Photos by Aidan Gallo
These familiar sights capture the spirit of Independence Day — a celebration of freedom. At the heart of that freedom is the right to express oneself, a core value honored every Fourth of July.
This year, that right was on full display as members of AFSCME District Council 33 exercised their freedom to protest.
While the Wawa Welcome America Festival brought celebratory events leading up to July 4th — including Mayor Cherelle Parker’s remarks at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony outside Independence Hall— members and supporters of AFSCME District Council 33 protested across the street demanding higher wages and improved healthcare benefits.
Friday’s demonstration was part of a larger strike that has now lasted over a week, as negotiations between the Parker administration and AFSCME District Council 33 have stalled. The union, which represents Philadelphia’s largest group of municipal workers, began striking seven days ago, halting trash collection across the city and resulting in growing piles of uncollected garbage.
As public support for the workers swells, notable performers LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan canceled their scheduled appearances at the Wawa Welcome America Concert in solidarity with the union. Meanwhile, AFSCME District Council 33 has publicly criticized Mayor Parker’s comments on the strike. On Instagram, the Unity Caucus dubbed the mounting trash piles “Parker’s Piles” and encouraged followers to call the mayor’s office to demand action.
Here’s a photo recap of what happened on Friday.
Workers pick up trash from outside of Shay’s Steaks while the Wawa Welcome America concert begins shortly on July 4, 2025.
Fireworks explode over the Philadelphia Art Museum on July 4, 2025.
DC 33 members walk up from the Independence Hall Station to protest outside of the Independence National Historic Park on July 4, 2025.
People show their support of the DC 33 municipal workers’ strike outside of the Independence National Historic Park on July 4, 2025
Mayor Cherelle Parker takes a picture with her family after speaking at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony outside of Independence Hall on July 4, 2025.
Mayor Cherelle Parker answers questions regarding the strikes after speaking at the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony outside of Independence Hall on July 4, 2025.
Janet White waves while riding the Caroline, an electric carriage, during the Salute to Independence parade on July 4, 2025. White is the CEO of FREe-CARRIAGES, a Philadelphia-based startup that offers eco-friendly, electric carriages as an alternative to traditional horse-drawn carriages.
A young boy participates in the Salute to Independence parade while another boy plays with his American flags on July 4, 2025.
A little girl watches DC 33 members protest at a municipal workers strike right before the Salute to Independence Parade starts on July 4, 2025.
A family watches the Philadelphia Mounted Police Force participate in the Salute to Independence parade on July 4, 2025.
Thousands of people attend the Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert on July 4, 2025.
Álvaro Díaz, a Puerto Rican rapper and singer, performs at the Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert on July 4, 2025. Notable performers LL Cool J and Jazmine Sullivan canceled their scheduled appearances at the Wawa Welcome America Concert in solidarity with the AFSCME District Council 33 strikes.
