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City councils

Philly Protests, Police Reform, and COVID-19 Update

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As protests against police brutality in West Philadelphia escalated in May, Mayor Jim Kenney and city officials authorized the use of tear gas to control crowds. During a city budget hearing, Council members questioned the police response to protests and called for changes to the department. The hearing also highlighted the need for the police union to be held accountable for its role in fighting against reform and change.

Key Takeaways:

  • The city's police union, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, has been actively fighting against change and accountability, making it challenging for elected officials to implement reforms.
  • The "defund the police" movement, which aims to reallocate funds from the police department to social services, is gaining momentum in Philadelphia.
  • The city's restaurant industry is facing internal issues of racism, with some chefs and owners expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement, while others are "flailing in those attempts, resulting in criticism from staff and customers."
  • Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has lifted coronavirus-related restrictions on certain outdoor sports and activities, allowing professional, college, high school, and youth sports to resume.
  • The "black owned" sign is becoming a symbol of protection for businesses targeted by protesters, with the sign offering a sense of security and validation for business owners.
  • Protests in small towns across Pennsylvania are signs of big changes, with grassroots efforts and political campaigns learning to adapt to the pandemic and get their messages out.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected grocery stores, with many struggling to financially weather the crisis.

Statistics:

  • The number of coronavirus cases is trending downward in the region, but remains high in Chester County.
  • The Philadelphia Police Department has a budget of over $900 million, with a significant portion allocated to union benefits and pensions.
  • According to a study by the Rutgers history professor, businesses that display "black owned" signs have seen a 20% increase in revenue.
  • The Cambridge Dictionary defines "defund" as "to stop paying for something, such as a service or organization, because it is no longer needed or because it is not working well."

Sources:

  • Inquirer Editorial Board: "Philadelphia's police union is a major obstacle to reform"
  • Solomon Jones: "Why I'm the only black male news columnist at The Inquirer"
  • Dr. Mara Gordon and Kathleen Noonan: "Housing people experiencing homelessness is key to public health in the time of COVID-19"
  • The Philadelphia Tribune: "Families gather in West Philadelphia to teach about police brutality"
  • The Economist: "COVID-19 is worsening inequality in some areas"
  • Wired: "The history of vaccines"
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer: "City officials authorized use of tear gas during West Philly protests"
  • Samantha Melamed: "Restaurant industry's internal issues of racism come to a head"

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