John Carlos was one of the best sprinters in the world in the late 1960’s. After finishing third in the 200 meter in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Carlos and gold medal winner Tommie Smith, were part of one of the powerful and political statements ever made in the history of the Olympic Games.

As the American national anthem played during the medal ceremony, Carlos and Smith turned to the American flag and raised their fists in the air with a black glove on it. Their actions were not taken lightly as America took this is a sign of disrespect. It was seen as a controversial protest that supported the Black Power movement, even though Carlos wore his black glove on his left hand, completely different from the Black Power salute and meaning to represent a sign for human rights. The gesture was so disdained that Carlos and Smith were suspended from the US Olympic team. They were also met with venom back home and bad press.

This act had changed Carlos’ life forever even though the Black Panther party was formed to protect people in the black community from being terrorized by racist hate groups. Although he knew it would be frowned upon, it was his opportunity to express his unhappiness with state of America. He was good enough to play stepin fetchit for them but he knew that he would be treated as if he were less than human when he got home. He took the spotlight off of his victory and shined it on bigger issues he had and many others had to face as black Americans.

Carlos and his family received threats and were tormented for 10 years until they decided to divorce. He hates the fact that the results of his actions caused him to lose his family but he says he wouldn’t change anything. It had to happen. He wishes that more athletes today could be as brave as he and Smith were in 1968. He wishes they understood the importance of using their platforms to send a clear and concise message to America. He also wants to realize that they are not exempt from prejudice and unfair treatment just because they have obtained wealth.

As time has passed the gesture by Smith and Carlos is seen as the most powerful human rights acts at the Olympic games and in US History and shows an athlete’s power to be a voice for change in the US and the world.