Watch The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World

The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World is a 2020 documentary film that tells the story of one of the most iconic moments in sports history. The movie stars Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Harry Edwards, Ralph Boston, Mel Pender, and Tom Farrell - all of whom were involved in the events that led up to that unforgettable moment at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

At the heart of the movie is the controversial black power salute that Smith and Carlos gave during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race. The event was watched by millions of people around the world and became a symbol of the Civil Rights movement in America. But the film also explores the events that led up to that historic moment, and the impact it had on the lives of the athletes involved.

The film starts by providing some background on the 1968 Olympics, which took place against a backdrop of social upheaval and political turmoil. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing, and racism and discrimination were still rampant in many parts of America. The film shows how this context informed the actions of Smith, Carlos and other athletes who were determined to use their platform to speak out against injustice.

The film also focuses on the role of Dr. Harry Edwards, a sociologist and civil rights activist who was instrumental in organizing the black athletes at the Olympics. Edwards was a mentor to many of the athletes, and he encouraged them to use their success as a platform for change. He also helped them to organize a boycott of the games, which was ultimately unsuccessful, but helped to draw attention to their cause.

One of the strengths of The Stand is that it doesn't just focus on Smith and Carlos - it also gives voice to other athletes who were involved in the protest. We hear from Mel Pender, a black track and field athlete who was denied the opportunity to compete in the 1964 Olympics because of his race. We also hear from Tom Farrell, a white rower who was sympathetic to their cause and helped to organize a moment of silence in support of their protest.

The film also includes interviews with athletes who were on the podium with Smith and Carlos, including Ralph Boston, the bronze medal winner in the long jump. Boston admits that he was initially uncomfortable with Smith and Carlos' gesture, but that he later came to understand and respect their message.

The movie explores the fallout from the protest, both for the athletes involved and for the wider world. Smith and Carlos were vilified in the American press and received death threats for years afterwards. But their gesture also inspired a generation of activists and became a symbol of the struggle for civil rights around the world.

The Stand is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will appeal to anyone with an interest in sports, politics, and social justice. It's a documentary that doesn't shy away from difficult questions or uncomfortable truths. But at heart, it's an inspiring story of courage, determination and the power of protest to effect change.

In conclusion, The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World is a must-watch for anyone interested in the 1968 Olympics or the Civil Rights movement. The film is a powerful reminder of the role that athletes and sports can play in promoting social change, and it's a testament to the bravery of those who stood up for what they believed in, even when it came at great personal cost. Highly recommended.

The Stand: How One Gesture Shook the World is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes.