Artist Statement

The second that I read about the Transcend campaign, I knew exactly which event best demonstrated the potential power of sports. Is there a more transcendent moment in sports than the black power salute at the Mexico City Olympics? Even now, seeing photos of Tommie Smith and John Carlos--their heads bowed and their fists raised as they stand upon the medalists\' podium--provokes deep emotion. They drew attention to the plight of African-Americans in the United States in a manner that shocked and moved so many around the globe. In this digital illustration, I tried to show how what Smith and Carlos did at the Olympics, despite being quiet and subdued, was immensely strong, important, and hopeful for people of all colors and races around the world. — Michael Czerniawski