Black History Studies in association with the Phoenix Cinema presents an Olympic double bill with the screening of ‘Black Power Salute’ and ‘The Athlete’ on Sunday 15th July 2012 at the Phoenix Cinema.
Black Power Salute is a documentary about one of the most iconic images of the 20th century when two African-American men made a courageous gesture at the 1968 Mexico Olympics that reverberated round the world and changed their lives forever.
After receiving Gold and Bronze medals for their wins in the 200m race, Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their gloved clenched fists on the podium during the Star Spangled Banner. They were subsequently banned from the Games for life. What inspired them to make their protest? Why did it carry such a powerful message? And what happened to the unlikely revolutionaries following the Games? Black Power Salute reveals the untold history behind one of the most controversial moments in Olympic history.
New release The Athlete tells the story of Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila who took the world by surprise when he won at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the first African to win an Olympic gold medal. He then became the first man to win the Olympic marathon twice in a row with a second gold at the 1964 Olympics. However in 1969, a car accident left him paralysed from the waist down and his story took an unexpected turn as he fought to compete again.
The double bill will be followed by a Q&A with Geoff Small, Director of Black Power Salute.
This event will take place on Monday 9 July 2012 from 6.45-9.30pm. Admission is £5 per person.
For more information visit Black History Studies.
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