PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan said they will not perform at Welcome America’s July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in light of the ongoing workers union strike.
AFSCME District Council 33, the city’s largest blue-collar workers union, has been on strike for four days with no new talks in sight.
Hip-hop legend LL Cool J posted the announcement on his Instagram late Thursday night.
“I never, ever, ever wanna disappoint my fans … and especially in Philadelphia, y’all mean too much to me. But there’s absolutely no way that I could perform across a picket line and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. I’m not doing that,” he said.
The rapper said he will stay in Philadelphia in case there is a last-minute agreement between the city and the union.
In a statement, Mayor Cherelle Parker said she respects his decision and his “desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia.”
Philadelphia native Sullivan was still scheduled to perform until mid-day Friday. She posted to her Instagram around 3:15 p.m., announcing she would not perform in solidarity with the striking workers.
“In this life, we are only measured by how we uphold our morals and standards, by what we choose to fight for through participation or protest. Today, I choose not to perform at the Wawa Welcome America concert and stand with Philly’s DC 33 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,” her Instagram story read.
Parker released the same statement in response to Sullivan's decision. DC 33 President Greg Boulware thanked both headliners for their “unwavering support.”
Puerto Rican rapper and singer Alvaro Diaz kicked off the show, followed by Jojo and a host of DJs.
Some attendees at the concert said they were shocked to hear Sullivan and LL Cool J were not going to perform, but understood why.
“I respect that completely because it is absolutely ridiculous what is happening in this city," said Joseph Potts.
KYW Newsradio reached out to the city and Welcome America for comment but has not heard back.