1 of 1 copy available
An NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work—Biography/Autobiography
John Carlos was a bronze medalist in the two hundred-meter race at the 1968 Olympics, but he is remembered for more than his athletic accomplishments. His and his fellow medalist’s Tommie Smith’s Black Power salutes on the podium sparked controversy and career fallout—yet their show of defiance, seen around the world, remains one of the most iconic images of both Olympic history and African American history. This is the remarkable story of John Carlos’s experience as a young man in Harlem, a track and field athlete, and lifelong activist.
“This book is fascinating for more than just the sports history, as the text talks about Carlos’ connection to Dr. King, basketball player Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Olympic runner Ralph Boston, baseball legend Jackie Robinson and boxer George Foreman. Carlos even comments on topics in today’s news including First Lady Michelle Obama, the value of Twitter, the antics of athletes like Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, and his views on an award he received at ESPN’s 2008 ESPYs.” —Chicago Tribune
“John Carlos is an American hero . . . I couldn’t put this book down.” —Michael Moore, filmmaker and New York Times–bestselling author of Here Comes Trouble
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
October 4, 2011 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781608461332
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781608461332
- File size: 3573 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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August 1, 2011
At the 1968 summer Olympics, 200-meter gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist Carlos each raised a black-gloved fist on the podium in protest of the stalled progress of U.S. civil rights. The planned protest changed both of these men's lives. Smith and Carlos went on to remarkably similar careers, first in the NFL, then coaching/teaching. Smith told his story in Silent Gesture: The Autobiography of Tommie Smith (2007), expressing some bitterness, while Carlos offers both grace and candor. Starting with his Harlem youth, he tells his story, placing the events of 1968 in context and closing in 2008 on the 40th anniversary of the Mexico City medal ceremony. There are great stories here, with that of what Carlos and his family endured after the gesture perhaps the most moving. More about his time spent in racially intolerant East Texas before the Olympics would have been welcome, but that's a minor complaint. With a foreword by Cornel West. Coauthor Zirin (Bad Sports) adds an afterword about athletes and protests today. VERDICT Recommended to all interested in Olympic history generally, or the Smith-Carlos story specifically, sports memoirs, or the evolution of racial attitudes in the second half of the 20th century.--Todd Spires, Bradley Univ. Lib., Peoria, IL
Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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