Who Knew One Salute Could Change the World?
In 1968, sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos used their Olympic platform to protest racial injustice, raising black-gloved fists against segregation, violence, and oppression. Their silent act of defiance made headlines worldwide costing them their careers but cementing their place in history.
In 2025, a team of artists retells this harrowing story through the sharp writing of Ron Wilks and the profound direction of Count Stovall, reminding us that its truth, its challenges, and its consequences still echo today.
When Gold Turns Black
31 January through 16 February 2025 at Theatre for the New City
CAST
Leon Alexander — Tommie Smith Dimitri Dewes, Jr. — John Carlos Jes Washington — Denise Smith
Sania Hyatt — Kim Carlos Brian Patterson — Peter Norman Kelechi Udenkwo — Harry Edwards
Jeff Roth — Brent Musberger / Coach Brown
PRODUCTION
Ron Wilks – Writer Count Stovall – Director Jacqueline Scaletta – Lighting Design
Cianna S. Stovall – Set Design & Props Lo Oliviér – Costume Design & Hair Lanii Johnson – Wardrobe Assistant
Michele Baldwin – Technical Director & Projection Designer Diana Brito – Projection Design Assistant Amy Stoller – Dialect Coach
Janice C. Lane – Stage Manager Ana Pri – Assistant Stage Manager
Jes Washington as Denise, Scene Preparations
Kim Carlos's Wardrobe Selection
John & Kim Carlos, 1968 Mexico City, MX
Sania Hyatt as Kim, Scene Preparations
Prepping Dimitri Dewes Jr. as John, Closing Remarks #FinaleLook
Styling Denise's Opening Scene Hair
John Carlos (left) & Tommie Smith (right) on the track
Dressing Leon Alexander as Tommie, Act 1 Scene 8 Prep
Tommie & Denise Smith Wed, 1977
Denise (Jes W., left) & Kim (Sania H., right), Intermission Chats
#FinishingTouches
Kim Carlos (left) & Tommie Smith (right)
Sania to Kim, Jes to Denise #preparations
John Carlos, 1968 Mexico City, MX
#Intermission
"When the race is won!"
And the race was won... #Finale
Transforming Brian Patterson to Peter Norman
Wardrobe Supe Supervising the Wardrobe #BehindTheStage