KYW In Depth: New year, same Mummers controversy. So what's next?

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia's New Year's Day parade made headlines yet again after two mummers were seen wearing blackface.

The incident was quickly and roundly condemned by Philadelphia officials and mummers alike. Mayor Jim Kenney called it abhorrent and unacceptable. City Council President Darrell Clarke said in a tweet there is no place for this kind of reprehensible behavior in Philadelphia. 

And in a news conference the day after the parade, representatives from mummers clubs said wearing blackface is unacceptable and won't be tolerated.

So why does it seem like there's another controversy every Jan. 1 in Philadelphia?

This week on KYW In Depth, host Carol MacKenzie breaks down the history and traditions of the New Year's celebration with Ron Goldwyn, who covered the parade and mummers for the Daily News for more than two decades. She also asks attorney and long-time mummer George Badey how the mummers plan to move forward without repeating the mistakes of the past.

Each week, KYW In Depth will take you inside a story that matters to the Philadelphia region. With original reporting and compelling interviews, the most experienced news team in Philadelphia radio goes beyond the headlines and into the captivating details surrounding a local story. Subscribe here, on the RADIO.COM app on your smartphone, or wherever you listen to podcasts.