Olympic icon John Carlos speaks on social justice, civil rights
At a medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics, American sprinter John Carlos, right, and teammate Tommie Smith, centre, each raised a fist in the air in protest for civil rights. They also went barefoot to represent economic inequality, wore beads to evoke the chains and ropes used in racial lynchings and to symbolize the oppressed, and bowed their heads during the American national anthem. (Photo by Rolls Press/Popperfoto via Getty Images)
At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, U.S. sprinter John Carlos climbed onto the podium and took a stance that changed his life—and the world—forever.
After winning bronze in the 200m sprint, Carlos and teammate Tommie Smith, who took gold, raised their fists in a powerful protest for civil rights.
The moment, captured in the iconic photo above, remains one of the most overt political statements of the Olympic Games, and reverberated worldwide as a symbol of resistance, courage and change.
Fifty-seven years later, on February 4, Carlos, now 79, will speak at TMU in honour of Black History Month. The event is free for students, faculty and staff.
View details on TMU event with Dr. John Carlos.
“John Carlos has set an exemplary example for young people who are passionate about fighting injustice and changing the world for the better,” said Jen McMillen, vice-provost-students.
“We are honoured to host him at TMU so that students and other members of the community can learn from his legacy, and be inspired by his courage and achievements,” she said.
Mark Stoddart, a Toronto-based entrepreneur, activist and community advocate who partnered with TMU Athletics and Recreation to help facilitate the event, said he had a poster of Carlos’ protest image on his bedroom wall when he was growing up.
“His iconic silent gesture on the podium at the 1968 Olympics has profoundly impacted my life… Listening to him speak will leave everyone inspired and motivated to make a difference,” Stoddart said.
‘For all of humanity’
Carlos’ decision to use the Olympic platform in a moment of protest was not taken lightly. He and Smith had been planning it for months with the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR).
“My father fought in the first world war, my brother was in the air force, and my other brother fought in Vietnam. We did so in the name of freedom, for equality— but look what was happening in our own country,” he said, referring to an era in the U.S. plagued by issues of racial segregation, police brutality, economic inequality, gender discrimination, and the Vietnam War, in which the U.S. military draft disproportionately affected poor and minority communities.
While some advocated for Carlos and Smith to boycott the Games altogether, the pair believed their protest on the podium would have greater impact.
Black gloves, bare feet
At the medal ceremony, they wore black gloves to symbolize Black unity, bare feet to signify poverty, beads to evoke the chains and ropes used in racial lynchings and to symbolize the oppressed, and bowed their heads during the U.S. national anthem.
After the ceremony, western media reported their raised fists as having been a Black Power salute.
“But it was for injustice everywhere. It was for all of humanity,” Carlos said.
Since then, Carlos has dedicated his life to civil rights activism, humanitarian efforts and education, including having worked as a school counsellor and coach. (He also played briefly in the Canadian Football League, for the Toronto Argonauts and the Montreal Alouettes.)
His accolades include induction into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame, the ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and a Congressional Gold Medal, among many.
John Carlos has inspired many worldwide through his civil rights activism and humanitarian efforts. (Photo courtesy of John Carlos)
The price of protest
While Carlos is hailed a hero today, back then the backlash from his Olympic protest hit hard.
Carlos faced death threats, hate letters and unemployment. He struggled to provide for his wife and kids.
“The only regret I have is not realizing the impact it would have on my family,” he said.
Since those years, many of his critics have changed their views.
“What’s that thing on the end of a pencil, an eraser? That was the greatest invention of all – because you can correct mistakes and move forward. I carry that strong in my heart,” he said.
Lifelong mission, mentors
Carlos’ activism began early. At 14, he challenged local officials about insect control at his Harlem housing complex—and won. He also led a high school cafeteria boycott over unsanitary food practices.
He credits mentors like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. for shaping his worldview.
At 13 or 14 years old, he heard Malcolm X on a local radio show, and ran down to the station.
“I told him I had questions I needed to ask him,” he said, and a bond between them ensued.
Later, while preparing for his Olympic protest, he met with Dr. Martin Luther King, who supported his mission.
Advice for activists
When it comes to social activism today, Carlos has advice for anyone planning to speak out.
“Know what you’re standing up for. Research it. Understand it. So that when the questions come, you’re prepared,” he said, noting that at the time of his famous salute, the “most important place” for him was the library.
“That was our greatest asset,” he said.
“To be able to research any endeavours, so we knew it inside and out… Because we knew the media was going to come. You can't stand there scratching your head trying to figure out what to say— you need to know what you're standing up for.”
He says modern athlete-activists often succumb to financial pressures.
“A lot of people are more concerned about the dollar than humanity. That’s not the right road.”
On the state of the world today, Carlos said, “We’re doing a recycle. Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ - can every group in America say when America was great? No. And we can’t be neutral about it. You’re either going to be on the right side or the wrong side.”
“It’s important to speak up - because a lot of people sit back and say nothing until it’s upon them.”
View event:
The 2025 Bold, Beautiful & Brilliant Speaking Engagement with Olympic Athlete and Activist, Dr. John Carlos
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