Forty-five years ago John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised black-gloved fist in the air and the whole world took note. That image remains indelible even today. The event was the Olympics in Mexico City. Smith had won the gold medal in the 200 meter race and Carlos had won bronze. They mounted the victory stand and raised their fists in a black power salute as a statement about how far the United States still had to go in its struggle for full civil rights. It was one of the most overtly political statements ever made in the Olympics. Carlos and Smith were called heroes by some, traitors by others.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day John Carlos will give a free talk at University of Puget Sound Schneebeck Concert Hall. The evening will include comments by local and campus leaders and music by Navele Davis and Friends. A reception and a book signing by Carlos, author of The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World, will follow. Tickets are not required.

Read Alec Clayton's interview with John Carlos in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

SCHNEEBECK CONCERT HALL, JOHN CARLOS, TUESDAY, JAN. 22, 7 P.M., FREE ADMISSION, UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND, 1500 N. WARNER, TACOMA, 253.879.3236