My raised right hand stood for the power in black America. Carlos' raised left hand stood for the unity of black America.- Together, they formed an arch of unity and power. The black scarf around my neck stood for black pride. The black socks with no shoes stood for black poverty in racist America. The totality of our effort was the regaining of black dignity.

Television interview regarding his giving the black power salute after winning an Olympic gold medal (October 16, 1968)