Six athlete protests that changed history

Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze medalists in the 200-meter run at the 1968 Olympic Games, engage in a victory stand protest against unfair treatment of blacks in the United States. With heads lowered and black-gloved fists raised in the black power salute, they refuse to recognize the American flag and national anthem. Australian Peter Norman is the silver medalist. /

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Martha Burk

Many athletes choose to protest racism. But it’s hardly the only thing worth protesting.

Technically, Martha Burk is not an athlete. She is a feminist and the former chair of the National Council of Women’s Organizations. Before stepping down from her role as the NCWO chair, Burk fought a relentless battle against Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia. As the yearly host of The Masters, Augusta is arguably the most famous golf course in the world, and is very selective of its members because of that.

Before 2012, women were not allowed to be members of the golf course due to an Augusta tradition. Traditions can be wonderful things that help us celebrate the past, but sometimes they pose barriers to change and prolong the plights of injustice. Burke was relentless in her battle against Augusta, making her voice known as early as 2002. Her energy and steadfast refusal to accept anything less than equality for women set the building blocks for 2012, when Augusta officially allowed women to be members.

Burke might not be an athlete, but her passion and courage helped women take a giant step forward in their constant battle for equality. For that, she deserves to be honored.

Next: Carlos Delgado