The bike rack of no return: Ball's in your court, Black Israelites!
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
A fatal blow in the war for 16th and Chestnut?
So, the city and/or Liberty Place installed some planters and bike racks at 16th and Chestnut, what's the big deal? Well, that happens to be the hot corner coveted by the Black Israelites (aka the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge aka the guys on the sidewalk with the shiny outfits and gross abortion signs).
It's the place a Philly judge said they are allowed to set up their stage and p.a. and say things to pedestrians.
It's where they go when they want to hang a likeness of Santa Claus.
And it's the same place the Liberty people have occasionally stationed a DJ to drown them out with dance music (like "Play that Funky Music White Boy").
Well now it's a bunch of bike racks, all of which are currently occupied. Poor Black Israelites. It can't be easy to find out you're officially lower than bicyclists in Philly's social hierarchy.
