Published on August 27, 2025
STATEMENT FROM THE CITY REGARDING EVENT PERMITTING AND SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS
The City of Pittsburgh is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in all aspects of our event permitting processes.
We wish to address concerns raised by Mr. William “B” Marshall regarding permits for the Juneteenth Celebration and the Soul Food Festival. The City firmly denies that Mr. Marshall’s civil rights have been violated. All event organizers are held to the same standards, which are established to promote public safety, accountability, and smooth operations.
Mr. Marshall has encountered challenges with the execution of his events due to problems of his own making, not due to bias or unfair treatment. Despite this, the City has made efforts to support and accommodate his events wherever possible.
We remain committed to working with all community partners who engage in good faith and adhere to established guidelines that ensure equitable treatment for all.