Black Power Fist: Left or Right Handed

[dnooman]

My roommate and I were disputing whether the black power symbol was a raised left fist, or simply a raised fist (no matter if its right or left).

[Meeko]

The only picture I can remember and more or less picture in my mind, is the one where the guys are at the olympics..... I think they used right hand.

[dnooman]

You are probably right. My roommate was correct. I'm not that bright, and I bask in the glory of his brilliance. I should thank my lucky stars to be in the presence of such intelligence.

[Bryan Ekers]

The only picture I can remember and more or less picture in my mind, is the one where the guys are at the olympics..... I think they used right hand.

Actually, they went both ways (http://www.picturehistory.com/find/p/12916/mcms.html), possibly becuase they were sharing one pair of gloves.

[dnooman]

You are probably right. My roommate was correct. I'm not that bright, and I bask in the glory of his brilliance. I should thank my lucky stars to be in the presence of such intelligence.
You dirty bastard. That's the last time I let you type a question for me.

If the left hand was never specified as the only hand for the " black power" salute, I lose. We've both seen both hands being used in context, so there may or may not be a period issue here.

[dnooman]

BTW, any cites proving either theory would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Askia]

Actually, Bryan, they did share a pair of gloves, but few people realize that there was additional symbolic meaning behind their raised fists. (http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mm-mexicocity.html)

[Tommie] Smith later told the media that he raised his right, black-glove-covered fist in the air to represent black power in America while [John] Carlos' left, black-covered fist represented unity in black America. Together they formed an arch of unity and power. The black scarf around Smith's neck stood for black pride and their black socks (and no shoes) represented black poverty in racist America.

It's worth noting that afro picks sold in the seventies with the black power salute are all right handed. (http://www.bubblestheartist.com/basement/afropick.htm) WARNING: link has annoying blaxpolitation MIDI blaring. Maybe Bob Marley.

Black Panther Party members (http://www.houseofnubian.com/id-1343/ImgUpload/N_H0103_1271912.JPG) execute right handed salutes.

By the 1980s I think most young black Americans would lead use their right hands unless they were left handed. I recall people doing that to "Pump Your Fist" at a Kool Moe Dee concert in Atlanta at Jack the Rapper in 1987 and also in the Spike Lee 1989 Public Enemy Fight The Power video.