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Why?

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The experiences that shaped John Carlos are made vivid by the CD Jackson biography titled "Why?" It brought to life the inner struggles he experienced as a young athlete who had to struggle with both racism and a learning disorder. His strength of character and strong beliefs in fairness and justice prevailed over his desire for personal success. This same strength sustained him in his later life when personal tragedy struck him repeatedly. It is a book whose message will not be forgotten.

This book sets the record straight on the contributions of one of history's least understood icons. Author C.D. Jackson, Jr. has captured the "story behind the story" of John Carlos, one of the fastest humans in track and field history. The book tells the John Carlos story from his humble beginnings in Harlem, NY to the racism his family endured while running track in 1960's Texas. He chronicles his journey to San Jose, California and his rise to multiple World Records and an Olympic Bronze Medal. You will see a very complex and powerful "thinker" with a mind of his own. He used his "mind" to cripple and destroy his competition.

John's personal tragedies, his "bravado", his athletic rivalries and his bold statements on human rights are merely stepping stones to uncovering John's personal spirit. This book will tell the good, the bad and the controversial "ugly" side of this complex and prolific giant of sport and the struggle for human rights.

His athletic accomplishments go far beyond the Olympic podium of Mexico City in 1968. John Carlos triumphed over the ostracism he and Tommie Smith received in Mexico City, and his own personal battle with dsylexia to set or tie 4 World Records and earn the title of World's Fastest Human in 1969 & 1970. John went on to earn four All-American honors and become NCAA 60yd, 100yd, 220yd and 440yd Relay champion while at San Jose State University.

This book also relates to John's ability to maintain his fighting spirit through the deaths of his father, wife and son.

This book is a must read, you will learn what makes John Carlos "think" like no other man you will ever meet. John Carlos loves people and C.D. Jackson, Jr. captures his most entertaining qualities.

Why? is the riveting biography of John Carlos, the Black American who in the October 16, 1968 Olympics held in Mexico won the bronze medal for the 200-meter race and then, with Tommy Smith, his Black American teammate who had one the gold medal for the same event, raised on black-gloved fist in silent protest. This engaging and superbly presented biography explores the childhood events that led john to this moment of world-wide attention -- and the serious consequences that followed it. Here is a true-life story of triumph, perseverance, and principle that is highly recommended reading for students of Olympic sports history, black studies, and the fight against racism in all the arenas of life, both on and off the field.

As the Civil Rights struggle was brewing in the 60's and mainstream schools from across the nation finally embraced African-American students, although mainly to gain a competitive advantage in their athletic programs, John Carlos articulates the struggle in a powerful way. Some see it as a "black issue" but believe me his dispels that notion by communicating the "Human Struggle" he and others lived through.

1968 was a remarkable year and with all that is written, this book will provide a better perspective of how athletics and politics are intertwined. John Carlos deserves a gold medal for presenting "WHY."

The experiences that shaped John Carlos are made vivid by the CD Jackson biography titled "Why?" It brought to life the inner struggles he experienced as a young athlete who had to struggle with both racism and a learning disorder. His strength of character and strong beliefs in fairness and justice prevailed over his desire for personal success. This same strength sustained him in his later life when personal tragedy struck him repeatedly. It is a book whose message will not be forgotten.