Civil Rights Violation Claims: B. Marshall Files Lawsuit Against Gainey

Currently, a federal court is hearing a civil rights lawsuit lodged against the City of Pittsburgh and its first Black mayor, Ed Gainey. The plaintiffs, William “B.” Marshall and his wife, Margo Marshall, claim that Mayor Gainey and his administration attempted to "take over" B. Marshall's annual Juneteenth celebration. When he declined their offer, they allegedly conspired to obstruct the event. The 18-page lawsuit, unveiled on August 27, demands compensatory damages and legal fees, asserting violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. Amidst growing reactions within the Pittsburgh African American community, some individuals voicing support for B. Marshall’s lawsuit emphasize the necessity of ensuring the city respects cultural festivals. The lawsuit outlines a deterioration in the relationship between B. Marshall and the city following Gainey’s administration's beginning. When the Gainey Administration ceased providing police protection for the Juneteenth celebration, B. Marshall contended this was a breach of his rights. The city maintains that all event organizers face consistent standards.