By honoring previous African-Americans who made significant strides in the fight for black equality, Black History Month helps highlight the struggles and performances of these said persons and recognizes their efforts. Two African-Americans whose actions are being remembered are Tommie Smith and John Carlos; both were athletes who made it to the Olympic level and both influenced America in an unforgettable manner. In 1944, Tommie Smith was an “ordinary” boy – he was born and went to school just like the other kids. Soon after, though – specifically in fourth grade – his God-given talents began to show: Smith was asked to “race against the fastest runner in the school” (Tommie’s Bio). From a little fourth grader running in school, to a member of Team USA for track and field in the Olympic Games – with events in between – Smith definitely worked his way up; he “set seven individual world records and was a member of several world record relay teams” (Tommie Bio) – certainly accomplishments to put on a resumé. One of Smith’s controversial acts that displayed his humanitarian activism was when he raised his fist in the air during the American National Anthem at the Mexico City Summer Olympic Games while on the victory stand. This gesture symbolized a protest against discrimination and a desire for equality for the minority and brought joy to the hearts of many (John Carlos: Biography). When Smith was asked “what he was doing and thinking” before ascending the victory stand, Smith responded by saying: “Praying...I was praying underneath the bleachers, I was praying on the walk up to the victory stand, and the entire time I was up there” (Tommie Bio) – focused on God. Accompanying Tommie Smith during the Mexico City Summer Olympic Games on the victory stand was John Carlos. Although he was year younger than Smith – Carlos was born in 1945 – John Carlos also worked his way up to becoming part of