The "Black Power salute" is a gesture that involves raising a fist, often associated with the civil rights movement in the United States. It symbolizes solidarity, strength, and the fight for racial equality. The salute gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly at events like the 1968 Olympic Games when athletes Tommy Smith and John Carlos raised their fists on the medal podium. This gesture is rooted in the broader Black Power movement, which sought to empower African Americans and promote their cultural identity. The salute has since become an enduring symbol of resistance against racial oppression and a call for social justice.