Zimmerman verdict cancels Rizzo anniversary

AN ANNUAL ceremony honoring the life of the late Mayor Frank Rizzo was canceled yesterday following weekend protests over the acquittal of neighborhood-watch volunteer George Zimmerman in the deadly shooting of Trayvon Martin.

The statue of Rizzo, which sits in front of the Municipal Services Building in Center City, became a focus of protesters, who hung a sign on it Sunday that read, "The system is still racist."

Since the statue was built in 1998, supporters have gathered there annually on the anniversary of Rizzo's death - July 16 - but organizers agreed Monday evening that it would be best to hold the 22nd annual memorial service another day to avoid any conflict with protesters.

"It was a tough decision," organizer Hank Cisco said. "I thought going down there would only incite more problems. I feel that was for the safety of all."

Zimmerman, 29, who identifies himself as Hispanic, shot and killed unarmed Martin, 17, an African-American, in Sanford, Fla., as the teenager was traveling from a corner store last year. Zimmerman was acquitted at the conclusion of the three-week trial over the weekend, sparking protests across the country, spotlighting the issue of racial profiling.

Cisco and Frank Rizzo Jr., the late mayor's son and a former city councilman, were shocked to see on television news the statue decorated with protesters' signs. Rizzo Sr. had a relatively contentious relationship with the African-American community.

Rizzo Jr. agreed that organizers made the right decision to delay the ceremony.

"My dad would want that, as a guy who promoted peace," Rizzo said, adding, "I'm disappointed, but I'd be more disappointed if something took away from that day."