DETROIT (WXYZ) — Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick preached this weekend at Detroit's Historic Little Rock Baptist Church.
This was Kilpatrick's first public event since he was released from prison in January when former President Donald Trump commuted his prison sentence.
Related: Kwame Kilpatrick to attend divinity school at Columbia University, church says
Kilpatrick was serving a 28-year sentence for public corruption after being convicted in 2013. He served 7 years of his sentence before the commutation.
During his speech, Kilpatrick said he spent 6 1/2 years of his eight years in prison working at the chapel, and worked as a worship leader before being asked to preach a sermon.
He also said he spent several months in solitary confinement, where he felt the prayers of the people for him.
"I learned how to pray with nobody around. I learned how to worship with no audience. I learned how to preach without a single person in the room," Kilpatrick said.
Current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan spoke about Kilpatrick's preaching earlier this week. He says he has spoken with Kilpatrick, who he says was called to the ministry during his time in prison.
"I believe it's sincere," Duggan said. "I believe he's passionate about it and I have no doubt he'll be successful at it."
Duggan also said that while it's not his place to speak about Kilpatrick's life, he expects the former mayor to make "announcements" about his future plans soon.
