Victory Salute - SJSU
Victory Salute statues at SJSUSan Jose State University (SJSU) is home to the striking Victory Salute statues, a prominent feature of the campus since their unveiling in 2005 by Portuguese artist Rigo 23. These statues were erected to commemorate the courageous stance taken by former SJSU students Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Summer Olympics. Both had taken gold and bronze at the Olympics respectively.
The statues, located near Tower Hall, were placed there at the center of campus and next to Clark Hall to honor the support then President Robert D. Clark showed towards this act of protest. Ever since it’s erection, this monument has been a gathering point for protests for many different causes throughout the years.
Excluded from the monument is Peter Norman, the third person on the podium in 1968. He stated that, “Anybody can get up there and stand up for something they believe in. I guess that just about says it all”. He asked to be excluded so that visitors could participate and stand in his place. Safe to say this monument is more than just statues but inspire every one of us to stand up for what is right.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos protesting at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City