Life Lessons from Speed City

What Part Will You Play in Ending Racism?
Lee Evans, African-American and Gold Medalist in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in the 400-meter dash, allowed me to observe his life up close. I saw the treatment he received by whites. Lee and I were teammates on the San Jose State track team from 1967-1969. This gave me first hand exposure to both the overt and subtle forms of hate and prejudice he faced daily. Through this journey, I came to grips with the innate racism and prejudice in myself. This book is a challenge to people of all ethnicities to look inside and move past tolerance to love.
Life Lessons from Speed City will:
-Challenge everyone to think through their feelings about those different from them
-Present an inside look at one of the all-time great dual meet track teams in history
-Give you a fresh look at the dramatic Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City

Jim Adkins has used his experiences to teach young people for over forty years. He currently is President and co-founder of a non-profit organization called, Lets Talk USA! In addition to his B.A. from San Jose State, Jim has a M.A. in Education from Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, CA. He has traveled to fifteen countries leading teams to meet various needs of the poor.