PHILLY CURFEW ANGERS BLACKS
PHILADELPHIA - Black Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has announced a Friday and Saturday night curfew for those under 18 will be extended until school begins in two weeks.
On Aug. 8, Nutter announced a 9 p.m. curfew in the downtown and university areas after flash mobs of mostly black youth engaged in random attacks on people as well as property damage.
Despite a weekend of protests from members of the community who claim the curfew targets Blacks, the mayor credited support from parents and business owners for the success of the curfew.
Protestors called the curfew "illegal and racist" and said economic development was needed instead.
Mark McDonald, spokesman for the mayor, says the earlier curfew, combined with more organized activities for teenagers, has received great support.
McDonald cited positive feedback from meetings in which Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison attended.
