The Donivan Barnes Story
Donivan Barnes was a 26 year old African American walking on Westover Drive that was killed. Despite evidence of Donvian being killed by suspect Andrew David Cook, all charges were dropped.
Donvian's homocide was almost covered up by a local teacher, Dr. Kimberly Yawn Walker & other government officials but Donivan's family fought back hard to uncover the truth.
The local district attorney recommended the case to the Mississippi Attorney General who has not decided if they will take the case or not.
With overwhelming community support during Juneteenth Weekend, Donivan's case may be re-opend with a state investigation, a move in the right direction towards Justice For Donivan & hope for countless of other families.
I Want To Be A Vendor
Do you want to be a vendor during Juneteenth Weekend 2025?
Yes! Anyone can be a vendor at Juneteenth Weekend 2025. Sell whatever you want. It' simple. It's fun. It's easy. It's quick. All you have to do is sign-up, submit a donation of your choice, and submit your application.
Yes, it's really that easy!
2nd Annual Mississippi March
Time: 3:00pm
Place: Martin Luther King Avenue
The Mississippi March is not only the largest peaceful protest in Hattiesburg, but one of the largest protest for equality in Mississippi.
This year, leading the march is family, friends, and supporters of the Justice for Donivan movement. Other families, groups, organizations, churches, cities, and individuals also show up to participate.
Details:
Participants will gather in front of Martin Luther King Church between 2:00pm and 3:00pm. The march will take off down Martin Luther King at 3:00pm headed to the park.
The march will stop at Rowan School for the first water-break and stop again at Saint James Church for the second water-break.
People with certain age and health conditions can join in at either water break location.
The march will go down Martin Luther King turning right on Killingsworth Dr, then turning left on Country Club Rd ending inside of Vernon Dahmer Park.
Anyone can show up to participate. Got a large group of 25 or more? Sign up. It's free to participate for individuals and groups.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Cookout
Time: 4:00pm
Place: Vernon Dahmer Park
The Juneteenth Cookout is when communities, families, organizations, cities, and friends come together to celebrate the Juneteenth Independence Day Holiday.
The community comes together as one to not only stand just justice and equality, but honor those who have help paved the way while celebrating those who are making a difference today. The event is also about celebrating African American Freedom from slavery.
The event is free and open to the public. The event features food, games, sports, a mixture of entertainment, art & crafts, vendors, and a free pool party for youth and teens in the city's pool.
Last year, two 18 Wheeler worth of free chicken was given away to the community as well as a free BBQ sponsored by The Mr. Hattiesburg Foundation in partnership with Mar Jac Poultry, Popeyes, & Pepsi.
Last year, the event was in honor of Southern Miss Star Football Player MJ Daniels.
Yes, lawn chairs, tents, and coolers are welcomed. If you want to sell food or other items, scroll down and sign up as a vendor. There is no fee.
Juneteenth Weekend 2025 at Vernon Dahmer Park
Saturday, June 21, 2025 is Juneteenth Weekend '25 in Hattiesburg, MS. The 3 in 1 event is dedicated to Justice for Donvian Barnes, a 25 year old black man that was killed in Hattiesburg but never received justice after all charges was dropped against a 23 year old white suspect, Andrew David Cook, in which the case has been since recommended to the Mississippi Attorney General by local the local district attorney.
The Attorney General has not decided to take the case and this will be the first time the community will peacefully come in support of Justice for Donivan in hopes of with strong community support on Juneteenth Weekend, the case will be re-opened with a new investigation by the state.
Bigger than just Donivan, Juneteenth Weekend is about the countless of other victims families across Mississippi who are still seeking justice, coming together to celebrate their lives but also call for justice on their behalf.
The weekend also honors and pays tribute to African American Heroes, African American Success, Freedom, and the African American Culture.
1,000 Lights State Wide Candle Light
Time: 8:00pm
Place: Vernon Dahmer Park
Instead of a classic fireworks show to commemorate freedom, 100's of families, groups, churches, organizations, cities, and communities come together to light up Mississippi skies for a state wide candle light honoring those who have passed away or lost their lives, sharing a very intimate moment together as one Mississippi.
If you would like your family or loved one name read out loud, add their name to the candle light list. It's free of charge.
Candles, lighters, flashlights or phone lights are welcome.