AKON - AKON SPEAKS ABOUT DOLLA AT GUN VIOLENCE FORUM

AKON SPEAKS ABOUT DOLLA AT GUN VIOLENCE FORUM

AKON paid tribute to his slain protege DOLLA as he spoke to students about gun violence on Thursday (28May09) for his community service work.
Akon is currently completing 65 hours of anti-violence campaigning after pleading guilty in December (08) to tossing a teenage fan off stage at a 2007 gig.
The R&B singer fulfilled some of those hours by appearing at a youth forum against gun crime in Poughkeepsie, New York, near to the Dutchess County Stadium where the incident occurred.
And the star used the platform to speak out about the tragic murder of Dolla, a rapper on his Konvict Muzik label who died in a Los Angeles shooting earlier this month (18May09).
Akon told students, "The timing of this couldn't have been better because I'm sure you all know that I had an artist named Dolla who just got shot last week. He didn't make it. It was a very senseless crime. He was a great kid, he didn't deserve it. He was only 19, supporting his whole family through his music and the reason he got shot was probably the most miscellaneous thing ever."
The Smack That hitmaker also told the crowd he regrets having carried a firearm in the past.
He said, "I never smoked, never drank but I did carry a gun. That one moment still haunts me today. At the time I thought I was doing it for protection. Imagine if I would have used it - I might not even be talking to you today."
And Akon is grateful for the opportunity to pass on his life lessons to youngsters: "I appreciate the fact that the mayor even allowed me to come here to speak to you today. Thanks to the city of Poughkeepsie for forgiving me for my faults.
"It's been a great wake-up call for me. The beautiful part of it is that I'm in the position to be able to pass that knowledge to you so you don't go through those same situations."