John Carlos: Speaking Truth to Power

Mexico City Olympics AP

Tommie Smith and John Carlos' Black Power salute during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics was a defining moment for America, the civil rights movement and the many people from all walks of life who stood up and fought for human rights. In The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment that Changed the World by John Carlos with Dave Zirin, Carlos shares his life story growing up in Harlem and the events that changed the course of history on that podium in 1968. He is a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights.


"My raised right hand stood for the power in black America. Carlos' raised left hand stood for the unity of black America. Together they formed an arch of unity and power. The black scarf around my neck stood for black pride. The black socks with no shoes stood for black poverty in racist America. The totality of our effort was the beginning of black dignity." 
-- Tommie Smith, 1974

"John Carlos' life story is an insightful and gripping look at the times he lived and the Olympics he helped make so memorable. He shows us that the one day that made him famous was only the most outward and visible sign of a touching and thoughtful life."

--Frank Deford

"The John Carlos Story is a blow by blow detail of triumph vs tragedy from the jump. Again Dave Zirin uncovers, and yet illuminates the mere footnotes of this sports history hero with his impeccable balance of truth. This story drills a hole into the myth of black athlete success and worship."

--Chuck D, Public Enemy

"John Carlos is an American hero. And finally he has written a memoir to tell us his story—and a powerful story it is. I couldn't put this book down."

--Michael Moore