When completed in the spring of 1998, it was a masterpiece. A mural dedication ceremony was held, with Mayor Edward G. Rendell, the Rizzo family, many politicians, merchants and neighbors in attendance, and there was much enthusiasm and praise. The area was filled with great joy. Television and newspaper people flooded the streets, allowing everyone to share in this new gesture of respect and hope with the Italian Market people. Today, the Rizzo mural is constantly viewed with only positive praise and affection.
Tourists take many pictures as mementos of their visit to Philadelphia.
Shoppers and passersby are amazed to view this great giant of Rizzo. I am so pleased and proud to have this mural on my home wall. We wanted to change abandoned lots into flower gardens and playgrounds, and give neighborhood kids a chance to participate in deciding how to beautify their neighborhood through gardening. First, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society allowed community youth to participate in a program that taught them how to take care of a garden. In the fall of 1996, with the help of the United Way Day of Caring and area businesses and volunteers, the youth and the block captains cleaned several lots, and the site at Seventh and Emily Streets was given a new look.