Tell your kids about Peter Norman

At the time of Norman's death in 2006, the US Track and Field Federation declared October 9 Peter Norman Day. “Go and tell your kids about Peter Norman,” Olympian Tommie Smith said at his funeral. 

In 1993-1994 house owner Silvio was asked by muralists if they could recreate a famous photograph from the 1968 Mexico Olympics on his wall.

Three Proud People was re-born: Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Peter Norman on the dais at the medal ceremony for the 200 metres final, as a three-metre mural on the corner of Leamington Lane and Pine Street. 

2008 commemorates forty years since the photo was taken and a free community street party was had by locals. 

Kids faces were painted as locals and their friends arrived. Central and Latin American DJs had the laneway jumping, after a cracking collection of acoustic songs by local, Cash Weijers. Special guests, CuzCo, checked in with a First Australian flavour that was exquisite, their lyrics maintaining an edge and groove. Backed by Peter Strong on turntables, Wire MC & ChooChoo finished off the party with an inspirational funky tone.

Peter Norman is an able spirit for reconciliation – check out the movie/book Salute and Wikipedia with comprehensive links to his story.

Organisers of this community celebration want to extend a thank you to local residents (especially Silvio), performers, helpers, and everyone who turned up.

However, there is a problem for those who want see the mural from the Station. Rail Corp over the last couple of years has erected a barricade in the area to minimise the noise levels for residents in Erskineville. The noise may have been lessened but the mural is less visible from that position. The organisers were asking people to sign a petition asking Rail Corp to make the barrier transparent.

Source: South Sydney Herald November 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au