More Than Just a Fist: John Carlos and how he Broke the Equality Barrier
Preston Dahlke
Junior Division
Individual Website
Student Composed Words:920
Process Paper:243
How did I choose my topic?
I found my topic by searching for people in sports who broke barriers because I am interested in sports. I knew about my topic a little before because I’ve seen the picture of him raising his fist. I saw that picture when I looked up people in sports who broke barriers and I found out John Carlos’ name. Then I decided I was going to John Carlos.
How did I conduct my research?
I started my research by reading The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World by Dave Zirin and John Carlos. It gave me information about his whole life and the backstory of the protest. Then, I used a lot of articles about John Carlos which were very helpful because a lot of them had interviews with John Carlos. I also watched a documentary about Peter Norman and his role in the protest.
How did I select my presentation category and create my project?
I selected a website because I like using technology and I’m creative. I like that it lets me do what I want and I can make the website my own. There were a lot of pictures from the Olympics and I wanted to use those so a website would be the best way to show them. A website seemed like it would be fun to do too and it was.
How does my project relate to this year’s National History Day theme?
My topic relates to breaking barriers because he took a stand for the equality barrier. America wasn’t equal and John Carlos didn’t like that, so he made his stand by protesting.