50 YEARS LATER. MY PASSION and LOVE STILL REMAINS

“We all have been blessed with a specific PURPOSE!! I believe God spoke to me that day.” - John Carlos

25 years plus 25 years totals 50 years that have led up to the history of John Carlos, and the infamous 1968 Olympics demonstration. I’m here to let you know that I’m healthy with a sound mind and with a clear vision of where I was, and what I was trying to accomplish 50 years ago. So much has changed in 50 years, and sadly, so much has stayed the same. It is hard to believe that 50 years later, we are still struggling at such a slow pace, in terms of advancing human rights, and the fundamental freedoms for all people that there is a serious need for more action.

However, we have progressed when it comes to the edification of our young people. Our youth have taken the torch ignited 50 years ago, have taken a stand in becoming the voice of the voiceless and have become members of society who are actively making a difference. I'm extremely impressed with that, but at the same time, I acknowledge and want to say we can and MUST do more.

For those of us who have the resources and platform to reach a broader audience, we need to be more vocal and active with our messages. We can no longer worry about the repercussions of our words and actions; our words and actions are powerful. The key has always been the message: PEACE, LOVE & UNITY.

Prior to the 50th anniversary, I had reporters calling me and asking me to do interviews in order to share my story. They asked me to discuss the events that took place at the 1968 Olympics. I gave it serious consideration and concluded that I wasn’t going to do certain interviews based on the fact that at 73-years-old, there is not much that I haven’t already said.

I made a decision to discuss and debate the reasons why we still have the issues we are facing today, rather than talk about the momentous day at the 1968 Olympics when we took a historic stand against racism and oppression.

Our story and sacrifices will forever be the beginning of the story people reference whenever sports and politics intersect. Anytime an athlete or celebrity uses their platform to speak out against the injustices happening in today’s society, our names and stance are the foundation to which they build upon. For this, I am honoured and grateful.

Our legacy will forever be enshrined in museums, and in the hearts and minds of our wonderful supporters, friends, and family. I truly wish I was in a position like some of today’s marquee athletes, to leave a monetary gift to my family; unfortunately, my era wasn’t blessed with the big contracts and lifetime sponsorships.

But that's all good; everything happens for a reason. The sacrifices and decisions we made that day show that we believed in what we were doing. We truly felt that it was the right thing to do at the right time. This may sound crazy, especially since I lack a monetary endowment for my family after I pass, but. I would do it again. I would sacrifice everything just as I did because I still feel that this was my PURPOSE!!

We all have been blessed with a specific PURPOSE!! I believe God spoke to me that day. He knew I was built to handle everything that would be thrown my way, including all of the trials and tribulations I would encounter on this 50-year journey. He also knew that I would still be standing and leading the charge in mobilizing the next generation.

Let's move forward with a unified vision. I will continue to do my part and hope you will continue to do yours.

Thank you all for your continued support, love, and blessings. Through which, I feel more energized and youthful to continue the struggle.

I would like to sincerely thank all of you who have visited my website johncarlos68.com, purchased items, taken pictures wearing those items and have shared them on social media.

Love and Blessings always,

Dr. John Carlos