Raising a fist for change
October 23, 2018
"Fifty years after his shocking protest against racism on the medal podium at the Olympics in Mexico City, John Carlos has seen the vicious backlash he endured at the time evolve over the decades into admiration and respect. But he sees his legacy not as an individual act.
“We made that statement because we wanted to be that beacon for society, the blueprint,” he said.
Carlos, along with U.S. Olympic teammate Tommie Smith, raised black-gloved fists during the playing of the national anthem during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race. Carlos won the bronze medal, and Smith won the gold."