The John Carlos Story

ABOUT THE BOOK:

“Athletes are human beings. We have feelings, too. How can you ask someone to live in the world, to exist in the world, and not have something to say about injustice?” – John Carlos

John Carlos, the man behind the most iconic moment of the Black Power movement, tells his story.

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.

PRAISE:

“The John Carlos Story is the remarkable chronicle of an epic life sketched against the defining crisis of race in America. Carlos’ athletic genius on the field is matched by his heroic will to overcome trials and tribulations in his personal life, and to find resurrection in his professional life. This is an inspiring and eloquent story about a great American whose commitment to truth, justice and democracy were tested and found true.”

Michael Eric Dyson, author of I May Not Get There With You: The True Martin Luther King Jr.

“John Carlos is one of the grand figures of the 20th century. His incredible political courage, indisputable athletic excellence and indestructible spiritual fortitude set him apart from most contemporary celebrities. In fact, his fame derives from his courage, excellence and fortitude. Yet it is only in this powerful and poignant memoir that we learn of what and who made him who he is.”

Cornel West, from the Introduction

“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 of An Accidental Sportswriter

“John Carlos’s 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, author and sports commentator on NPR's Morning Edition

“Dave Z is irreplaceable. He’s the sports world Geiger counter, exposing the truth and protecting the fan from first, second, and third degree burns.”

Chuck D, Public Enemy

“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. Jackson, Sr.

“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

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

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 (http://www.edgeofsports.com/) was named one of the “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World” by Utne Magazine. He writes about the politics of sports for the Nation magazine, and is their first sports writer in 150 years of existence. Zirin is also the host of Sirius XM satellite's popular weekly show, “Edge of Sports Radio,” as well as a columnist for SLAM Magazine, the Progressive, and a regular op-ed writer for the Los Angeles Times. Zirin’s other titles are What’s My Name, Fool? Sports and Resistance in the United States; Welcome to the Terrordome: The Pain, Politics, and Promise of Sports; The Muhammad Ali Handbook; A People’s History of Sports in the United States; and Bad Sports: How Owners Are Ruining the Games We Love.

Cornel West (http://www.cornelwest.com/) is one of America’s most provocative public intellectuals. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.” He teaches at Princeton University.

RIGHTS INFORMATION:

Please contact subagents for the following languages and territories:

Language/Territory	Subagent
China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam	Big Apple Agency
English outside North America	David Grossman Literary Agency
German	Paul & Peter Fritz AG Literatur Agentur
Greek	Read n' Right Agency
Hebrew	The Deborah Harris Agency
Italian	The Nabu International Literary Agency
Japanese	The English Agency (Japan) Ltd
Korean	Best Literary & Rights Agency
Portuguese	RIFF Agency
Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe	Prava I Prevodi
Scandinavia and The Netherlands	Lennart Sane Agency AB
Spanish in Latin America	International Editors' Co., S.A.
Spanish in Spain	International Editors' Co., S.A.
Turkish	Anatolialit Agency

For all other languages/territories, please contact Roam Agency.