Philly Mummers parade pursues diversity after complaints

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Mummers Parade, a long-running and extravagant Philadelphia New Year's celebration that has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and occasional racial insensitivity, will welcome performances by ethnic groups for the first time this year, organizers said.

The decision comes after the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations convened a meeting this year with several Mummers representatives and city parade director Leo Dignam.

The commission has received complaints about racist and xenophobic skits in the parade, according to executive director Rue Landau.

The garish outfits feature expensive feathers and sequins, and clubs' routines often include huge props rolled down the street for periodic performances.

Last year, a member of a brigade known as "wenches" carried a sign saying "Wench Lives Matter," a parody of the Black Lives Matter movement.