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Woman Who Won $15M Discrimination Lawsuit Against Fresno Fights Back as City Tries to Decrease Her Award 

June 9, 2026

La-Kebbia "Kiki" Wilson, a Black woman who won a $15 million verdict against the City of Fresno for racial discrimination in March, is fighting the city's attempt to overturn or reduce the award through her legal team's recent court filing. Wilson experienced years of racial harassment from her supervisor, including being called a racial slur, which resulted in serious physical and mental health consequences including anxiety, heart problems, and damage to her professional reputation. Her attorneys argue that the jury's unanimous decision was based on careful consideration of evidence and should be respected, rejecting Fresno's claim that the damages are excessive.

Who is affected

  • La-Kebbia "Kiki" Wilson (plaintiff and former Community Revitalization Specialist)
  • Charles Smith (co-plaintiff and former Code Enforcement employee, awarded $400,000)
  • Howard Lacy (supervisor accused of racial harassment)
  • City of Fresno and its taxpayers
  • Fresno's Code Enforcement Department employees
  • Wilson's attorneys Gary G. Goyette and Kevin Schwin
  • Wilson's family (specifically her husband mentioned regarding intimacy problems)

What action is being taken

  • Wilson's attorneys are responding to the city's motion with a 32-page notice to the U.S. District Court
  • The City of Fresno is pursuing a motion for a new trial or partial new trial to reduce damages
  • The legal battle is continuing with a scheduled hearing on June 15

Why it matters

  • This case highlights systemic racial discrimination within a city government department that went unaddressed for years despite complaints. The substantial jury award recognizes the severe and lasting impacts of workplace racial harassment on Wilson's physical health, mental health, professional reputation, and personal relationships. The case also raises important questions about how Black women's emotional responses to discrimination are perceived and whether cities will be held accountable for creating safe, respectful workplaces free from racial harassment.

What's next

  • A hearing is scheduled for June 15 to address the City of Fresno's motion for a new trial or reduction of damages

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint