National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Mayor Johnny L. DuPree, Ph.D.

Press Release
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, 
For Immediate Release:

City of Hattiesburg Designates February 7
as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Hattiesburg-The City of Hattiesburg has designated Feb. 7 as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. During a proclamation ceremony held at City Hall on yesterday, Mayor Johnny DuPree and his assistant John Brown demonstrated the simplicity of an HIV/AIDS exam.

The move to designate a day to promote HIV/AIDS awareness is a nationwide effort to mobilize African-American communities to get educated, tested, involved and treated for HIV/AIDS as it continues to devastate black communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 10,000 Mississippians are living with HIV—more than 70 percent of these men, women and children are black. Forrest County ranks in the top five in the state in new HIV cases.

“It’s disheartening to witness the terror that HIV/AIDS is unleashing on our communities,” said DuPree. “The time has come for us to show our hand as there is strength in numbers and education.”

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is directed, planned and strategically overseen by a Strategic Leadership Council made up of prominent organizations, including the CDC and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to mobilize community based organizations and stakeholders involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment.

AIDS Services Coalition will soon host a series of community events to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day and its importance to blacks and other citizens throughout the Pine Belt.

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Office of Public Relations
Chinika Hughes-Hood, Public Relations Coordinator
601.545.4508 (o) 769.223.3557 (c) 601.545.4608 (f)

Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade:Revised Route

Mayor Johnny L. DuPree, Ph.D.

Press Release
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”
City of Hattiesburg Prepares for its Inaugural Mardi Gras Parade

Hattiesburg-The Countdown is underway for the City of Hattiesburg’s first annual Caerus Mardi Gras Parade. Caerus is pronounced Ky-rus, meaning “spirit of opportunity.”

The big event, spearheaded by Keith Superstores and other Hattiesburg-area businesses, is set for Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. The parade route begins in the North Lot of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Hillcrest Residence Hall, traverses along Service Drive, running South parallel to Hwy 49, then onto Hardy Street, West to 38th Avenue where the parade will end. View revised map.

Floats will be judged on several features and an overall winner will be selected.  It’s not too late to participate in the parade, but the clock is ticking as the deadline is Friday, Feb. 3.  To register, please contact Parade Coordinator Melissa Davis via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 601.447.1463.

Thus far, the Caerus Mardi Gras Parade participants include: Sims Family, Morgan family, McElroy Family, McMullan Family, Jody's Bakery, Budweiser, Pepsi, Coke, Frito lay, Walnut Circle, Bottling Co., Parrotheads of Hattiesburg, ParkWest Apartments.,  Hattiesburg Optimist Club (ladies), Miss Mississippi contestants, Community Bank, Bancorp, Krewe of  Elks, Gattitown, The Abbey Salon, Petal Moose Lodge, Forrest General Hospital, Wesley Medical Center, LMN Construction, B95, Rock 104, Krewe of They That Wait, Shriners, Island Hoppers, Manheim Mississippi, Krewe of Froth, Hattiesburg Moose Lodge 1804, Huddle House, Trustmark, Crypt Haunted House, Shafer Crisis Center, Rhythm Rush, Diamond Girls, Oseola Children’s Center, Brownstones and Clear Channel. The list of participants is growing by the minute.

“Our goal is to grow Caerus into a premier South Mardi Gras event,” said Davis. Davis said that some businesses have not only agreed to provide tailgating space on their properties but also plan to offer pre and post-parade specials.

Curb Appeal

Mayor Johnny L. DuPree, Ph.D.

Press Release
Wednesday, February 1, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

Beautifying Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg-The City of Hattiesburg is on a mission to improve its curb appeal. Click here for more information on how you can play an active role in the enhancement of your community.

HPD Earns Top Honor

Mayor Johnny L. DuPree, Ph.D.

Press Release
Wednesday, February 1, 2012,
For Immediate Release:

HPD Earns Top Award

Hattiesburg-The Hattiesburg Police Department is top dog when it comes to catching criminals across the state. HPD was named “Top Supporting Law Enforcement Agency of the Year” by Mississippi Crime Stoppers Advisory Council and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The honor was announced during the 2012 Mississippi Crime Stoppers Training Conference held recently in Biloxi. HPD was chosen because of the cooperation and support of its Crime Stopper program.