Every Fourth of July, thousands gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia for a free concert and fireworks. Young and old gather to celebrate the United States in what many call the birthplace of America.
Since 1993, the city has hosted a series of events leading up to July 4th. The Welcome America series, now sponsored by Wawa, is one of the largest free festivals in the country. For two weeks, Philadelphians celebrate Independence Day with concerts, parades, museum days, and other community events—culminating in a flagship free concert on the 4th and a massive fireworks display.
The concert this year, held on the main thoroughfare in the city, was set to feature LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan, alongside headliners Álvaro Díaz and Jojo. Yet, a few days before the concert, Jazmine Sullivan and LL Cool J pulled out of performing.
Celebrities’ social media followings can mean a lot for their lives; they can use their platforms to promote their latest projects, brand deals, and other content important to them. This may be something like a charity or cause that the person is passionate about. The Fourth of July weekend saw Philadelphia as a focal point for some celebrities to share about causes important to them.
Starting in the last week of June, DC33, a union representing many of Philly’s blue-collar workers, including city sanitation workers, is on strike, while the union negotiates a new contract with the city. Both LL Cool J and Sullivan announced they would not be performing because of the ongoing strikes. In fact, LL Cool J even traveled to Philly, making appearances in the city, just in case the union and the city came to an agreement and he could perform at the concert.
For Sullivan, this is personal: She’s from Philly and explained that it was important to her to stand with her city.
“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 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 her Instagram story. “I love my city and I believe in you. Hopefully we will get to celebrate when things are better,” she added.
Similarly, Cool J posted a black and white selfie video of himself, saying, “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 when I know that people are out there fighting for minimum wage.”
At the end of the video, he did mention that he would still head to Philly, in case an agreement was made.
Because Philly is a relatively large city, the issues at hand were making national news. The visibility given to the union by large names like Cool J and Sullivan helped broaden the conversation. Cool J and Sullivan used their platforms to talk about issues that are important to them.
DC33 highlighted that attention on their Instagram, writing, “[LL Cool J’s] actions highlight the importance of supporting those who strive for fair treatment and better working conditions. … His support underscores the significance of the labor movement and its ongoing fight for justice and equity.”
On Sullivan’s decision not to perform, the union wrote, “It’s truly refreshing to witness a celebrity of her stature and a native Philadelphian recognizing and valuing the tireless dedication of municipal workers.”
This sense of community, that Sullivan highlighted in her statements, is integral to the city nicknamed “the City of Brotherly Love.” Philadelphians respect those around them, no matter their background (unless they root for sports rivals). Even in Mayor Cherelle Parker’s statements about Sullivan and Cool J’s decisions, she highlighted a mutual civility and understanding. Moreover, the musicians were successful with their actions: They brought attention to causes important to them.
As of July 9, the union and the city reached an agreement, and the union has asked its employees to end the strike and return to the job.
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