By Jim McGrath (published in Daily Press on January 20, 2015)
HAMPTON -- On Oct. 16, 1968, Tommie Smith stepped on to an Olympic track in Mexico City and officially became the fastest man in the world, winning the gold medal in the 200-meter dash with a time of 19.83, a mark was the world record for 11 years.
It was the second-most significant thing he did that day.
You may need help with the names, but you know the picture. After winning the race, Smith, flanked on the medal podium by college and USA teammate John Carlos, and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman, thrust a black-gloved fist toward the humid Mexico City sky. The picture that captured Smith's right fist and Carlos' left became an iconic image of the Olympics, and a key event of the Civil Rights movement.
On Sunday, Smith raised his arm in another gesture, but this one was to fire the starting pistol for the first race at the first Tommie Smith Indoor Youth Track Meet and Health Fair, held at the Boo Williams Sportsplex. The meet, hosted by Hampton's William and Charlene Moore and the Technique Track Club, included more than 600 athletes from four states and the District of Columbia. There will be a similar outdoor meet in late May at Hampton University's Armstrong Stadium.
While the historical event of 1968 may have been recognized by more people, the meet, the first indoor event to bear Tommie Smith's name, is fueled by another great cause — the need for youths to exercise and eat healthy.
"This brings about positive change," said Smith, who at 70 (born on D-Day, June 6, 1944) still bears a strong athletic presence. "We focus on health, but we also look at things of organization, like the importance of being prompt. We use track and field as part of the program."
It's a message that Smith and his wife, Delois, are taking around the world. They are based in Atlanta but "probably make two or three trips each month," said Delois Jordan-Smith.
While the travel is burdensome, the by-products of their presence are evident.
"Because of the involvement of Dr. Smith (he recently retired after 33 years as a sociology professor) and other representatives, we have the opportunity to give our kids a chance to make healthy choices in life. It would seem like we're only focused on SOLs (Standards of Learning) and grades, but we want to work with the social and emotional development of each child, to create a well-rounded individual," said Kimberly Judge, principal of Newsome Park Elementary in Newport News, one of two pilot schools that will receive health and educational services as part of the Youth Movement Initiative of 100 Black Men of America.
"We focus on how to address our youth's health and wellness," said Dr. Jeremiah Williams, president of the Virginia Peninsula chapter of 100 Black Men. "We take care of health first, but we'll also visit the schools weekly to read with the students, and we do things such as Secret Santa every Christmas. We commit a lot of resources to this, and our aim is to get the community involved. I love it."
The Health and Wellness initiative started 14 years ago in Oakland, Calif., but has branched out to several other cities, making the most impact in the District of Columbia, and now Hampton Roads.
Health screenings, conducted by biology and nursing students from HU, gave an indication of some of the program's elements.
"We will meet weekly with students and their parents," said Michelle Penn-Marshall, biology chairperson at HU. "We'll measure their height, weight, and BMI (body-mass index), give them cooking lessons and show them how to prepare healthy snacks. We also show them how to budget their money and eat healthy."
The significance of the event was lost on few spectators. Newport News Mayor McKinley Price was in attendance, as well as 100 Black Men national president Charlie Hill and track Olympians LaTasha Colander and Bershawn "Batman" Jackson.
Colander, a Portsmouth native who anchored the gold-medal 4x400-meter women's relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, spoke of the importance of the inaugural meet.
"This ignites the flame and inspires youths," said Colander, who was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in April. "The younger generation hasn't experienced the track and field world. They don't realize that we run track meets in football stadiums all over Europe. It's bigger than what we see, and they should know that you can have a future, and a profession in track."
HU track coach Maurice Pierce mirrored the feeling.
"Tommie Smith is my childhood hero," said Pierce, who has coached several Olympians, including Francena McCorory, whose 49.48-second clocking in the 400 meters was the fastest women's time in the world last year. "I hope that people realize the historical significance of today."
Before the meet, all of the competitors were summoned to the infield, where Smith addressed the youngsters.
"Today is a day of historic recognition. You have a legacy that will last for the rest of your life. Consider yourself to be winners, regardless of your time or place. Today, in you, a winner is born!"
After the opening race, Smith met with fans, both young and old, in the auxiliary area near the front entrance. While the older visitors spoke of his impact on their lives, some of the younger kids in line gained a valuable history lesson.
Amirah Critz, 9, had her first opportunity to speak with Smith. As she received her autographed picture of the three Olympic medal winners on the medal stand, her eyes brightened up and the young lady announced her newfound revelation.
"You're famous!"
