Proclamation2021-1679

WHEREAS, Since the founding of the City of Pittsburgh, African Americans have played an integral part in the City’s economic growth and social development after 44 Black Men fought alongside General John Forbes to establish Fort Pitt in 1758; also by creating an abolitionist movement in the 1800s to end slavery; by creating a historic Jazz Movement in 1930s-60s; by creating a Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s-70s; and by hosting unifying cultural events like the annual Harambee Arts Festival and the 1972 Black Solidarity Fair held at the then-Civic Arena; and, WHEREAS, William Marshall (AKA B. Marshall) believes in educating our communities about the rich heritage of the African American people and he accomplishes that goal by holding numerous events throughout the year such as the Jubilee Parade and A Soulful Taste of the Burgh; and, WHEREAS, most recently, Mr. Marshall was instrumental in making Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves, a paid City of Pittsburgh holiday. Through organizing and promoting Juneteenth and other Black events annually, Mr. Marshall hopes to bring cultural and educational awareness to Pittsburgh and its youth and eventually build unity and reduce violence in our communities; and, WHEREAS, because of his passion for our youth, B. Marshall founded Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh (“STV-Pittsburgh”) in 2013 to be a community network of non-profit groups and other agencies who offer viable and practical options to children, youth, and young adults to encourage positive youth development; and,

Sponsored by Theresa Kail-Smith, All Members.