Olympic Project for Human Rights

Olympic Project for Human Rights
Angelo Cozzi (Mondadori Publishers) · Public domain · source
Name	Olympic Project for Human Rights
Formation	1967
Founder	Harry Edwards
Purpose	To protest racial segregation and discrimination in the United States
Location	United States

Olympic Project for Human Rights

The Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR) was a movement formed in 1967 by Harry Edwards, a sociologist and civil rights activist, to protest racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. The project aimed to bring attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the country, particularly in the context of the US Civil Rights Movement. The OPHR is notable for its role in organizing the Black Power salute protest at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, which was a pivotal moment in the history of the movement. The project's efforts were supported by various organizations, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

● Introduction to

the Olympic Project for Human Rights The Olympic Project for Human Rights was established in response to the racial injustices and inequalities faced by African Americans in the United States. The project's founder, Harry Edwards, was a prominent figure in the US Civil Rights Movement and had previously worked with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The OPHR's primary objective was to use the platform of the 1968 Summer Olympics to draw attention to the struggles of African Americans and to push for greater equality and justice. The project's efforts were influenced by the work of other notable civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

● Background and

Context within the US Civil Rights Movement The Olympic Project for Human Rights emerged during a pivotal moment in the US Civil Rights Movement. The movement had gained significant momentum in the early 1960s, with events such as the Birmingham Campaign and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom bringing attention to the struggles faced by African Americans. However, despite these advances, racial segregation and discrimination remained prevalent in many parts of the country. The OPHR's formation was also influenced by the growing Black Power movement, which emphasized the need for African Americans to take a more active role in shaping their own destiny. Key figures in the Black Power movement, such as Stokely Carmichael and Huey P. Newton, played important roles in shaping the OPHR's ideology and strategy.

● Objectives and Demands of

the Olympic Project The Olympic Project for Human Rights had several key objectives, including the removal of Avery Brundage as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the banning of South Africa and Rhodesia from the Olympics due to their racist policies, and the establishment of a greater presence of African American athletes in the Olympic Games. The project also demanded greater support for African American athletes and the creation of more opportunities for them to participate in sports. These demands were outlined in a series of statements and manifestos released by the OPHR, including the Olympic Project for Human Rights Manifesto. The project's objectives were influenced by the work of other organizations, such as the American Committee on Africa and the National Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy.

● Key Figures and Supporters

The Olympic Project for Human Rights was supported by a range of notable figures, including Tommy Smith, John Carlos, and Lee Evans. These athletes played important roles in the project's protests and demonstrations, including the famous Black Power salute at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Other key figures, such as Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali, also lent their support to the project. The OPHR was also backed by various organizations, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The project's efforts were influenced by the work of other notable civil rights activists, including Rosa Parks and Thurgood Marshall.

● Actions and Protests at

the 1968 Mexico City Olympics The Olympic Project for Human Rights organized a series of protests and demonstrations at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. The most notable of these was the Black Power salute protest, in which Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in solidarity with the Black Power movement during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter dash. This protest was a pivotal moment in the history of the US Civil Rights Movement and drew international attention to the struggles faced by African Americans. The OPHR also organized other protests and demonstrations, including a boycott of the Olympic Games by several African American athletes.

● Impact on

the US Civil Rights Movement and Society The Olympic Project for Human Rights had a significant impact on the US Civil Rights Movement and society as a whole. The project's protests and demonstrations helped to draw attention to the struggles faced by African Americans and to push for greater equality and justice. The OPHR's efforts also influenced the development of the Black Power movement and the growth of African American activism in the late 1960s and 1970s. The project's legacy can be seen in the work of organizations such as the National Association of Black Journalists and the Black Lives Matter movement. The OPHR's impact was also felt in the world of sports, with the project's efforts helping to pave the way for greater participation and representation of African American athletes in the Olympic Games.

● Legacy and Continued Relevance

The Olympic Project for Human Rights remains an important part of the history of the US Civil Rights Movement. The project's legacy can be seen in the continued struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States. The OPHR's efforts also serve as a reminder of the power of protest and activism in bringing about social change. The project's influence can be seen in the work of contemporary organizations and movements, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the National Football League Players Association. The OPHR's story has been documented in a range of books and films, including The Revolt of the Black Athlete and Salute. The project's legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and athletes, including figures such as Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James.