Politics & Government
Remove Rizzo Statue, Philadelphia Official Says
Councilwoman Helen Gym said the Frank Rizzo statue must come down after the events in Charlottesville, Virginia.
PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia councilwoman is calling for the Frank Rizzo statue to come down following the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia that left one dead and others injured.
Councilwoman Helen Gym said on Twitter Monday that the city should remove the statue of Rizzo.
The former Philadelphia mayor and Philadelphia Police Commissioner's statue sits in Thomas Paine Plaza.
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All around the country, we're fighting to remove the monuments to slavery & racism. Philly, we have work to do. Take the Rizzo statue down.
— Helen Gym (@HelenGymAtLarge) August 14, 2017
Rizzo is a controversial figure to some, with his handling of minority population-related issues being central to criticisms.
“We think now is a good time to have that conversation about the statue’s future,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. “We need to figure out the proper forum for that conversation in a serious, structured way, but now is the right time.”
Find out what's happening in Philadelphiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Philly.com reports not only is the Rizzo statue's future in question, a mural featuring Rizzo is as well.
Mural Arts Director Jane Golden told the outlet that "it’s time to have a conversation about the future of the mural."
Image via RegBarc, Wikimedia Commons
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