John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World [Hardcover]
- Foreword by West, Cornel
- With by Zirin, Dave
- Author by Carlos, John
- Preface by Abdul Jabbar, Kareem
Editorial Reviews
From Publisher
Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith's Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic
podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic
images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement. Here is the remarkable story of one of the men
behind the salute, lifelong activist John Carlos.
John Carlos is an African American former track and field athlete, professional football player, and a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights. He won the bronze medal in the 200 meters race at the 1968 Olympics, where his Black Power salute on the podium with Tommie Smith caused much political controversy. "The John Carlos Story" is his first book.
Dave Zirin is the author of four books, including "Bad Sports," "A People's History of Sports in the United States," and "What's My Name, Fool?" He writes the popular weekly online sports column "The Edge of Sports" and is a regular contributor to SportsIllustrated.com, "SLAM," "Los Angeles Times," and "The Nation," where he is the publication's first sports editor.
Quote Reviews
- "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
"Biblically, athletes with superior attributes were seen as gifts from God. Whether it was Samson staring down the Philistines or David slaying Goliath, they and latter-day heroes such as Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali, selflessly used their gifts and magnificently magnified platforms to transform society. It is in that tradition that John Carlos, and his teammate Tommie Smith, raised their fists in solidarity with the American civil rights struggle, as well as the struggles of those who exist on the downside of advantage. It was a statement for the ages. This act of righteous defiance lifted us all to a new level of dignity and shared responsibility to improve the conditions of the poor the world over...But the price of heroism is high. John Carlos paid and this is his story."
--Rev. Jesse L. J - "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
"John Carlos's story of bravery and sacrifice will warm your heart. But beyond his individual heroism, it speaks to the power of athletes who bodaciously refuse to just "shut up and play." Carlos and Zirin capture the way that through sports, the actions of a few athletes resonate across the globe."
--William Hunter, Executive Director, National Basketball Players Association
"In this breathlessly readable tale, John Carlos finally steps out of that iconic photograph to become the vibrant, fascinating hero we never really knew."
Robert Lipsyte, author, "An Accidental Sportswriter, A Memoir"
Praise for Dave Zirin
"Dave Z is irreplaceable. He's the sportsworld geiger counter, exposing
Leading Article
