Posted on Fri, Nov 18, 2011 : 9:22 p.m.
Kwame Kilpatrick will speak about 2nd chances at EMU event
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Kwame Kilpatrick will speak this month at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, with the topic of his discussion focusing on redemption and second chances, according to a report in the Eastern Echo.
Detroit's former mayor - recently released from prison and facing federal charges - will launch a lecture series by a student group called Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge, according to the report.
Kilpatrick's talk takes place at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at EMU's Student Center.
Comments
Gfellow
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:01 a.m.
I MUST go! I've never seen a crocodile cry before. Does EMU often have such high caliber acts?
reddog801
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
First, thanks annarbor.com for REMOVING MY COMMENTS! My comments had nothing but truth to them and I did not curse, and I did not provide any false accusations. So thanks for taking my right to freedom of speech and killing it. Kwame is a thug. Why don't you cover that? Why dont you go out and get responses from these students there at EMU? I will guarantee you that most of them will not be showing up for this. This man is a liar and a deceiver. He swindled Detroit out of many thousands of dollars and continues to taunt the city and it's residents. Now he wants to come and speak to college students? Again how much is he getting paid, how much of our taxes are going to him?? Why don't you guys cover real news instead of covering these stories that deserve NO COVERAGE WHAT SO EVER!! Again though, thanks for removing my comment that did not violate anything except maybe your feelings. Then again, the truth hurts and you liberals don't want to hear the truth.
The Eastern Echo
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:55 p.m.
Hi everyone, The Eastern Echo has a follow-up article to the breaking story in Monday's issue with interviews from members within the student organization B.L.A.C.K., EMU VP of Communications Walter Kraft and many more. Check out the story right now at: <a href="http://easternecho.com/index.php/article/2011/11/kwame_kilpatrick_is_coming_to_emu_causing_controversy_already" rel='nofollow'>http://easternecho.com/index.php/article/2011/11/kwame_kilpatrick_is_coming_to_emu_causing_controversy_already</a>
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
I read the new article. This Mr. Kennard seems to prefer to make our loathing of Kilpatrick into a racial thing. I hope that he will look at the damage this man has done to Detroit and look at what he has done since getting caught, and then look for a sign of repentance. I don't see it. I hope these students will read the comments written here. I think they cover a lot of ground. Bottom line: Kwame Kilpatrick has made no effort to make amends for what he did. His is totally unrepentant. How can you forgive someone who doesn't feel he did anything much wrong? I just hope that the students involved in this will not treat the man as though is is really worthy of another second chance. There are many African-Americans in America who have done criminal things and have repented and gone in the right direction with a true second chance. Kilpatrick is not one of them. Look a bit harder.
Elaine F. Owsley
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
Does anyone wonder if you could get away with an organization calling itself W.H.I.T.E.?
genetracy
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
According to the Eastern Echo article, "Nicholas Peterson, president of BLACK, sent out an email to certain members of the community announcing the event". So, just who are the "certain" members of the community? Fellow minorities? Was he hoping to keep the event in house and keep non-minorities out so he stage a Kwame love fest?
rosy12
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 10:13 p.m.
He's a convicted crimminal - EX CON and a total loser. He ripped off the people that trusted him. He was voted in to office and robbed the city blind. Lets show EMU what we think of there selection of speakers by NOT GOING TO LISTEN TO HIM. Is there really anyone that wants to hear more lies?????
A2Dave
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 9:10 p.m.
Well, he is an expert, having been given a "second chance" at least 5 times. Perhaps practice will eventually make perfect--just not yet.
snapshot
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
The speech title is a misrepresentation. He's had more than 2 chances and he's corrupted all his chances. The title should be "Bad to the Bone" with no remorse.
omniskeptic
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
Now, if folks feel like protesting something, maybe some of that Occupy X energy could be channeled into this.
Hot Sam
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 6:45 p.m.
They're waiting for someone like Herman Cain for that...
snoopdog
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
I graduated from EMU, they will never see a dime from me again. Kwame blew through his 2nd chance ten years ago, he is now on his 15th chance. He should still be in jail and would be if it were up to me. Shame on EMU, you make me sick to my stomach ! Good Day
Geoff Larcom
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 1:59 a.m.
An additional bit of perspective: The students organizing and funding this talk, the officers of the group B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Aspiring For Critical Knowledge) have taken on a significant challenge in terms of logistics and working with the University, not to mention the publicity the talk generates. Me? When i was an undergrad, I couldn't have imagined taking on such a responsibility. These students are having a very good learning experience.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
Geoff....These are university students, men and women. They should have the ability to organize and carry out such an activity just from their high school activities. I think you are underestimating college students. The question is not whether these students are able and talented. The question is about their judgement, and whether or not they went into this agreement fully understanding who this man really is. Even so, they have made their call, and will run with it. I hope it goes well. I just hope not one single student hears a thing this man says and actually believes him. He is no example to hold up as someone to emulate. I hope when they leave the gathering, they all have the same feeling about him that most thinking people do.
snoopdog
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.
Unfortunately, they are more Black Followers than they are Black Leaders ! Good Day
Steve Pierce
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 1:55 a.m.
Larcom wrote: >> Note: It is very important to remember that this talk is paid for and sponsored >> by a student group, as noted in the story above. So exactly how much is KK receiving? Since there are several judgements against KK, I trust EMU will make sure any money paid to KK goes first to settle any outstanding judgements to the City of Detroit as well as claims by the State of Michigan for his incarceration costs. Someone should also file a FOIA for a copy of KK speaking agreement with BLACK and or EMU to make sure there isn't any shenanigans by which money is paid to a third party in order to avoid any garnishments.
Geoff Larcom
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 5:22 p.m.
Steve: This student group doesn't have much money. It is a student group. Go ahead and give them an email shout to find out. EMU does not fun talks arranged by student groups.
aatownie
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
If EMU is a place of learning, what will they learn from Kwame?
genetracy
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
They will learn how Kwame "stuck it to the man".
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:37 a.m.
They will no doubt learn that the way to prosperity and happiness is to cheat, lie, steal, and behave in every vile way in government, and then to laugh in the face of justice and just keep on rollin' along. Sounds good, doean't it? This man is no Chuck Colson. Second chances should go to those who have learned that what they did was wrong, that they regret having done wrong, and that they are determined to change their lives to become more decent and useful citizens of their society. Does this sound like Kilpatrick? Nope. Nope. And Nope. So why is he coming, again?
Restaurant
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 2:06 a.m.
"Hand it these students for taking on this responsibility of managing an event of this nature"? Are you serious? The Synagro sludge contract, funneling of state grant money to wife, preferential hiring of friends and family, assaulting a police officer, tax evasion and mail fraud, not to mention the fact that he's under a new 38-charge felony indictment on additional corruption charges, in what a federal prosecutor called a "pattern of extortion, bribery and fraud." This is sad and pathetic and these students clearly need a better role model.
Geoff Larcom
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
The students from Black Leaders Aspiring For Critical Knowledge hope to learn about redemption and second chances. This is the goal of the students who arranged the talk. The goal of EMU in general and administrators is simply that the students enjoy a vivid learning experience in college. However you feel about the ex mayor, you have to hand it to these students for taking on this responsibility of managing an event of this nature, yes?
Geoff Larcom
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
Note: It is very important to remember that this talk is paid for and sponsored by a student group, as noted in the story above. Here are some details that will help AnnArbor.com readers better understand this story: Eastern Michigan University supports more than 200 student organizations, representing a variety of interests and viewpoints. University policy is to encourage recognized student organizations to invite speakers to campus in the spirit of free exchange of ideas and to promote the timely discussion of a wide variety of issues. Details of this policy can be found at <a href="http://www.emich.edu/policies/chapter8/8-4-3_policy.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.emich.edu/policies/chapter8/8-4-3_policy.pdf</a>. Student organizations have the ability to use identified facilities on campus for their events, are responsible for managing the events, and paying for any speaker costs. As a public institution, we do not vet, approve or deny their choice of speaker, provided they meet the provisions detailed in the policy: The speaker(s) must not urge the audience to take action which is prohibited by the rules of the University or which is illegal under federal, state or local law. Advocating or urging the modification of the government of the United States or the State of Michigan, by violence or sabotage, is specifically prohibited. It is the responsibility of the student organization to inform speakers of these prohibitions. Any acts that are disruptive to the normal operations of the University including classes and University business or infringe upon the rights of others will not be tolerated. Sponsorship must be by a recognized student organization. Note: Geoff Larcom is director of media relations at Eastern Michigan University and formerly worked as an editor and reporter at The Ann Arbor News for 25 years. He also served as a columnist for AnnArbor.com.
snoopdog
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Hopefully no one shows up to attend this pathetic gathering ! A quick read of your post does not indicate who is sponsoring his coming to EMU ? Good Day
Boom Town
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 1:56 a.m.
Exec Dir Media Relations MGIL3 $85,850.00
RoboLogic
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 7:50 p.m.
If he needs money he should get off his lazy, criminal duff and dig ditches. Who's next EMU? Charlie Manson live via video link from his CA. prison cell?
Boom Town
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 7:37 p.m.
Perhaps EMU could hire Kwame . He'd fit in really well at EMU.
tommy_t
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
When will we finally learn? Crime now pays more than working for a living.
pseudo
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 6:05 p.m.
as an alumn, given this guys' utter lack of remorse and unerned high lifestyle, this is embarassing and sad.
willywonka
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 3:51 p.m.
Apparently Dave Bing was busy. Ditto for Dennis Archer, Aaron Dworkin, Joe Dumars, Hansen Clarke and many others. C'mon, BLACK, give us reason to hope.
arborani
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
And I assume there'll be "book signing" in the lobby . . .
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
This has to be a joke, is it April first? Did I sleep though winter?
walker101
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 2:08 p.m.
Show me your friends and I'll show you your future, good job EMU.
A Voice of Reason
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
Mr. Kilpatrick, show us that you have contributed to society vs. talking about it. I am not sure what Mr. Kilpatrick has done to warrant any attention by EMU and its students. I would rather see Mr. Kilpatrick working in homeless shelters serving food vs. talking about how he has "seen the light" and is now going to be a better person. Earn the spot light Mr. Kilpatrick for showing us your truly are a better man. EMU stop rewarding 6th place finishes. U of M brings in the Dali Lama and EMU brings in this crook? Select your role models for your African American students more carefully.
A Voice of Reason
Tue, Nov 22, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
you're vs. your spotlight vs. spot light.- need to go back to college myself.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
Let's hope his speaking fee will be paid directly to the City of Detroit, since he doesn't see fit to make restitution on his own. Ugh!! I wish he'd stay in Texas.
average joe
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
If Kwame is the best this group can find..... KK hasn't come close to admitting to his wrong doing yet, to others or himself. After all, even the feds haven't uncovered everything yet. He owes how much money to the city of Detroit & isn't concerned about paying it back. He is a very poor choice for a 'second chances' by B.L.A.C.K. , unless you want publicity.........
Lac Court Orilles
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
This man got more than second chances. You can forget my annual donation. He's a Democrat that took lessons from Newt Gingrich on how to fleece the public of their hard earned money.
alan
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
I find it ironic that "Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge" would find him to be a suitable speaker. Nice role model.
Elaine F. Owsley
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
Kwame Kilpatrick has gone the "Kingfish" from the old Amos and Andy series more than one better. And this is supposed to inspire someone? Lead them astray would be more appropriate.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
This is just a reflection of our current values. Celebrity is everything to some.
Les Gov
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 11:59 a.m.
who would go to this? Why would anyone want to go to this? Kwame is a convicted lier who lies in court, pocketed thousands, maybe millions, of tax payer dollars, claims he is in poverty but lives in a 5,000 square foot house and drives $50,000 cars. Kwame represents the worst of government and the worst of society, thus the reason he spent time in jail and the reason the Feds are going after him. These comments are facts backed up by court rulings, why put this guy on a stage?
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
(continued) ...offer him a prayer for his salvation. Please AnnArbor.com do something about the "characters remaining" program routine. It said I had 18 characters left!
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
I think that our youth need *positive* role models & that I think it is a big mistake for EMU & this student organization to be associated with Kwame, a man who ran Detroit into the ground & took our state's reputation & economy down too. While I am a Catholic & turn the other check to this man, let's consider the damage he has done to the state of Michigan and its residents before giving him a PUBLIC STAGE. A number of years ago, the Federal Reserve Bank made me the U.S. delegate from the banking industry to the United Nations group working on increasing global e-business & cross border trade & each time I was at a meeting overseas & met someone new when I mentioned that I was from Michigan, they asked me about "your Mayor". Because of him, the WHOLE WORLD thinks that Michigan is run by gangsters, murderers & thieves and that corruption is pervasive. There any many global firms who would never even think of locating an operation in Michigan because they think that the whole state is corrupt, run by people like Kwame, because the leaders & people of Michigan did nothing about getting rid of him for years. Now while it may be true that five state senators can be bought for $8,900 so they vote against a Detroit to Canada bridge and that Detroit engages in an orgy of corruption with "bag holder" consultants and that many more politicians and officials in & from Detroit and Wayne County ought to be in prison, in my experience at least the rest of the state of Michigan is relatively corruption free & run at all levels of government by people who are if nothing else, at least honest (though sometimes misguided in their goals, methods and results). So, the image that Kwame created for us is incredibly damaging & will linger for many years. Some of our 800,000 neighbors who are still unemployed have him to thank for that. Should we be so forgiving as to give him a PUBLIC STAGE, or should we just off
johnn Hutchins
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 8:56 a.m.
Did a little research, might be wrong but according to <a href="http://twitter.com/#" rel='nofollow'>http://twitter.com/#</a>!/emu_BLACK, they state, "EMU_BLACK EMU Black @ @KingKwameCom Mr.Kwame Kilpatrick was NOT paid to speak at EMU. Please be more accurate in your reporting. God Bless! 9 hours ago So I resend my last post, if this holds true. Nothing left to say if its him donating his time....
johnn Hutchins
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 8:19 a.m.
How much is he being paid??? 1, If the payment is over $200.00, what is EMU thinking paying for anything not needed after they raise the tuition? How about cheaper books, or free parking for students instead of giving money away... 2. If they are paying him over $200.00 I would like information on how to receive a refund, or maybe start a class action lawsuit for misuse of student funds (yes they are actual student funds, with out US students as customers they will be out of business). School is expensive, and our money should be not be given away so easily. 3. I am neither a fan/supporter or against Kwame, I don't really care if he speaks, if its for free or under $200.00 I would like to say thank you for your time, but if its more then $200.00 shame on You Kwame and Shame on EMU. No one in real life gets a second chance, if you mess up once your pretty much done. Unless you get special treatment, favors, or know people in high places. For the rest of us your on your own!!!
snapshot
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.
I was thinking the same thing. This should be a part of community service for his lying, cheating, misrepresentation, and derilection of duties on several occasions. He's had several "chances" and has corrupted them all.
Umg Woods
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 6:46 a.m.
Everyone who has commented on this thread has sunk to a new low themselves. I mean seriously, he is coming to speak….THAT'S IT! Has he done a great deal of wrong? YES! Is his past turbulent? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! Thing is, every one in life has made mistakes. You show me a person who hasn't made a mistake and I'll show you a person who hasn't learn a darn thing in life. We as people are too judgmental. We are too quick to judge people and too quick to say what we would and wouldn't have done. We are all sinners and if you're a religious person or if you believe in God, he forgives us for the mistakes that we make and he doesn't pass judgment on us so how can we continue to pass judgment and not forgive another man for his mistakes? We don't have to forget, and we darn sure don't have to forgive, but reality is, he is human at the end of the day. Humans make mistakes. And if you don't support this event, you have the freedom to not show up. There are plenty of public figures that we praise for doing far worse. I see individuals still rallying for the job of one Joe Paterno from Penn St and he held back from doing more with sexual allegations between one of his coaches and a young boy. We have people rallying for him and forgiving him. Bottomline, a school org dared to pull off a controversial event and I APPLAUD them for it. I will be in attendance and I am in full support.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Mon, Nov 21, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
I don't think God gives you a get out of jail free card just because you don't want to be there. I think He maybe expects some level of repentance. Do you really see any repentance in this man?
snoopdog
Sun, Nov 20, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
Get a clue Umg Woods, you have a very selective memory ! Good Day
In doubt
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 4:35 a.m.
This is SICKENING......JUST SICKENING!
In doubt
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
Well, EMU has sunk to a new low. Why don't they call the lecture series, How to break a large city? Or how to leave a city broke and live in a mansion, but claim your too broke to make the restitution payments? I am ashamed of Eastern and ashamed that he is going to be in this town. I do hope any payment he may recieve will go to the city of Detroit. Let's all pray that the feds get him in due time and that he will never be free to destroy another city like he did the D. Why in the world would anyone want to hear him speak with his forked tongue? Nothing comes out of that mouth but lies. Any one that pays him anything is just rewarding him for what he did to the people of Detroit. He shouldn't even be allowed back in Michigan unless it is to go to court, or better yet, PRISON!!!!!!!!!!! To the feds that are still investigating him and his cronies--------GET THEM and get Detroit's money back!
LeshaRomeo
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
It seems ridiculous to me that EMU students and faculty would approve of their hard fought for raises, fees, and tuition being wasted on Kwame Kilpatrick speaking to them about 'second chances'? This from the man who helped push an already struggling city and community into further depths of financial insolvency. He used Detroit as his own personal playground and bank account without regard to what was happening to the city or its people. He brought the Superbowl to Detroit, but in some areas they can't even get the streetlights fixed. He made this area a laughing stock to every other major city in the U.S., repeatedly and continuously up until today. Even if the Manoogian Mansion Party is an urban legend, after all of the things he has been convicted of and admitted to, that party, the death of that woman and the cover up all seem plausible! His close family and friends (his appointees) all were a part of a mass conspiracy to defraud the citizens of Detroit. He was called the 'Hip Hop Mayor' because he was a young, African American male in a position of power. Didn't he realize that all eyes would be on him at all times? I guess the smell of power, the feeling of omnipotence was too great. He didn't succumb to it, he ran to it with every fiber of his being. Through all of this, he continues to thumb his nose at the citizens of Detroit and the court system. Was this speaking engagement setup to pay his restitution directly, or will it go towards the lease of his new mini-mansion in Texas? There was or will be a hearing soon regarding missing funds from his book sales that were to be paid to his restitution. Why help him in any way? Can't you all see that he's using you for his own purposes, he's a narcissist. He's not happy unless all attention is on him, good or bad, negative or positive, it doesn't matter as long as he is center stage. He lied in court, his wife, o the citizens of Detroit whom he vowed to serve. What makes you think he won't like to you too?
golfer
Sat, Nov 19, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
emu just went down a notch in my book. big MISTAKE he is a crook.