When workers stand up for dignity and respect, real allies show up. That’s exactly what hip-hop legend LL Cool J did this past week—refusing to cross a picket line in Philadelphia and pulling out of a major 4th of July performance in support of striking municipal workers.

LL Cool J had been scheduled to headline the Wawa Welcome America Festival on July 4, but when he learned that AFSCME District Council 33 workers were on strike, he took a stand.

“There’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage,” LL Cool J said in a public statement.

The workers—sanitation crews, security officers, clerical staff, and others—are demanding fair wages, job security, and respect on the job after repeated delays and inadequate offers from the City of Philadelphia.

Also pulling out of the festival in solidarity was Philly’s own Grammy-winning singer Jazmine Sullivan, who said in an Instagram post: “I stand with the city workers on strike and will not cross their picket line. I urge the city and the union to find a way to bring fair living wages to our working class.”

This kind of solidarity from public figures makes a difference. It sends a message to elected officials and employers everywhere: the public is watching, and when working people stand together, they don’t stand alone.