PHILADELPHIA — Music stars LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan have withdrawn from the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, citing solidarity with striking municipal workers in Philadelphia.
LL Cool J, who was scheduled to headline the event, announced his decision Thursday night on Instagram, stating he could not “cross a picket line” while workers continue to fight for fair wages and healthcare. “I never want to disappoint my fans, especially in Philly, but there’s no way I can perform and pick up money when people are out there fighting for a living wage,” the rapper and actor said.
Sullivan, a Philadelphia native, followed suit Friday, sharing on Instagram that she was standing with AFSCME District Council 33, the city’s largest blue-collar union, which represents trash collectors, police dispatchers, and other essential workers. The union has been on strike for four days, leaving trash piling up around the city as negotiations with the city government remain stalled.
Union leaders praised the artists’ decisions. DC 33 President Greg Boulware called LL Cool J’s move “a powerful testament to his respect for workers’ rights” and said he was “profoundly humbled” by Sullivan’s solidarity.
Mayor Cherelle Parker, acknowledging the cancellations, expressed understanding. “I respect their decisions and share their desire to see our city unified,” Parker said, adding that both artists are always welcome in Philadelphia.
Despite the high-profile withdrawals, the show will go on. Performers including Álvaro Díaz, JoJo, Mr. HOLLYWOOD DJ, and DJ Ghost & Friends remain scheduled. Gates to the “Party on the Parkway” open at 4 p.m., with fireworks set to light up the sky after the concert around 9 p.m.
