LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan have pulled out of Philadelphia’s Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert. They made this decision to support the city’s municipal workers who are on strike.
LL Cool J pulls out of Wawa Welcome America
“I’m not gonna cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurting,” the @llcoolj said on Instagram and X.https://t.co/Sz2qpK5Zzb
— SAVE A SEAT FOR ME (Simon & Schuster, 2026) (@NewBlackMan) July 4, 2025
LL Cool J said on Thursday, “There’s absolutely no way that I could perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage.” He was set to headline the festival alongside Sullivan.
LL Cool J said that he will not perform at Wawa Welcome America in Philadelphia on July 4th because of union strike
“There is absolutely no way I can perform across a picket line” https://t.co/d3T42xAlRO
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 4, 2025
The union, District Council 33 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, began its strike on Tuesday. They are seeking a higher-paying contract. Union members provide essential public services such as 911 dispatch and sanitation.
Jazmine Sullivan supports UC 33 strike and pulls out of July 4 concert in Philly @WTTWP0dcast pic.twitter.com/kcIXBU5xd1
— PhillyChitChat (@HughE_Dillon) July 4, 2025
The union praised LL Cool J’s decision, calling it a “powerful testament to his respect for workers’ rights.” Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said she spoke with LL Cool J about his choice. “I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia,” she said.
There's a way that al sides win. LL. Cool J donate a piece of his salery to the Union Releif Fund, and Unions agree, that this is for the good of Philly.https://t.co/4ofElGHzR8
— Mark Segal (@PhilaGayNews) July 4, 2025
Ll Cool J supports striking workers
Hours before her performance, Sullivan also announced she would not perform in solidarity with the union. “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,” she wrote on Instagram.
Mayor Parker confirmed Sullivan’s decision, saying, “I respect Jazmine’s decision, and understand her desire to see our city unified. Jazmine, your hometown loves you!”
Union president Greg Boulware expressed gratitude for Sullivan’s support. “It’s truly refreshing to witness a celebrity of her stature and a native Philadelphian recognizing and valuing the tireless dedication of municipal workers,” he said.
Wawa Welcome America is one of the nation’s largest July Fourth celebrations. A representative for the festival did not immediately respond to requests for comment. On July 1, following court orders, some union members were required to return to work.
The union advised its members to comply to avoid legal consequences.
