 "Photo: Photo Credit AP")
Dr. John Carlos, the 1968 Olympic bronze medalist for the 200-meter-dash, came to the University of Maryland's Hoff Theater on Oct. 4 to speak about his new book, The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World, and to inspire athletes and students alike.
The 66-year-old New York native encountered racial injustice from an early age, and was no stranger to fighting it.
During the 1968 Olympic medal presentation in Mexico City, Carlos and fellow 200-meter winner, Tommie Smith, stood at attention, but "raised black-gloved fists in the ‘Black Power' salute," in an attempt to emphasize the plight of the Black man in America, Carlos said.
"I think the amazing thing is still looking at this picture, it's important. It captures a temporary moment in history, but it lasts a lifetime," said environmental sciences and technical design double major Aziz San. " I even had this picture on my wall."
The image has become a staple in the civil rights movement, and forever set a precedent for younger athletes to follow.
University of Maryland head track coach and Olympic gold medalist Andrew Valmon required all of his runners to attend the event. "You know where you're going, and you know your future, but you also have to know your past," he said.
Valmon has known Carlos for 10 years, and the successful Maryland track and field coach thinks much can be learned from the seasoned Carlos. "It wasn't just a defiant man up on a podium. It was a message," Valmon said.
Carlos and co-author Dave Zirin want to inspire members of younger generations, and THEY hope the book will act as an aid in the current fight for civil rights.
"Like so much of our history, it's [the image] had its teeth extracted," said Zirin. "I want people to know the moment, not just the image."
The retired 6-foot-4 sprinter also discussed the need of a strong family structure in the Black community, and the importance of an education.
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