In Phila., joining a mass 'Soul Train' line

At 4 p.m. Monday, hundreds of Philadelphians, including Mayor Nutter, are expected to gather on the Art Museum steps to try to form the world's longest Soul Train line.

The dance line - an effort to commemorate the life of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius - could break the Guinness record, now held by a Berkeley, Calif., high school, if more than 211 dancers come together.

"We can beat that record," said organizer Mannwell Glenn, 50, of West Philadelphia.

Glenn, a radio host and political consultant, said he expected at least 500 dancers. "Judging by the response on social media, it looks like we're going to have a healthy crowd," he said.

Developer and music producer Kenny Gamble, Sheriff Jewell Williams, and City Councilwoman Cindy Bass are also expected to attend.

Glenn said he began planning the event Feb. 1, hours after Cornelius died.

"He was a big part of my childhood," Glenn said. "By the time I was 10, I was watching the Soul Train line. He was the coolest, smoothest guy. He was an icon. He was an innovator. He showed African Americans in a good light."

Darisha Miller, 40, of East Mount Airy, said she could not miss the chance to celebrate Cornelius' life.

"His show was syndicated and distributed nationally for 20 years, so Monday is history that I'd like to be a part of," she said. "What he was able to do, the doors he was able to open - he was an African American entrepreneur ahead of his time."

Contact staff writer Shaj Mathew at smathew@philly.com or @shaj10 on Twitter.