Here's Why LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan Pulled Out of July 4th Concert
LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan were slated to perform at the Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July Concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday. In a show of solidarity with the over 10,000 workers on strike, both artists pulled out of the show, according to CBS News. LL Cool J let it be known that he will not "cross a picket line" in light of the ongoing strike in Philadelphia involving the city's largest municipal workers' union.
Not wanting to disappoint fans, the rap icon planned to be in the city in case an agreement was reached before the show. According to CBS News, as of July 8 both sides are still dug in and it is unclear where and when the negotiations will take place.
Grammy award winning, Philadelphia native, Jazmine Sullivan had this say in her Instagram Story:
“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. I love my city and I believe in you. Hopefully we will get to celebrate when things are better. -Jaz”
"We respect LL COOL J's decision not to perform at the July 4th Concert," representatives for Wawa Welcome America said in a statement. "As always, for any changes and real time updates follow us on social @july4thphilly."
"Jazmine Sullivan has decided not to perform at WAWA Welcome America's July 4th Concert tonight on the Parkway," as per a statement from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
She went on, "I respect Jazmine's decision, and understand her desire to see our City unified. I feel exactly the same – our mission every day is 'One Philly, a United City'. Jazmine, your hometown loves you!"
District Council 33 is the largest of four major unions representing many of the city’s blue-collar workers, from trash collectors to clerks to security guards.
According to AP News, at the time that the artists pulled out, the city had offered a three-year contract with annual raises of about 3%. However, the union said, that would amount to little more than $1,000 after taxes for members who make, on average, $46,000 a year.
Today marks Day 8 of the strike.
