A few months ago I was humbled and honored to interview Dr. John Carlos. On this day 50 years ago, Carlos and US track teammate Tommie Smith demonstrated on the podium during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City in protest of civil injustices in the US and around the world. Initially considered a hero for his athletic accomplishments, Carlos was then vilified for his actions. Today, athletes like Colin Kaepernick are utilizing their platform and freedom of speech to do the same thing - and are also being disparaged for speaking out against injustice.
.
.
"I like to use the metaphor that 50 years ago I was a gardener," Carlos told me. "I planted seeds in the Earth and watered it and what you see now are the fruits of my labor. Everyone has started to come into themselves and we might have laid the blueprint for that for them to spin off of."
.
.
Link in bio.
.
.
.
#johncarlos #1968olympics #blackpowersalute #protest #mexicocity #olympics #200m #running #sprinting #medalstand #podium #civilrights #equality #sports #otd #anniversary #history #colinkaepernick