Framingham State University will host Olympic medalist and activist Dr. John Carlos for a special lecture on Wednesday, February 22nd, on the intersection of athletics and political activism.

This public lecture is free and open to the community and will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center.

Dr. Carlos made world history in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico, when he took to the international stage during the medal ceremony and made a speechless statement, heard and seen worldwide. After earning the bronze medal in the 200 meter, Dr. Carlos stood on the podium wearing black socks and no shoes to represent impoverished people who had no shoes of their own, and raised a black-gloved fist crowning a bowed head to reflect the strength of the human spirit. He was joined in his statement by teammate and gold medalist Tommie Smith, and both were supported by silver medalist Peter Norman of Australia, who wore an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge.

Dr. Carlos is the founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights and spent many years pushing for more representation for people of color in the Olympic Games. He will demonstrate how athletes can use their recognition to accomplish real social change.