PHILADELPHIA STATEMENT For More Information Contact: Michele Gambino 215-783-6366 Michele@ItalianMarketFestival.com During these unprecedented times, we recognize the current conditions bring many emotions to the surface. The S. 9th Street Market has always been, and still is, a diverse welcoming community of immigrants. We have been operating for over 100 years as a community shopping district. Together, The S. 9th Street Shopping District, the property owners and the Mural Arts program are working to create a new mural, that better represents the fabric of S. 9th Street to replace the current Frank Rizzo mural. Due to the forecast of inclement weather, as soon as possible, in the interim, the Rizzo mural will become a blank canvas. We agree it is time to replace this long-standing piece of art to begin to heal the Black community, the LGBTQ community and many others. Since we are also a residential community, there was much concern for the safety and well-being of our community. We believed it was our responsibility to protect the people that live in the District. Most of our residents live above our businesses. Our goal in hiring private security was to protect the people that live in the district. There were many factors in deciding to take this step. Our rationale in hiring trained professionals is to prevent vigilantism, violence and threats to residents. These professionals have participated in hours of training focusing on diversity, diffusing situations and properly identifying threats. We are continuing to consult with our security experts daily throughout this time. We see you. We hear you. We stand with you. Our sympathies go out to the Floyd family. Our hearts are with everyone that has suffered senseless loss. ******************************************************