Philadelphia’s highly anticipated Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert saw a significant change to its lineup, as headliners LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan ultimately chose not to perform. Their decision came in a clear show of solidarity with striking municipal workers, emphasizing a commitment to labor over scheduled appearances.
For fans eager to celebrate Independence Day with live music, the news brought understandable disappointment. The Wawa Welcome America festival is a hallmark annual event in Philadelphia, culminating in a massive free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. However, this year’s festivities were overshadowed by an ongoing strike by AFSCME District Council 33, which represents thousands of the city’s blue-collar municipal workers, including sanitation, parks, and water department employees. These workers are fighting for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, establishing picket lines.
According to NBC Philadelphia, LL Cool J stated in a video posted on social media: “there’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage.” He further expressed hope that “the mayor and the city can make a deal. I hope it works out.” He also assured fans he never wants to disappoint them and planned to still be in Philadelphia in case a resolution was reached.
Jazmine Sullivan, a Philadelphia native and Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse, also withdrew from the concert. NBC Philadelphia reported that Sullivan shared on her Instagram story: “Today I choose to not perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Philly’s DC33 until the city and union find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class. I love my city and I believe in you. Hopefully, we will get to celebrate when things are better.”
LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan: Prioritizing Solidarity
The withdrawal of these two major headliners meant a significant shift for the concert’s lineup, though organizers quickly worked to ensure the show would still go on with other performers. However, the message sent by LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan resonated far beyond the stage itself…