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Kwame Kilpatrick, former Detroit Mayor, has been granted home confinement after spending 7 years of a 28-year sentence in prison. Kilpatrick, convicted in 2013 of perjury, obstruction of justice, and other crimes, was not expected to be paroled until 2037. He is currently on mandatory quarantine at a prison facility, and then will be released to home confinement until June 10, 2020. EBONY will receive an exclusive first interview with Kilpatrick, and he will hold a press conference shortly after.

In February, Michigan state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo led the charge for Kilpatrick’s early release by delivering a letter to President Donald Trump from Detroit leaders seeking clemency for Kilpatrick. In March, EBONY, in coordination with the National Baptist Convention of America, the NAACP, National Business League, and a coalition of over 30 Black Megachurches also called for his early release. Millionaire businessman Peter Karmanos lobbied for a Kilpatrick pardon from Trump, while current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also expressed support.

“Kilpatrick was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for his crimes. While there has been a lot of debate about his guilt or innocence, we were arguing neither, rather, we were opposing the excessive nature and length of his sentence. Kwame Kilpatrick’s punishment of a 28-year sentence did not fit the crime.” says Rev. Keyon S. Payton, National Director, Community Outreach and Engagement for EBONY.

“Nearly 40 percent of those incarcerated in federal prisons are African-American, many serving very long sentences for drug-related crimes. Many have some underlying medical conditions,” says Willard Jackson, Chairman, and CEO of Ebony Media Holdings, “As EBONY celebrates its 75th year, we take pride in continuing to use our platform to raise awareness to issues of social justice and civil rights.”

Many have lent their voice in support of Kilpatrick’s request for clemency, including Angela Stanton, founder of The American King Foundation, who was recently granted a pardon from President Trump. “One of the reasons I’m running for congress is because I understand the importance of restoration and justice. Kwame has served over 7 years in a cage being separated from his family for non-violent charges. He, just like those at the border, deserves to be reunited and given a second chance.”

Pastor Jamal Bryant had this to say regarding Kilpatrick: “This is welcomed news for my friend and his family. I’m certain that Kwame will take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive contribution to society and fulfill his immense potential to do good and make a difference. We prayed and God answered.” 

EBONY has partnered with The Bail Project to launch HOME BY THE HOLIDAY, an initiative designed to combat mass incarceration and reunite families. Through this campaign, forces will be joined to raise funds for bailouts and to drive awareness about the urgent need for bail reform and the human impact of the cash bail system on communities of color.

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