The National Trust has drawn criticism after announcing plans to hold a baking workshop for children aged five to twelve that includes teaching about the Black Power salute from the 1968 Olympics. The event, scheduled to take place at Morden Hall Park in south London as part of Black History Month programming, aims to combine a “fun and educational” baking session with a lesson on the historical significance of the iconic gesture performed by athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos.

During the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Smith and Carlos raised their black-gloved fists on the podium to protest systemic racism and segregation in the United States. The image of their salute remains a symbol of the civil rights movement. According to the National Trust, children attending the workshop will learn about this moment in history and will be assisted in baking “Olympic Gold Cookies.”

However, the initiative has been met with backlash from some quarters, with critics arguing that the subject matter is politically charged and unrelated to the location or the Trust’s mission. Cornelia van der Poll of the campaign group Restore Trust described the connection between the Black Power salute and Morden Hall Park as “highly contrived,” noting that the park’s historical ties—such as its ownership by a family involved in the snuff-processing business—do not directly relate to the broader themes of civil rights. She expressed concern that incorporating such topics risks framing people of African descent primarily as victims, rather than as individuals with diverse interests.

Historian Andrew Roberts also criticized the event, labeling the National Trust’s approach as “ultra-woke” and accusing the charity of using its platform to promote a political agenda to young children. An anonymous National Trust employee echoed these sentiments internally, suggesting that the focus should be on the property itself rather than politicized subjects.

In response, a spokesperson for the National Trust emphasized the organization’s commitment to offering educational programming that explores “the people, events and ideas that have shaped history.” The Trust highlighted that its Black History Month activities cover a wide historical range, from the 18th to the 20th century, and defended the choice to include the 1968 Olympics as a significant moment in modern history.

The controversy reflects ongoing debate over the role of cultural institutions in addressing contemporary social and political issues, particularly in relation to historical education and community engagement.