18 october 1968 & raised fists at eastern v spingarn football game

#OTD 18 October 1968 Eastern High School played Spingarn High School at the Interhigh East Division football game. The Eastern Ramblers won 26-2.

Notice the fans in the stands. Some have raised fists, perhaps inspired by John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s protest against oppression at the Mexico Olympics two days earlier. Notice that others have their hands over their hearts, indicating that the U.S. national anthem was playing.

Your comments are welcome below. Did you, a family member or neighbor attend the game? Did you raise your fist? Was this common before the Mexico Olympics? Were there any responses to the raised fists? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: Courtesy DC Public Library Special Collections. Photographer unknown. 18 October 1968.

“Usual Second Half Slump Fails to Hamper Eastern,” Evening Star 19 October 1968.