DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte and others headlined one early voting pop-up concert at Overbrook Plaza in West Philadelphia on Saturday.
The dancing was infectious, as was the eagerness of voters like Natiyah Florence, who lined up to ensure she had the chance to vote early.
“This vote is very important to me,” she said.
Florence said the event is important to inform people who didn’t know they could vote early Saturday ahead of Election Day, including herself.
‘I just come here. I found out we could vote early today,” Florence said.
Hundreds of people like Florence attended the event, organized by Joy to the Polls and Working Families Power.
Joy to the Polls co-founder Nelini Stamp said their goal was to motivate people to vote, while making it fun.
“Giving people some kind of joy, reminding them why they’re there… to give them some hope [and] It’s really important to give them a reason to enjoy their time while they’re queuing at the polling station,” she said.
Among the performers at the event were West Philadelphia’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff and legendary recording artist MC Lyte.
Mayor Cherelle Parker also visited and showed off her dance moves.
“Events like this are very important for the African American community in particular to come out and for them to realize that they can vote early. And they will come out, enjoy themselves, but at the same time also vote,” said Nicole Chandler .
For more information about voting in Pennsylvania, check out our voting guide.
