YWCA Welcomes Daughter of Olympian John Carlos to Launch Black History Month

The YWCA Princeton is proud to host Ms. Kimme Carlos, daughter of the world famous Olympian, Dr. John Carlos (athlete, activist, author, and motivational speaker) who will launch Black History Month. The month will culminate in its annual Stand Against Racism in late April.

In what will be both an inspirational and educational event, Kimme Carlos will deliver a presentation, "The Olympic Moment that Became a Milestone in the Civil Rights Movement,"  highlighting her father, Dr. John Carlos, who took a brave stand for justice in protest against racism and the economic oppression of all people.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, from noon to 1 p.m. in the YWCA Princeton’s Bramwell House located at 59 Paul Robeson Place. Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

The event is free and open to the public but those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at (609) 497-2100 ext. 307 to ensure seating.

Kimme Carlos' father was Dr. John Carlos, a talented track-and-field competitor, who won the bronze medal in the 200 meters in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.  During the medal presentation, he and fellow Olympian medalist Tommie Smith, raised their black-gloved fists high above their heads in a controversial human rights salute meant to evoke a political protest while on the podium as the United States National Anthem played. The protest made front-page news around the world.

His silent gesture was not without repercussions.  He was chided by the sports world and was ultimately banned from the Olympic team.  Mr. Carlos went on to become a founding member of Olympic Project for Human Rights, an NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles, a school counselor and a track-and-field coach.

As the oldest child of Dr. Carlos, Ms. Kimme will share her view of growing up under the teaching of an icon in a world embroiled in the struggle for equality and mutual understanding. She is also an author and motivational speaker, just like her father. She is an advocate for addiction and brain disorder awareness and recovery in Mercer County and the author of "The Window of Grace: Living in Recovery through Christian Faith."  Kimme sits on the Board of Directors with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mercer County and with The Center for Family, Community, and Social Justice of Princeton.

"We welcome everyone to join us on February 6th as we look back at a pivotal time during the height of America’s civil rights movement," says Debra Raines, Director of YWCA’s Mission Advancement, "and we encourage everyone to visit our racial justice site (www.ywcaprinceton.org/rj)."  The site has a wealth of content and aims to raise awareness about racial justice and diversity, to provide opportunities to model inclusive behavior and community events and most importantly, empower individuals to make an impact in their own communities.