LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan Withdraw from Philly’s July 4th Festival in Support of Striking Municipal Workers

LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan have both canceled their performances at the Wawa Welcome America Festival in Philadelphia on July 4, 2025, in solidarity with striking municipal workers. The workers, part of District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), are demanding higher wages. LL Cool J explained in a video posted on X that he couldn’t perform and cross a picket line while municipal workers fought for a fair wage. Jazmine Sullivan also showed her support by announcing her withdrawal on Instagram. Both artists emphasized their commitment to workers’ rights and the importance of fair wages for all. The strike, which began on July 1, has impacted essential public services like sanitation and 911 dispatch in the city. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker acknowledged the artists’ decisions, expressing respect for their stance. The union thanked the musicians for their support, calling it a powerful statement of solidarity. Despite the absence of the artists, the Wawa Welcome America Festival remains one of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebrations, and the festival organizers have not yet commented on the changes.