End Blackface Or End Mummers Parade, Mayor Kenney Says

PHILADELPHIA — Blackface issues could lead to the end of the Mummers Parade if Mayor Jim Kenney has his way.

Kenney Thursday said if issues of racism and culturally insensitive themes persist, the city will not support the parade.

According to NBC 10, he sent a letter to numerous mummers leaders saying the issues must stop and urged leaders to crack down on bad actors.

"If you cannot commit to meaningful changes, the City will be forced to consider alternatives. Ultimately, the City may prefer to produce and control its own New Year’s Day parade or celebration that is more inclusive, which will displace the Mummers Parade on Broad Street," he wrote in the letter.

WHYY reports Councilwoman Cindy Bass is threatening a $75 fine for anyone who engages in blackface.

Additionally, she said the fine would come along with a five-year ban on participating in the parade.

The news come after some parade marchers with the Froggy Carr group wore blackface during the 2020 parade.

Their wearing blackface led the group to be disqualified.

Mummers have had to undergo sensitivity training since 2016 after issues of alleged racism persisted with parade marchers.