News

Actions

State representative traveling to White House, requesting clemency for Kwame Kilpatrick

Posted at 9:33 AM, Feb 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-27 17:40:02-05

(WXYZ) — State Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo will go to the White House and request clemency for former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Gay-Dagnogo reportedly received a special invitation by the president to attend the National African American History Month Celebration.

She will be taking a letter signed by Detroit Caucus members and elected officials, which she says she will personally deliver to the president or members of his administration.

Gay-Dagnogo argues that the former mayor's prison sentence was disproportionate.

If there is one thing I have been consistent about from the inception of getting elected, it is my commitment to the pursuit of racial equity in respect to criminal justice reform. No one is arguing the former mayor's guilt or innocence; what we're seeking not have is a conversation about is the disproportionate sentencing that men of color experience at every level of the system, and I am appreciative of the invitation and looking forward to having an opportunity with the President or members of his administration to discuss favorably reviewing the former Mayor's existing petition already before the President.
We don't have to agree on every issue, or even a majority of issues, to see the plain facts of this situation and recognize that those who issued Mr. Kilpatrick's sentence sought to make an example out of a powerful but flawed black man. This discussion is about changing that example to one of second chances and rehabilitation - the same opportunities he has given to a number of other recently incarcerated individuals. I welcome allies of all backgrounds in the fight for justice.