San Jose State University hosted human rights advocate and track legend John Carlos on Wednesday, where he spoke beneath a campus statue honoring him and fellow alumnus Tommie Smith. The event was part of the university's annual Legacy Month, which began in 2006.
The city of San Jose has recognized October 16 as Tommie Smith and John Carlos Day since 2024. Commemorative events are scheduled for Friday at G.W. Hellyer Elementary School and City Hall. Both Smith and Carlos are expected to attend these events, which are sponsored by the African American Community Service Agency and San Jose State’s Black Alumni Network. Tommie Smith was unable to attend Wednesday’s university event due to illness.
Smith and Carlos made history at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. After receiving gold and bronze medals, respectively, for the 200-meter race, they performed a silent protest during the national anthem. Their demonstration included a raised black-gloved fist, known as the Black Power salute, and bowed heads. Both men also wore Olympic Project for Human Rights badges, no shoes, and black socks, which symbolized Black poverty. Carlos additionally unzipped his jacket on the podium to represent hard-working but often unappreciated blue-collar workers.
Carlos reflected on the initial backlash following their protest, noting that the nation turned against them, and even his own father expressed shame. He recounted visiting his father on his deathbed, where his father questioned "that bad thing" he had done. Carlos described the emotional impact, stating his heart "dropped down to my feet" at the question. He clarified to his father that he was still the same man, leading to both men crying.
Carlos expressed his hope that the statue of himself and Smith on the San Jose State campus will initiate conversations and motivate people to unite and act together to resolve issues. He encouraged those who see the statue to consider what motivated their statement on the world stage, prompting self-reflection on individual actions.
For San Jose State University Associate Professor Shaun Fletcher, who emceed the panel featuring Carlos, the legacy holds personal significance. Fletcher shared that his parents taught him about Smith and Carlos, and he later gained a deeper appreciation for their organized efforts with the Olympic Project for Human Rights as a student athlete at San Jose State. He noted the intentionality behind their actions.
Fletcher acknowledged San Jose State President Cynthia Teniente-Matson for her role in bringing Smith and Carlos back to the university to speak to current students. President Teniente-Matson stated that having the legendary Olympians on campus provides significant inspiration for the community.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra emphasized San Jose State University's significant role in the fight for human rights and the civil rights movement through these men. He urged students to continue advocating for these causes. Kalra announced he had secured $9 million from the state Legislature for a new San Jose State track and a Speed City Legacy Center. The "Speed City" nickname originated after SJSU athletes broke the 200-meter track record at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Los Angeles Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also attended the event, remarking on the importance of hearing from living legends. He described being on campus, viewing the statue, and hearing John Carlos as a profoundly impactful experience. Bryan also shared that the legacy served as a reminder that protest can be uncomfortable, sometimes requiring individuals to stand up for what is right despite personal cost. Bryan also extended well wishes to Tommie Smith for his recovery from illness.
Professor Fletcher highlighted that San Jose State hosting Smith and Carlos sends a clear message to students and the wider community. He noted that the "Victory Salute" statue, depicting the two men and the empty space for Australian silver medalist Peter Norman—who supported their protest—has become strongly associated with the university. Fletcher recalled interviewing Carlos in 2018 during the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Olympics, describing Carlos as a "down to earth, pragmatic person" deeply invested in the next generation.
