Rep. Stephen Kinsey January 3, 2020 | 3:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, called the use of blackface by members of the Froggy Carr Wench Brigade during the New Year’s Day Philadelphia Mummers Parade racist.
“It was just last year, almost exactly to the date, that the Mummers stirred controversy with an incident of similar nature. PLBC representatives met with them and attempted to use that as a teachable moment on how hurtful and racist these character portrayals are, but this year, we’re through,” said Kinsey, D-Phila. “We’re through with trying to reason with an entity that is essentially a modern minstrel show laced with hate speech, xenophobia and the denigration of Blackness under the guise of entertainment. We can no longer tolerate having our humanity and skin color repeatedly mocked and donned as costumes.”
Kinsey applauded Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney for censuring and subsequently disqualifying the Froggy Carr Wench Brigade but pressed for more substantive consequences for performers who engage in racially insensitive behavior.
“I am pleased that Mayor Kenney immediately stepped up to condemn the use of blackface; however, as chairman of the PLBC, I’m calling on the mayor to impose more harsh penalties that are swift and severe for any performer or troupe who indulges in this disgusting spectacle. Funneling taxpayer dollars in the form of city employees and support staff for this mockery must end,” he said. “It’s imperative that we confront and condemn this disparaging behavior to convey the message that this racist buffoonery will no longer be tolerated in our city!
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form your are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Stephen Kinsey.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
Oh no! It seems cookies are not enabled for your browser. This site unfortunatly uses cookies to help provide you with a customized experience on the site. Please enable cookies to allow your experience to be customized. Thank you.
5952-54 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19144
P*: (215) 849-6592P: (215) 849-6896
F*: (215) 560-1824
317 Irvis Office Building P.O. Box 202201Harrisburg, PA 17120-2201
P*: (717) 787-3181
F*: (717) 772-4038