‘Black power’ removed from ex Philadelphia mayor’s statue

Workers Friday power washed the graffiti that was discovered Thursday, sprayed in white paint on the bronze statue of the late Frank Rizzo. (Photo by Art Poskanzer/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

PHILADELPHIA — Workers have removed the words “black power” that were spray painted across the statue of a former Philadelphia mayor and police commissioner.

Workers Friday power washed the graffiti that was discovered Thursday, sprayed in white paint on the bronze statue of the late Frank Rizzo. Rizzo critics say he reigned over the city when police brutality was the accepted norm and many want the statue removed.

Councilwoman Helen Gym said on Twitter this week that it should be removed, and Mayor Jim Kenney said it’s time to discuss the statue’s future.

On Wednesday, a man from Maplewood, New Jersey, was charged with disorderly conduct for throwing eggs at the statue.

Rizzo’s son told KYW-TV that his father was a fair person who treated people equally regardless of race.