Legacy Month

History & Purpose

Since 2009, the A.S. Community Action Center (CAC) has hosted programming in honor of Tommie Smith & John Carlos starting with Legacy Week and then expanding into Legacy Month. It has evolved into a campus wide collaboration with the Office of the President and various community partners including the Black Leadership & Opportunity Center (BLOC). 2024 marked the first year the City of San Jose designated October 16th as Tommie Smith & John Carlos Day.

The purpose of Legacy Month is to honor the rich history of student activism and civic engagement. Legacy Month is hosted every year specifically in October to commemorate SJSU alumni Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who took a brave political stance during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics on October 16. 

Read about the Olympic athletes who took a stand.

2026 Legacy Month Calendar

Rooted: Social Justice Music & Arts Festival

October 1, 2026, 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Tower Lawn
Join us for performances, art booths, and free food!
Host: A.S. Community Action Center
Event Link

Garden Volunteer Day with Alumni

October 10, 2026, 9:00AM - 11:00AM
372 E San Salvador Street
Host: A.S. Campus Community Garden
Open to SJSU staff, students, and alumni.
Limited Spots, Registration Required. RSVP Here. 

Smith & Carlos Day

October 14, 2026, 8:30AM - 2:00PM
Smith & Carlos Lawn
Host: Community and Government Relations - SJSU Office of the President
Open to Community Members
RSVP Here.

Stay tuned for more Legacy Month 2026 events!