Spectrum Sammy takes as its starting point the raised fist, popularized in 1968 by Olympic medalists Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who raised the salute during the Mexico City Olympics as a symbol of freedom and human rights. Associated with anti-fascist and anti-racist movements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the raised fist is reproduced by Pyle in a spectrum of colors, indicating its relationship to people of all backgrounds. Pyle’s addition of an owl resting on the fist acknowledges the work’s placement at Rice University, whose mascot is an owl nicknamed Sammy.
