Episode XXXIII: Activist and Track & Field great, Dr. John Carlos

The 33rd edition of Whe're They At features Track and Field great and impactful social activist, Dr. John Carlos. Dr. Carlos was the first person in history to win the 100, 200, and 4x100 races in both the NCAA and NAIA Finals (for East Texas State and San Jose State, aka Speed City). He co-founded the Olympic Project for Human Rights with with Dr. Harry Edwards and Dr. Tommie Smith. He won the Bronze Medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City but most importantly, it was him along with Gold Medalist Dr. Smith demonstrating a silent but powerful protest by raising their fist in the air on the medal stand to denounce racism and oppression in the United States and around the world, the most resonating image in the HISTORY of sports. He using his platform to emphasize and demand change as well as uplifting his community. Make sure to go his website: www.johncarlos68.com for information on all of his inspirational endeavors. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Dr. Carlos on a multitude of topics including:                 

02:37-How is he and his family doing during the Covid-19 pandemic?                       

 

03:57-The exposure of racism through this pandemic.  

 

05:55-Racism is prevalent no matter how much status a black person has.                         

 

11:54-How should NBA players and other athletes proceed to facilitate action for social justice reform?                       

 

18:28-The importance of athletes emphasizing financial literacy in inner city neighborhoods.                      

 

21:53-Activism is a lifelong job.                     

 

23:37-Reflects on the unknown history between him and fellow 1968 Olympian George Foreman.                  

 

33:09-On the beginnings of creating the Olympic Project for Human Rights in 1967 with Dr. Harry Edwards and Dr. Tommie Smith at San Jose State as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looking to help their cause.                    

 

43:56-On the adversity and restrictions placed on them by the International Olympic Committee President Avery Brundage.                       

48:44-Reminisces about the late Australian sprinter and friend, Peter Norman, who was the other medalist in the 200 meter event in Mexico City with Dr. Carlos and Dr. Smith.                    

 

54:34-Candidly discusses his relationship with the person he made history with in Mexico City, Dr. Tommie Smith as well as the events on October 16, 1968.                           

 

1:02:37-What are sports franchise owners doing to help push for social justice reform?                  

 

1:06:55-On white athletes' support to end racial oppression.                        

1:10:51-Discusses his new comic book, 'The Power of Reason' to inspire the youth.                    

 

1:13:33-If Colin Kaepernick returns to the National Football League, does it hurt his legacy?                   

 

1:17:47-Shares powerful stories from his childhood leading him towards his focus on track and field.                         

 

1:36:57-Dr. Carlos' thoughts on the legacy of the late, great thespian Chadwick Boseman.                        

 

1:50:03-His insightful take on non-American Black actors playing roles of iconic American Black figures.                             

 

1:51:54-Provides a forecast on American sprinters going into the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.                       

 

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com