By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

NORCO – Dr. K Movement Inc. organized its first annual Stop the Violence summit this weekend at the American Legion Hall in Norco

The empowerment program featured guest speakers such as Annett Jones-Ward, Herbrena Gordon Godfrey, Silky Slim and Michael Jackson impersonator Super Bonified. The event also featured a performance by K. Wish, as well as raffles for prizes such as a $100 Visa gift card, a $50 Shell card and a 42-inch Sanyo television.

Anthony Straughter, 40, the founder of Dr. K Movement, said the goal of his summit is to bring attention to the violence sweeping through Louisiana and, more specifically, the River Parishes. The St. Rose native said that negative coverage of homicides that occurred in his hometown inspired him to create Dr. K Movement Inc. in 2012. Straighter said the program was intended to educate today’s at-risk youth on the importance of making the right decisions and the consequences of choosing the wrong ones.

“Even if it doesn’t touch everyone, just to touch at least one person that comes out to show them that there are other alternatives besides picking up guns and killing people,” he said.

Miguel Thornton, 32, a spokesperson for Dr. K Movement, said the organization itself is intended to uplift ex-felons and influence them to mentor youth in their communities. Thornton is also an ex-felon, having been involved in armed robbery and carjacking during his younger years.

“(Our goal is) letting people know that you have a God-given purpose, and your purpose is bigger than crime,” said Thornton.

For more information visit www.drkmovement.org.