Sociologist Harry Edwards, the founder of the OPHR, had urged black athletes to boycott the games; reportedly, the actions of Smith and Carlos on October 16, 1968 were inspired by Edwards's arguments.
Sociologul Harry Edwards⁠(d), fondatorul PODO, ceruse sportivilor negri să boicoteze olimpiada; acțiunile lui Smith și Carlos din 16 octombrie 1968 au fost inspirate de argumentele lui Edwards.