medicaid, which would give a massive tax break to the one percent, we need to build on the success story by expanding coverage and benefits. I am deeply convinced that we as a nation should make sure that every American has access to high quality, affordable health care. 

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs Medicare and Medicaid into law.
Courtesy LBJ Presidential Library

Medicaid and Medicare were signed into law 52 years ago today in Independence, MO. pic.twitter.com/mpoT1NCAca

— Emma Sandoe (@emma_sandoe) July 30, 2017

Then was Secretary of HEW during the passage and implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. He practically passed and wrote Medicaid alone. pic.twitter.com/GoHo8rAI1b

— Emma Sandoe (@emma_sandoe) July 30, 2017

New York Times: Oscars Ad

The New York Times Just Released This EPIC Anti-Trump Ad To Air At The Oscars pic.twitter.com/OTm1r9FtUr

— RogelioGarcia Lawyer (@LawyerRogelio) February 26, 2017