Frank Rizzo statue quietly returns to Philadelphia, sparking debate

In a symbolic reversal, the statue of former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo—removed quietly and controversially about five years ago—has now been returned to the city, though not to its original high-visibility perch atop the Municipal Services Building. 

While the city and statue’s owners have agreed that it must remain in a private location, the mere act of its return signals a cultural shift away from the era of “cancellation” that erased polarizing figures during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement.

In a post on Broad + Liberty, Christine Flowers argues that societal norms are changing in favor of recognizing historical figures with nuance rather than imposing modern moral standards retroactively. 

She emphasizes that people can be honored for their achievements while acknowledging their flaws—suggesting this move represents a broader rejection of the “witch hunt” mentality that once dominated public discourse.

.The author anticipates sharp criticism—expressing confidence that she will be accused of bigotry or worse—and frames her position as part of a resistance to cancel culture and intellectual homogeneity. 

Flowers hopes this moment marks the end of a punitive phase in civic memory, allowing Philadelphia to reclaim a fuller, more contextual view of its past.

Read her opinion on our partner site Broad + Liberty here.