Olympic icon John Carlos inspires at TMU Black History Month event
Nearly 60 years after raising a fist on the Olympic podium in protest for human rights (photo at right), John Carlos spoke at TMU, calling upon TMU students and community members to speak up for what’s right.
Fifty-seven years ago, John Carlos climbed the Olympic podium and raised his fist in protest for human rights. Today, it remains one of the world’s most powerful political statements.
Recently, Carlos, now 79, came to TMU to share his story.
In honour of Black History Month, students and community members from across the university gathered at the SLC for a special speaking engagement with the U.S. Olympian.
An audience of more than 250 people hung on every word.
Speaking out against injustice
Carlos’s courageous stance on the podium in 1968 thrust him into the global spotlight.
But it was a lifetime of witnessing social injustice— and speaking out against it— that led him to that life-changing moment.
From seeing firsthand how some governments helped the white and wealthy but not the poor, Black and marginalized, to witnessing the devastating effects of drugs on his community (and the normalization of it in elite circles), to seeing the unjust policing of racialized groups, and even being called the “n” word by a white boy he was trying to defend in a fight— the racial discrimination and social inequities he experienced growing up helped prepare him for the brave stance he would take in 1968.
Price to pay
While Carlos is considered a hero by many today, his actions came with a cost. He suffered backlash for many years — including receiving death threats and financial struggle.
Though he wished he had known the impact his actions would have on his family, he has always believed he did the right thing.
“In life, there's the beginning and the end. The beginning don't matter. The end don't matter. All that matters is what you do in between."
John Carlos told young people, “Making a difference begins with individual efforts. If you can make a difference in one person's life, you have already started the ripple.”
Carlos also spoke about the importance of allyship, noting that those who stand up for others often have a price to pay as well.
To illustrate, he shared the story of Peter Norman, the Australian who came in second in that same 200m Olympic race in 1968 and joined Carlos and his teammate, Tommie Smith, on the podium.
When Norman learned that Carlos and Smith would be protesting, he asked how he could help, and wore one of their Olympic Project for Human Rights pins on his shirt.
When Norman returned to Australia, he was shunned by his countrymen and ostracized. Offered the chance to apologize, Norman remained staunch in his beliefs, at a cost he would pay for the rest of his life. (Many years later, when he passed away, Carlos and Smith were pallbearers at his funeral.)
‘You’re going to have that choice’
Addressing the TMU audience, Carlos said, “Whether it’s for yourself or someone else, one day, you’re going to be in that same boat. You’re going to have that choice. You’re going to be asking yourself, ‘Should I ignore this? Or speak up?’”
Then, the former sprinter looked at the crowd and said, “I have the baton. Today, I’m passing that baton on to you.”
After the event, John Carlos signed his book, The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World, for TMU students and attendees.
Leaders at the university echoed his encouragement of young people to use their voice.
Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students, pointed out that nearly 60 years after Carlos raised his fist in the air, equity-deserving groups are still fighting for their rights, highlighting the need to continue rejecting the status quo.
“Just as the world needed him then, it needs you now, and that’s what we hope to instill in you while you’re here. At TMU, we strive to lead the way in shaping a fairer, more just society because we believe that we all have a responsibility to stand up for what is right,” she said.
When John Carlos was a young boy, he realized the local government was carrying out pest control in wealthy, white neighbourhoods, but not in the projects where he lived. He helped bring the case to court and won.
TMU chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang expressed pride in being part of an institution that stands firmly on the principles of equity, inclusion and reconciliation, but acknowledged that these values are under attack.
“I urge you: seek truth, tell truth, embrace truth,” she said. “John Carlos stood in his truth, using one of the most powerful platforms in the world. Like him, we must stand firm and do the right thing — peacefully, but resolutely.”
TMU chancellor Donette Chin-Loy Chang reminded the audience that Carlos was 23 when he and his teammate made a powerful gesture of defiance. “Let that sink in for a moment - many of you are around the same age as John and Tommie when they made history with their extraordinary act of bravery —peaceful, respectful, and unwavering.”
Tanya (Toni) De Mello, vice-president, equity and community inclusion, said that while not everyone may be able to take the same risk as Carlos, there are many ways to defend other people’s human rights.
“When we hear hurtful or inappropriate things disparaging others, we can speak up. We can work in the community, we can vote and support candidates we believe in. We can be mindful of what we post online and ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” she said.
Louise Cowin, executive director, athletics and recreation, thanked Carlos for sharing his inspirational story with TMU.
“Through telling his story, Dr. Carlos called us all to action, to not be silent bystanders. Dr. Carlos, we will remember you and today’s event for a very long time - forever.”
Learn more: Olympic icon John Carlos speaks on social justice, civil rights
