John Carlos, who raised a fist at 1968 Olympics, still fighting for equality

It has been nearly 50 years since John Carlos won a bronze medal in the 200-meter race at the 1968 Summer Olympics and, in what would become a resounding political statement, raised a fist on the podium.

Despite the passage of time, Carlos says, part of what stirred him to the gesture remains an issue today.

“Anytime people are in a trying situation in life, it’s not the norm, and no one can sit back and accept it being the norm,” said Carlos, 73. “This is why I’ve been for 50 years, or 50-plus years, fighting for equality for all individuals — not just for black people, but for all people.