October 16, 1968 -- U.S. Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos give Black power salutes at the 1968 Mexico City Games. While on the podium, Smith and Carlos, who had won gold and bronze medals in the 200-meter running event, turned to face the U.S. flag and then kept their hands raised until the anthem had finished. Smith, Carlos and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman also all wore human-rights badges on their jackets. Smith and Carlos were later banned for life from all Olympic competition by the IOC.
Also happening this week:
- October 17, 1987 -- The first indoor World Series game is held when Cardinals-Twins is played in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
- October 17, 2012 -- Lance Armstrong loses a host of endorsements in the wake of his doping scandal.
- October 18, 1953 -- Willie Thrower becomes the first Black QB to play in the NFL.
- October 20, 1947 -- Radio rights for the World Series sell for $475,000 for 3 years.
