Congratulations, Kody :) VERY well done! Let the outrage continue.

I mean, let’s just be honest about this. This is an attention play on the parts of all involved. Naturally Kwame, but this is a way for BLACK to distinguish itself from all the other african american orgs. From what I’ve been reading in the reports thus far, BLACK members seem to be the only ones that are happy to have him here.

Wow, I don’t know about this B.L.A.C.K group but Ms. Heath calling thim idoits just for bringing someone to speak was a little out of line. Bringing Kwame does seem questionable to start a series but I’m intrested to see what he has to say and I will be in attendance to hear what he has to say. Reading the previous article about Kwame it’s funny to see people not from Detroit more outraged then the people who are actually from Detroit. The more I hear about Nicholas Patterson the more I’m starting to believe these students really do believe bringing him is the right choice, but I will come to this event with a open mind and if things are for real maybe my mind will change

We have seen two articles with all the people that either have doubts, or just simply are against it. But where are the supporters? Why are they not getting interviewed? Being apart of an black organization here at EMU, I would love to get interviewed.

But…I’m sure the Eastern Echo hasnt reached out for supporter!

Speaking with BLACK numerous of times, I applaud them for holding their ground and not letting “bloggers” give them a sense of doubt about the event. They may be in this for a publicity but coming from an African American male, growing up in Detroit, I believe that Mr.Kilpatrick has a lot to say.

Sometimes, drug addicts steal from their own family, I hear about fathers going to gamble away their WHOLE FAMILY SAVING ACCT at a casino and sometimes maybe even lose their house. Im sure they could speak on second chances too! So what makes Mr. Kilpatrick different? Only because he is an elected official.

I bet that everyone that commented on this article and the last one has not attended a BLACK mtg or reached out to any members of BLACK.

I support BLACK, and along with EVERYONE ELSE THAT DONES’T SUPPORT BLACK, I WILL BE THERE ON THE 29TH!

Correction on last post:Kilpatrick WAS an elected official

“A guest speaker must not urge the audience to take action prohibited by the rules of the university or illegal under federal, state or local law. The events must not be disruptive to the normal operations of the university and must not infringe upon the rights of others. Sponsorship must be by a recognized student organization.”

—-

How does a person speaking infringe upon the rights of others?

If someone offends me, how are my rights any less intact?

I still have all my rights intact, I still have the right to life, liberty, and my property.

It is an insult to the rights of Michigan Taxpayers to have to subsidize institutions with such gibberish as rules.

I can’t believe you would host a thug like Kwame Kilpatrick to speak about second chances. Maybe when he is convicted of his federal charges in 20 years you can ask him back to speak about 3rd chances, what a disgrace and a disgraceful university

I realize it might be considered poor form to comment on an article I was just quoted in, but I realize, after mulling all of this over for the past few hours, I have a little bit more to say.

Kilpatrick is a white collar criminal, and being a white collar criminal, as opposed to a conventional one (ie: committing the crimes Kilpatrick did versus larceny or autotheft, which are conventional or ‘street’ crimes) automatically comes with an elite status (mayor).

White collar crime is seen as less dangerous than conventional crime by society in terms of its harms, even though the harms of WCC are far greater, and usually reach a far greater number of people than conventional crime. Think about the Enron scandal, and the hundreds of people that touched. Think about recalls of vehicles, vehicle parts, toys, food, medication, etc that happen daily (often after people are already harmed). Or, think about the Pinto case way back when, where corporate executives actually calculated losses for either installing a device that would save lives, OR paying up in lawsuits, before choosing what they felt would be cost efficient, which was paying the lawsuits after people were injured/died.

My point is, when a company recalls a toy or a vehicle or whatever, for the most part, people shrug and say “there’s another one” and move on, downplaying the harms caused by the item being recalled as not that serious.

I was taught in a Crime & Justice class (by a phenomenal instructor, who I won’t name) that people rank the harms of white collar crimes as less serious than conventional; so if Jo Shmo were to rob a store of $100 worth of items to feed his family because he lost his job, and Corporate Joe committed employee theft and his crime affected thousands of employees’ 401ks and salaries for years, people would rank Joe Shmo’s crime far more serious and deserving of a harsher response.

My bottom line: If Kilpatrick had been Joe Shmo, and had robbed a store, or had killed someone, instead of defraudng Detroit, having an affair, etc, would this student organization, in ALL truth, be as likely to invite him to speak about so-called ‘second chances’ and ‘redemption’ as they are now?

And, IF he had been Jo Shmo, and not Corporate Joe, would their eagerness be on the same scale, in terms of credibility (or supposed credibility) or enthusiasm? I honestly doubt it. ALL evidence is against the presumption this organization would be as excited and insistent on Kilpatrick speaking.

Mr. Patterson is a more than a tad disingenous when he states that BLACK is using its own funds to sponsor this event. All student organizations are entitled to a certain level of funding which comes from the fees assessed from ALL students. Racism is a very real problem in the U.S. as well as globally. Yet to link it to the actions of a former president is both ignorant and desperate. Kwame Kilpatrick ruined the careers of several good police officers, cost the City of Detroit millions, and continues to cost the taxpayers with his ongoing legal fees. Mr. Patterson should leave the Lord out of this. Forgiveness is one thing, restitution is another. Rather than use student funds to pay for Kwame’s airfare, BLACK should have used those funds to assist the homeless. However, apparently both BLACK and Kilpatrick are cynically seeking a legitimacy that neither deserves. I can understand how Mr. Patterson can choose Kwame Kilpatrick as a role model. Both had the opportunity to do something constructive but chose to squander it on self indulgence. BLACK and Kilpatrick deserve each other.

Agreed, Marcus. I especially like your comment “Yet to link it to the actions of a former president is both ignorant and desperate”.

I stand by what I have said thus far, but I also still don’t understand how BLACK or anyone, can treat Kilpatrick like ‘just’ someone’ and give credibility to his voice without looking at WHO he is; everyone is known by their actions, not just by what they say. Giving Kilpatrick creedance in these matters is a joke and a huge mistake. In the end, this will have to reflect on BLACK as an organization, and we’ll see how that goes.

I’m an EMU grad student and will gladly stay away from this appearance and while I wish it wasn’t EMU’s Student Center giving Kilpatrick a forum for the promotion of his lies and half-truths, I support anyone’s right to free speech anywhere. I hope no university funds are needed for this appearance in the form of Security or campus police. That said, in my experience, most organizations who promote Kilpatrick and invite him to speak usually support him in someway …intellectually, spirtually, or even financially (I see that BLACK is paying his airfare). It’s good way to get PR and promotion as controversial and “relevant”. It’s also intellectually lazy, and there’s alot more relevant and interesting speakers…with actual uplifting messages that are universal an valuable. KK is just a self-promoter and a charlatan out to feather his own nest, sell his book, and get support in fighting his many legal battles for malefeasance and corruption. BLACK could do alot better than give him a forum for his self-promotion.

Why is that the only people interviewed that support Kilpatrick coming to campus is the president and vice-president of BLACK? This is not good reporting at all. There has to be people around campus that support his coming to EMU. I’m disappointed to see that the only students around campus were ones who are outraged & one who disapproves, but supports BLACK being allowed to choose their own speakers. Next time when there is something controversial happening on campus, interview more people with a variety of opinions. Don’t just let one opinion out weigh another.

We were interviewed because we were the only ones publically throwing a fit against this; not many stood up to support BLACK’s move to have Kilpatrick come and speak, in fact, hardly any did. Kody did include people who supported this event in his article, but if more people had stood up and defended this publically, they probably would have been asked.

This is totally disgusting. What if EMU was to host an event by W.H.I.T.E. and had David Duke speak…it would be considered the most racist event ever. To think that they would even consider Kwame as a guest is appalling

Will Carr: Brilliant point sir. Love, love love it.

As a former leader of a student org. and an active member of the EMU community I would like to point out a few things about this whole ordeal. First off, this student organization has every right to invite who they want. However, If Mr. Kilpatrick benefits anyway from this financially I will be very disappointed. They shouldn’t be paying him, but instead should give the money to the city of Detroit. I am in fact interested in what he has to say about what he has done and whether or not he has come to terms with what he has done. It will just be really disappointing if they are paying him to come and speak to students. This is just a ploy by Mr.Kilpatrick to promote his book. It appears that any of the students wanting him here have no idea about getting redemption. Redemption can only be earned when you take responsibility for your actions and Mr. Kilpatrick has not done that. He is still fighting the court to get money for his book when it should go to the city. He has shown no recourse or sympathy for the city

Nice to see a bunch of hypocrites on here. LOOK, don’t support the event if you don’t agree. Russell Brand was brought here off UNIVERSITY FUNDING for a form of entertainment and he is an admitted drug user and abuser. So if we are going to argue that, must we OUR university support the vices of these acts? We bring plenty of people to our school that promote a bad image yet this makes us ashamed?

Now what about Laura Dickinson? OUR SCHOOL covered of the murder of a student and had a president that embezzled but Kwame coming makes us ashamed. A former classmate of mine named Tommie passed Away in the rec and that was knowingly not reported well but this makes us ashamed? We are supposed to be an institution of higher learning but we have to pick up the Echo and read distasteful things such as how to have proper anal sex but this makes you ashamed? What am I supposed to tell my Mother if she read that?

He is coming to speak his mind, not talk about how good of a role model he is. See you guys on here are like seers caught in headlights. You’re only focused on one aspect of this lecture and it shows how much of a small and feeble minded student body that we have. The effrontery of some of you to come on this article and act self righteous.

This man can’t begin his road to redemption with speaking. I am not a member of BLACK, but is it hurting you that he is appearing? Don’t go if you don’t support. There have been plenty of things done at this University that I find offensive yet it falls under free speech and I don’t complain. I honestly feel that because of his race and the race of the members of BLACK is also another factor in the disapproval of the event.

Now Kwame is a very flawed individual. The crimes he has committed are horrendous but who are we to judge if this man wants to turn it around. Have any of you made mistakes? Have any of you done things you regret? And for the record, don’t say you haven’t done anything to the degree of what Kwame has because you honestly are no way even capable of being in his shoes and holding his position or you wouldn’t be commenting on this thread.

He should be forgiven but his crime should not be forgotten. If you ask me, the bigotry, hypocrisy, and temerity that some of showed more than ANYTHING makes me ashamed to be an EMU student. Next time you decide to pass judgment, think about if you’re in a position to. Being a man of a Chrisitan background, God forgives us all IMMEDIATELY for our mistakes. So if God forgives, who are YOU not to. Thank You.

Yours Truly,

Kory Woods

I really don’t think anyone is saying this organization doesn’t have a ‘right’ to invite Kilpatrick to speak. That’s definitely not the issue in question (and if it is for anyone, I wasn’t aware of it). The issue revolves around who this guy is and what he represents, his credibility, his reputation, etc. I’m not questioning the organization’s ‘right’, I’m questioning their CHOICE, which are two entirely different things. I definitely agree that he shouldn’t be paid (the only payment he was given was reimbursement for his airfaire), but he shouldn’t even be allowed to speak for reasons I established here and in the article by Kody.

As a alumni of the university, I am disgusted by the news that the EMU is allowing Kwame Kilpatrick to speak to its students. As a staunch EMU supporter and active alumni participant, I cannot express enough my deep concern of the negative ramifications this has on the prestige of the University. If this man, who is a danger to society is allowed to speak, I will have no choice but to suspend all of my activities with the university as well as any financial support that I had planned on committing to the university.

This is a sad day for EMU. Please stop this man from coming and influencing the minds of the students who have decided to come to EMU to earn a degree to succeed in life. There is NOTHING to be learned from this man, he has destroyed the city of Detroit as well as embarrassed our national reputation as a State.

This has nothing to do with race or equality. It has to do with a scumbag coming to speak to vulnerable and open-minded students who are trying to get an education and do good in the world.

I plan on protesting this event. Anyone want to join me? If so email me at bpomish@gmail.com.

For all of you that have facebook and would like to stand up together against Kwame Kilpatrick at EMU. Please like the page on facebook called Stand Up To Kwame Kilpatrick @EMU. Thank you

Stand Up Against Kwame Kilpatrick @EMU is the page on fb sorry for the typo.

Why wasn’t Governor Snyder protested?

I have no idea what you’r referring to, DeMario Browning. I’d protest Snyder just as hard as I am Kilpatrick, maybe even harder.

Let’s invite Bernie Madoff to speak at EMU, too, I’m sure he has plenty of wisdom to offer us on how to live a good and upstanding life and how to give back to society and to make this world a better place for all. Whoops, never mind, he still has 150 years to go in federal prison. Scratch that idea…

I have talked a few members in BLACK and I support them bring Kwame Kilpatrick here. I don’t agree with him but I support his right to speak here. The school really can’t really stop them and they are students just like everybody else. If you don’t support him stay home or come with an open mind and hear him for yourself.

But they have the ability to stop them.
“The events must not be disruptive to the normal operations of the university”
I’m sure that as soon as they realize that there will be people openly protesting, hence requiring extra campus police to maintain order, they might rethink their stance.

Another thing that I find particularly interesting is the fact that not one of the people that are having an issue with this event have brought race into this discussion. Their complaints are not based on the color of his skin but by the content of his character, or in this case lack of character. And THAT is the issue, not his race. It’s only Kilpatrick’s defenders and the defenders of the event crying “IT’S BECAUSE HE’S/WE’RE BLACK!!!!” If racism is ever going to end it needs to be stopped being used as the proverbial win all trump card. see Morgan Freeman’s comments on ending racism here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d2SzRZvsQ

And as far as:
“He had my redemption the moment he prayed. If he asked the Lord for forgiveness, the Lord would have to say ‘yes.’ So I would have to say ‘yes.’ Who am I to not forgive him for something that he has done?” -Nicholas Patterson
and:
“Being a man of a Chrisitan background, God forgives us all IMMEDIATELY for our mistakes. So if God forgives, who are YOU not to.” -Kory Woods

I can not believe they are actually using this illogical reasoning to support their view points, and expecting people to buy into it. The very idea of the ability of mentally/vocally asking an imaginary man in the sky for absolution, and then automatically receiving it based on nothing but the request, only to finally have us do the same is absolutely ridiculous and disgusting.

So who am I not to forgive him??? A real person, in the here and now, with the ability to think rationally, critically, and for myself. In other words someone not influenced by a mythological being from an ancient piece of fiction.

Amberle you seem so intent on being against this event. I have a good question. 1st off how did you not know that Snyder was here if you seem to be so involved on campus? Also what orgs or events have you hosted on campus? I’m just curious because this campus needs a lot of help and as someone so passionate I can guarantee that you must have done almost all of the good things that have happened on this campus? Also to EMU STUDENT. Quick question do you think God is illogical and that people should never be forgiven? I’m sure you have never made a mistake so maybe I’m beneath you to ask such a question but I was wondering what people like us who make mistakes should do for improvement I’m sure you have all the answers? I will give Amberle her credit she isn’t hiding but EMU Student lets use real names if you feel so passionate about this event. Are you running from someone. There are plenty of students but which one are you?Just saying so much passion I would love to know who is the man or woman behind the laptop. It’s a shame such a perfect scholar can’t be recognized on campus.

If you didn’t pick up on my atheism, your reading comprehension needs some work. And yes people can be forgiven for mistakes, but they have to earn that forgiveness. Kwame Kilpatrick has done jack squat to earn the privilege of being forgiven/redeemed. In fact he is actively doing everything in his power to shirk his responsibility to pay his debt to society.

I’m well aware that everyone makes mistakes, but what he did WASN’T A MISTAKE. He consciously and deliberately violated the law. By his own words and actions he is not sorry for what he has done, just sorry that he was caught. What he did wasn’t an “oops my bad, i spilled the milk” mistake.

I’m new to the area and maybe I’m wrong but I read this article http://detnews.com/article/20111106/METRO/111060315/Kilpatrick-granted-more-flexibility-in-making-restitution-payments-by-Texas#.TravxtZZ-_E.twitter . It said the Mr.Kilpatrick is ahead in his payments back to the city of Detroit? That sounds like someone attempting to pay his debt back. And wouldn’t this program be a great chance to start redeeming yourself. If not where should you start redeeming yourself if no one gives you a chance? Redemption has to start somewhere doesn’t it? Maybe not a mistake if you don’t want to call it that. But you have never made a bad judgement? Never messed up in life or made an area? I’m sure you make straight A’s in school right? I know several atheist too and maybe they don’t forgive a man in the sky but they do forgive? Imagine if your mother never gave you a second chance what would that be like? I’m just saying I personally don’t know Kwame K. but I’m going to attend the event because of curiosity and I feel like everyone has a right to speech. Well you don’t have to listen to me just read the constitution we all have a right to speak. Eastern Michigan University is a private college right? Oh wait its public meaning public freedom public speech. You do have a right to protest if you have that much animosity towards Kwame K or the event.

you are right…and wrong, but only for missing the point:
“Now, the convicted felon, globe-trotting author and public speaker has pulled $62.80 ahead of schedule on his 448-year plan to pay $160 per month toward more the $860,000 still owed on $1 million he promised the city of Detroit.”

in case you missed it let me walk you through it
$62.80 ahead of schedule….this is where you probably stopped reading.
on his 448-year plan

$160 per month toward more the $860,000 still owed (that’s a whopping 0.0002 % a month.)

he’s doing everything in his power to not pay off his restitution in a timely manner. In fact by his very action he is dragging it out as long as possible for no other apparent reason than spite and contempt.

All of this because he has claimed that he is indigent (lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty; needy; poor; impoverished.) but I’m sorry you cant be both indigent and live in a mansion in Texas.

There is one thing I find funny about you EMU STUDENT. We are both students at Eastern Michigan University. Probably from two different backgrounds because I am from down south and I’m figuring you are from Michigan right. The thing is I feel like you have been trying to undermine my education status with comments such as let me walk you through this.LMFAO!!!!!!! When we both graduate my degree will read Eastern Michigan University such as yours will. So if I’m not learning neither are you.Your degree has virtually the same value as mine. We both were accepted here right? Any who my main point in these post were not simply to agree with Kwame K. I just said every human has the right to speak. And who are you to stop them or say they don’t have a right to speak. It’s apparent he was wrong.I haven’t seen anybody say he was right. It’s simply been about the right to speak. On another note you have never known or had a family member or friend convicted of crime? Maybe not but if so would you let them speak or just say HELL NO!!! You loose human rights? Isn’t this America or are we in some savage country where the right to speak doesn’t matter. You probably are the type of person who thinks we should be stoning people to death too huh? Maybe this isn’t the best event.But as a student I just love to see people trying to make effort on my campus. I think we should get someone like Bill Cosby or Regis Philbin on campus. They are positive and haven’t made mistakes. You don’t make mistakes either so I’m sure you have the direct contact and would love to see you bring one of them to campus next year so we can hear the message about how life is perfect people don’t make bad decisions and we should be perfect too speech. I’m really looking forward to this. I’m willing to organize people and we can work on this event together it would be great.

This pathetic excuse of a man is too poor to pay for a lawyer to fight the federal charges pending against him. He just moved into a 500K house and drives a 100K SUV and only has to pay $160 (thank you TexASS… again) for the 1 million he owes the people of the Detroit. The students of B.L.A.C.K are so misguided. This jackass was never a black leader, he ran the equivalent of a stable of prostitutes under the guise of city government and he did so without shame or remorse to this day!
He is an adulterous, perjuring, bribing piece of fecal movement.
The only knowledge he needs to acquire is how to and be a real black man.

THIS is why you guys are bottom feeders of the MAC and always will be. This is a slap in the face of every Michigan tax payer.

I’ll bet you have alumni just lining up to contribute now.

Stay classy EMU.

@kmac

I am not sure how the actions of ONE student organization can reflect the entire university; your comments are immature.

How many U-M students “protest” or boycotted when Gov. Rick came to U-M … a few hundred? I thought they were out of line but never felt they represented U-M students as a whole

“Wow, I don’t know about this B.L.A.C.K group but Ms. Heath calling them idiots just for bringing someone to speak was a little out of line”

So…what will Kwame communicate in his speech? In my opinion the ex-mayor has nothing more to say other than this; you can go ahead and use your power to cheat the law, try to get away with it, if that doesn’t work just do your jail time, write a book, then have enough audacity to convince others that all of his deliberate and perverse actions deserve a second chance. Do you get a second chance if you get caught cheating on an exam? Hogwash…

“Wow, I don’t know about this B.L.A.C.K group but Ms. Heath calling them idiots just for bringing someone to speak was a little out of line”

Where is Joe Washington from, Neptune or Mars ~??

“Wow, I don’t know about this B.L.A.C.K group but Ms. Heath calling them idiots just for bringing someone to speak was a little out of line” – They are idiots, this keeps getting edited. There’s nothing wrong with being outraged by a student organization who is doing a poor job of inadvertently representing the school we all love.

I’m sorry but I think you guys calling people idiots is wrong. I don’t think Kwame should come to EMU because I personally am disgusted by the mockery he made of the city of Detroit, and I am also against him being paid by the org to be here. HOWEVER, I think that the University would have been wrong to deny a student organization the right to bring a speaker that they want. If you are against it don’t go. There have been plenty of people that have come to our campus that whose actions and beliefs I am totally against but that doesn’t mean I should berate the people that brought him, just don’t support the event. I also want to say that the fact that the organization is called B.L.A.C.K has nothing to do with it. So if you want to call people idiots i think you should start with the people that think this is racially charged. The reason I don’t want Kwame here has nothing to do with him being black. I personally know Nick Patterson and he is one of the nicest guys at EMU and I don’t think there is anything malicious behind the decision to bring him here. People need to be more open minded about this being a public university that stands for freedom of speech. I totally agree that there are far more respectable people that could’ve been chosen but just like we all have opinions they do to …let them have theirs

One question…How many of you who are against this program is actually even from Detroit? It is about forgiveness. Not promoting his book, he isn’t being paid to speak, and I’m positive there are students here at EMU who are ACTUALLY FROM DETROIT who would like to ask him some questions about why he did what he did. We aren’t glorifying this man, we just want to hear what he has to say about his actions and he will more than likely end up in the hot seat regardless.
Bottom line is, the program is going to happen. If you don’t support it, DON’T COME.

And as far as Amberle Heath making such a crass statement to call the organization idoits, that was beyond tasteless.

Why isn’t the echo interviewing people that support this org because im around campus and i see alot of suppoters im glad there doing something like this not just parties and small events, see even a white girl supports a black org that really wants to do sonething bigger then concets for the students at emu, colleges are the place for things like this. Did anybody thats talking about this org like there dogs even talk to anybody from the org yet? Does anybody even know who they are.

I’m from Detroit. Are you making an assumption based on writing competence who is and isn’t from Detroit? Or are you merely suggesting everyone from Detroit is educated on the issues, and is comically entertaining the idea that they can get answers out of Kilpatrick that well paid lawyers could not? Sounds a little a judgmental and/or racist to me~? ACTUALLY FROM DETROIT…all five of my best friends from “The City” flunked out…maybe they can ask Kilpatrick their questions via Skype~??

I find it kind of ironic that Amberle seems to be the most serious student about not have Kilpatrick speak. Especially because this is America and you have the right to free speech and free press. The reason I say it’s ironic with her is because she is a criminology major. I wonder what they are teaching at EMU in that department. I’m glad I go to school down the street and don’t have to attend that trash school!

WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WASTE OF TIME!!!
Who is your group advisor(s)??? What were they thinking???

Mr. Kilpatrick is NOT the perfect person to speak about second chances, nor does he have the PERFECT message. The jury is still out and charges are pending, among other things. Find someone that’s been given a SECOND chance and MADE GOOD with the opportunity. Do your homework, there are plenty of excellent choices out there to choose from.

If your intention for this speaker series is to inspire students to take advantage of second chances, you need to find someone with a proven track record of success to give credibility to your message and intentions.

Oh well, we all make mistakes, so I forgive you, too, Mr. Patterson, for the bad choice to try to inspire open-minded second chance students with this speaker. I believe you also deserve a second chance: Next time, please select a speaker(s) who made GOOD on SECOND chances. A good choice for speaker on this topic will also meet your goals for the speaker series.

Maybe you also need to consider changing your advisor(s)???

Good luck!

If you dont support the program, don’t come.

And no BOB, writing competence has NOTHING to do with whether I am determining who is and who isn’t from Detroit. I’m saying I have spoken to many people on campus about this program and those who disagree with is most are not from the city. So you and your five flunky friends can all come to the program if you’d please. If you dont support the program, don’t come.

Every body talking about this org being somebody and he’s a bad person bring but i bet if they got jerry springer yall wouldn’t say anything what did he do. So i think Mr. Pateerson and his org are doing a good job for them being a new org atleast i think they are new.

Doma,

I support the speaker series program and it’s worthy goals, just not the choice of speaker. I don’t believe this speaker meets the goals of the speaker series, regarding second chances and future students, as stated by Mr. Patterson. I don’t think I will be in attendance for the first talk in the series. Hopefully future speaker selections will lend more credibility to the intentions and goals of the group. I will look forward to attending future sessions.

I’m going to go out on a limb and actually suggest a GOOD candidate to give a speech on redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. And since race and past actions have no influence on having a speaker I put for this person for B.L.A.C.K. to have speak on this topic either instead of Kwame Kilpatrick or as a follow up lecture:

Bryon Widner
http://news.yahoo.com/reformed-skinhead-endures-agony-remove-tattoos-162205881.html

“A reformed skinhead, Bryon Widner was desperate to rid himself of the racist tattoos that covered his face — so desperate that he turned to former enemies for help, and was willing to endure months of pain.”

“It would take up to a year to find the right doctors and schedule the operations. Meanwhile, it was clear the family had to leave Michigan. The white power Web forums were wild with chatter about the race traitor couple and their family. Through local police, the FBI warned that they were in danger.”

“This time, they moved because they had deliberately exposed themselves to danger. After much consideration, the couple had agreed to allow an MSNBC film crew to follow Widner through his surgeries. The cameras didn’t spare the details, capturing Widner writhing and moaning in agony. Widner didn’t care. If anything he felt that he deserved the pain and the public humiliation as a kind of penance for all the hurt he had caused over the years.”

If you want a person from Michigan to speak about the path to redemption, forgiveness, and second chances Bryon Widner is an INFINATLY more qualified on the subject then Kwame Kilpatrick.

I have read many of the comments about B.L.A.C.K.‘s decision to bring former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to EMU and am deeply disappointed. I myself am a part of the sister organization YBBW and I do not fully believe in Kilpatrick’s words of redemption, but I am a full supporter of this event, and for many reasons. Ms. Heathe speaks strongly about how if Mr. Kilpatrick was not a celebrity then he would not be invited. For that I say if this was an average Joe Shmo would you be so riled up? Would this cause a lot of news and interest which would be a sure event to bring out students, and others? I think not. I believe that Kilpatrick is the perfect candidate to START a series of redemption. If you create initial interest, then it makes it easier to bring less known guests who also seek redemption to be heard. But let’s keep in mind that this is an event to give people an opportunity to learn to be less judgemental and have an open-mind. People are not always what they seem. Kilpatrick’s arrogance and selfishness could be a defense mechanism and seeing how he has lost everything would make complete sense. Maybe if some of you took psych classes you would understand further what they are trying to do by allowing this man to speak. Also dismissing the slight connections this issue has to race is ignorant and I would think by now this would have been a lesson learned, and seeing how there are plenty of other officials and CEO’s of companies and such who have done crimes to the same extent but yet later we see them back in their same line of work as before and there not being this much of an outcry when many of these people tend to be caucasian. Please remember all you do not have to agree with one another, all you have to do is understand that this is their decision, and if it bothers you that much you do not have to attend the event, but I believe in all actuality that you should. Go and figure out why this disturbs you so much to the point where you have to continually write your reasons against it. You may learn something about yourself and the person that you would demonize. Our world is built upon our individual perceptions of it. So ask yourself why is your perception so filled with rage and anger. Like I stated before, I do not completely believe Kilpatrick seeks redemption, but am I all riled up about it, not at all. I am mature to the extent where I will give others their freedom of speech and do whatever they feel is right and go into it with an open mind so that later I can see if my judgements of the former mayor were right or if I need to change my perception of him in some ways. Let’s stop attacking each other for our individual beliefs and be reasonable and empathetic.

“I have spoken to many people on campus about this program and those who disagree with is most are not from the city.”

“I have spoken to many people on campus about this program and those who disagree with is most are not from the city.”

%*%(#&%!!!#) Echo

Join the Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stand-Up-Against-Kwame-Kilpatrick-EMU/247683041952915

thumbs up TyRonda. Well put. Yes, they could have chosen a different speaker, but they didn’t. So no need to harshly criticize the org and their endeavors, just simply do not attend the program… NoRemorse, I respect your comment… Bob……

I believe Doma was not trying say, due to people writing competency they’re not from Detroit. I believe she was referring to the fact that if DETROIT residents are okay with the fact that Kwame Kilpatrick WILL be speaking on Eastern’s campus, why should others be outraged. Detroit residents should be the one’s protesting. If you or your parents are not a resident of Detroit PLEASE do us all a favor and keep your comments to yourselves, especially if the comments are negative about the organization. Name calling is beneath you, absurd, and preposterous; it reflects on who you are as a person.

Also, you cannot be considered a creditable source solely on stating your major. (in the first blog of Kwame Kilpatrick, which is the reason for this blog) I personally believe that you are not creditable until you have your degree IN HAND because you can stop college for any given circumstances at any given time.

I am PROUD OF B.L.A.C.K! I love you, keep striving towards success.

Katie you should stop making Detroiter’s look bad and speaking on their behalf. And you should read up on how Detroit’s economy affects Michigan as a whole. If anyone has an opinion who is from Michigan, it’s valid. Like I tried to state previously before the Echo flagged me. Detroiter’s are the ones who put him there in the first place, so what do they know? It should be the other way around, anyone from Detroit should stay home, and those who would never let someone like Kwame be elected can go grill him.

I can see where this is going. OH feel bad for Kwame because he’s a victim of racial politics. Maybe he’ll tell us the government engaged in a witchhunt to get him because he was doing too good of a job.

The same people with small minds who reelected him be the sames at EMU supporting him.

BLACK has a right to invite Kwame. And I have a right to think that they are morons for inviting a guy who doesn’t give a crap about BLACK.

Kwame will love getting another chance to talk about how he’s just a victim of a racist system. Love it!

^ like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like like

I’m originally from Detroit and in no way support Kwame Kilpatrick (who now lives outside Dallas, Texas) speaking the university where my tuition dollars go…which, last time I checked, is in Ypsilanti Michigan.

That neither here nor there, though: He should still pay back the city of Detroit as soon as he can though. He still owes them alot of money that he embezzled from their residents.

To Bob

Yes Detroit’s economy affects Michigan as a whole but I’m pretty sure that has more to do with the auto industries than Detroit politics.

To David G.

I agree with the first part of your comment, I’m slightly disturbed that you think most of his supporters were old enough to reelect him, and I respect your right to believe BLACK are morons, but they can’t be that dumb when this event has more press over it than the jay Z concert held here a couple years ago around the time the whole Jay Z is in the illuminati craze started up!

Each and every student that attends Eastern Michigan University is giving the right and ability to join and/or start a student organization. Those students who decided to do so have more balls (excuse me and let me type this as the educated, young lady that I am), but those students have enough courage to go forth and become apart of something that they believe can and will help make a difference on the campus of EMU. Students are passing judgement and making comments based off of what they think they know and believe should happen.

Marcus made several statements one being, “All student organizations are entitled to a certain level of funding which comes from the fees assessed from ALL students.” This is a true statement, but each organization has to go before Student Government and explain why they need the money, how much money they need, how the program will affect the campus and other questions. So wether or not they are getting money from Student Government, you might want to vote next year for student body president, vice president and senators.

The young lady, Amberle, stated “I really don’t think anyone is saying this organization doesn’t have a ‘right’ to invite Kilpatrick to speak.” Well, I don’t think the 5 years I was at Eastern, I received the proper education because you are going against a Student Organizations “rights” and saying that they should not be inviting a man because of his past background. The purpose of the program is to talk about second chances and redemption. Yes, the man did something wrong (clearly noted in the fact of a second chance), but no where are they saying that they agree with him and want you to also. All these feelings and thoughts you have about him, why couldn’t you, say go to the program and ask him yourself, instead of typing them out for him to never be able to respond to you. (If I didn’t leave 3 hrs away, I know I would.)

And if a group by W.H.I.T.E. wanted to host a event that allowed David Duke to come and speak, Mr. Carr, wouldn’t you want the university that you pay all that lovely money to every year just like all the other students who attend EMU, to support your organization. So you are calling Kwame a thug, I am correct? So that makes Martha Stewart a thug also?

I am not sure how in anyway this program is hurting you or endangering your life, to why you have to fight this hard against it. You do not agree with it, guess what? You don’t have to be in the Student Center between the hours of 6-10. But then again I wonder why would you hide behind a screen to say and express all your opinions and thoughts, when you could be physically seen and heard at a FREE event that you have been invited to?

Sincerely,

A former EMU student, a former president of a student organization, a former mentor, a former student campus employee, a former member of SEVERAL student organizations, but ALWAYS a EAGLE

Alyse

Round of applause for Alyse P. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Shoot if these people really wanted to have their cause met, they would go to the event and interrogate the hell out of Kwame making sure he felt the harshness of their words instead of writing to a newspaper article he’ll never read.

Good old Kwame…Never missing a chance to taint a potential jury pool. He is just doing his due diligence to ensure he gets off scott free on the federal charges. Expect to see him around more as Sept 2012 gets closer. I bet he makes more trips to Detroit than Obama.

Shame on EMU for allowing this.

And Alyse: There is a big difference between Kwame and Martha Stewart.

Keep it classy BLACK.

while i am not advocating Kwame coming to eastern, you can’t blame EMU because they are a public institution that is federally funded therefore has to abide by federal law e.i. freedom of speech this is not a university program it’s a student org program. Why would you call a student organization a criminal enterprise and then have the nerve so call something sad! it’s sad that you are berating students for doing something they think is right. they are not advocates fro what kwame did. They know he made mistake everyone does but he has a right to speak on them just like everyone else.

Also why is there a big difference between him and martha Stuart?

So Honk, are u trying to say that because the organization is called B.L.A.C.K. (which stands for Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge by the way) it automatically makes them a criminal enterprise though they are just a student organization?
Who says racism no longer exists?

EMU is going above and beyond abiding by federal law. I’m all for B.L.A.C.K.‘s legal right to have him come speak, but the lack of knowledge they’ve shown as far as their justification is astounding. 2nd chances sounds like a Sesame Street episode. And stating that he has a right to speak over and over but then repeatedly stating they don’t back what he’s done is cowardly? Last I checked, they contacted Kwame. No one is arguing Kwame’s rights at all or disagreeing that he has them, but more so the dumb students who chose to ask him to come. EMU can let him speak in the cold on the campus. By promoting him through things such as campus announcements, the emich.edu portal, and allowing him use of a ball room Eastern is saying they condone not only Kwame, but his actions.

TyRonda I believe Honk is saying that the black leaders who aspire for critical knowledge don’t have much critical knowledge to gain from Kilpatrick. And they also can’t think too critically if they think he has anything to offer. If they continue to try and learn and grow by listening to and inviting such people as Kilpatrick, they’ll end up no better.

“It isn’t where you came from, its where you’re going that counts.” -Ella Fitzgerald

To Bob

I like the quote, I really do. And yes maybe Kwame doesn’t have much knowledge to offer, but I can also listen to his story and think, “you know I can’t believe someone could be that foolish and what ways can I help to make sure people in the future won’t behave in a manner such as this.” Whatever the reasons for the students inviting Kwame is their own, with what as the people who may attend the event do with the opportunity at hand to either forgive someone, or use it as way to argue against his case, or a way to make sure we seek more counseling services with officials and stricter codes of conduct is of more substance than him actually coming. Every event occurs can spark change. Look to the future than the past.

And let’s be real Bob, he called them a criminal enterprise after stating the acronym being B.L.A.C.K. not what the acronym stands for. That was a perfectly racist statement, and please let him defend his wording, because I’m sure he has a better idea of what he meant by it, though I did like your explanation of it, but you have to understand, that BLACK is a new organization, so listening to Kwame for them may help them realize where his faults lie and how to deter encountering such events in their own lives.

And also Bob, I do not believe you can say that the university condones Kwame’s actions. I am a supporter of the event, but I do in no shape or form support Kwame’s actions and at this stage in my life do not believe he deserves a second chance. The world is not black and white, there are such things as gray areas.

Touche TyRonda! However, I still believe EMU is clearly backing Kwame’s attendance and is not doing a good enough job in making clear why he is coming, who invited him, etc. You are right though, there are shades of grey. But I strongly believe the majority of students understand there aren’t when it comes to Kwame’s educational value.

That may be true…we all know the saying that no publicity is bad publicity. Yes the school could have an ulterior motive to later say we are empathetic and a very accepting university or whatever but it was the orgs idea, and the org is paying for the event just not for Kwame to speak. The org also has the right to request use of the portal and such, so there isn’t really much the school can do unless they want to be looked upon as prejudice.

Also if majority of the students understand that there are no gray areas when it comes to his educational value, then why are we upset? Majority of the students won’t attend then, nor will they have the chance to be tainted as some have stated earlier by his words, so in all what could it hurt?

I’m sure Bush had everything to do with Kwame Kilpatrick. And of course, we don’t like the guy because he’s black. It has nothing to do with the fact that he stole millions of dollars from the City of Detroit, or that he sued in order to keep the profits from his book deal from repirations. No, B.L.A.C.K. …you are right about everything.

The saying: “no publicity is bad publicity” is a steaming load of BS just like Kwame’s terms as mayor.

Bad publicity is when you ask an immoral degenerate to come speak at a PUBLIC university and it brings shame upon said university because of the publicity it happens to generate.

Jersey shore is bad publicity because those filthy drunkards and fornicators on that show get media attention for doing what every 21 year old is doing on any given night. Bad publicity is real and shame on this student org for not getting someone who isn’t a criminal of the highest caliber.

2nd chances? What’s the matter was Marion Berry not available?

Bryon Widner needs to be the next speaker if this is to be an on going series on the topic of redemption,

if his story is not a tale of “redemption and second chances”i don’t know what is.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45095048/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/t/reformed-skinhead-endures-agony-remove-tattoos/#.TsrMLfJd1LM

Just read the story and tell me it wouldn’t be an interesting event.

that last line should have been:
Just read the whole story and try to tell me it wouldn’t be an interesting event.

something that hasn’t been mentioned or asked yet:

is this event open to the public or only emu students?
will the media be able to attend, document, and report on this event?

There was a quote from someone (Robert) referring to themselves as an ‘African American’ growing up in Detroit, that believes Mr.Kilpatrick has a lot to say. Uh Robert, I too grew up in Detroit and there isn’t a darn thing that he has to say that I want to hear. The guy is a criminal and has been given a second chance, but still turns his nose up at the people of Detroit at every turn. This clown is the same person who had a conversation with his sister calling the folks of Detroit stupid, but some Detroiters still support him; maybe they were right.

This guy does not deserve a public forum and it is unfortunate that a group whose acronym means, “Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge” can’t see the error of inviting the guy. Gee, what an oxymoron if ever I saw one.

I support the right of the group to bring someone whom they feel deserves a second chance to the EMU campus, but there are plenty of other folks that have gotten a second chance and made the best of it. ‘Lil KK wouldn’t know a second chance if it was delivered with an $860,000.00 check payable to the City of Detroit if he saw it. The guy is a loser and the group loses for not using better judgement when deciding on a speaker.

To Turd

The event is open to all but it is the orgs wishes that the media be kept out. They actually intend to have people there to help keep the media out.

Ahhhhh and now it all comes together. The orgs. want to keep the media out. Really? What aboutthe precious publicity? Don’t want Kwame to have to answer questions about his past crimes and his new federal charges looming eh?

I agree these student orgs. at EMU need some new advisers.

Free speech isn’t “… The event is open to all but it is the orgs wishes that the media be kept out. They actually intend to have people there to help keep the media out.” (quote from above commenter).

Who’s censoring who? If this event takes place on PUBLIC property, the media has every right…indeed, every responsibility…to be there, be allowed to be there, and to let others know what takes place.

What does an organization have to hid to not let the media in?

Good luck with that. Do people have to sign up as private members to attend now?

Shame on any organization that hides its opinions and events from public view.

Er, wait, isn’t that what Kwame did when he took those kickbacks & bribes (allegedly)…hid his actions from public view.

Thank god that the local newspapers were allowed to print on his misdeeds.

Apparently that isn’t the case with this event at EMU though?

You guys really are funny you know that, actually its the opposite. They want the students and everyday people to have a chance to ask the questions that they desperately want answers to. if you wanted to you could have a list of questions ready and go to the event and interrogate Kwame to the same degree the media would, if it would make you feel better. Either way the event will go on so might as well make the best of the situation. I mean if I were you and felt this strongly I would most definitely have some hardball questions prepared. In fact B.L.A.C.K. asks that whatever questions you may want to ask to please send them.

Is Kwame’s security squad gonna come out of its well-deserved retirement to “keep the media out”?????

This is absurd…and bordering on censorship.

Well Echo Staff, the student org is trying to keep the media out on PUBLIC property in your turf. What are you going to do about it?

So now you want people to send questions so the organization can pre-screen what it asks Kwame?

Having the media… ANY media there that wants to be there…is full access.

Pre-screening questions under the guise of letting the public and “everyday people” participate without that pesky media involvement…is limiting access.

The media should have full and free access just like at ANY event held on campus, otherwise this event is a charade…a parody of free speech. Period.

IS KK the one asking the media not be allowed access…er, “kept out”?

To quote that famous line KK used to

get out of his last jam:

“sounds like a set-up”.

I wasn’t against the right for the organization to have free speech on campus for whomever they wanted, but once you start limiting access and limiting who can come and what can be said…it’s becoming more and more exclusionary.

You should have nothing to hide by letting media…any media..come who want to come.

what a load of hypocritical BULL expletive!

All this whining and crying about freedom of speech and that it’s Kilpatrick’s and B.L.A.C.K.‘s right to hold this event at a PUBLIC university and they want to bar and censor the media from covering the event even though it’s open to the public???

What about the freedom of the press? If he is going to speak at a public university at an event that is open to the public the media has every right to cover and record every minute of it on video and audio.

what if I not being of the general public, and in fact an EMU student, want to attend this event (which i am going to do) and choose as a free citizen to bring a video camera??? what then…will i then be barred from entering or force-ably removed if found to be recording it???

If what he has to say is so important, enlightening, and inspiring; what’s the problem in having it ON THE RECORD?

There actually is not problem with having what he says on the record, they just didn’t want the media to run the show, to give the everyday person a chance to speak on the issue to the former mayor. I’m pretty sure some media will get anyways but it wasn’t trying to not put what he says on the record, it was just about giving people the opportunity to ask their own personal questions and hear how the man answers. If you want come and take notes then sell them to the media after. Once again its whatever makes you happy.

Let me put it another way. I will be attending and I will bring a camera to document the entire event, as it is my right as a free and private citizen under the Constitution to film and document anything in a public space/place/event.

But its not only my right as a citizen, but as an EMU student under the university’s Free Speech and Speaker Policy. “The events must not be disruptive to the normal operations of the university and must not infringe upon the rights of others.” -Walter Kraft, vice president for communications at EMU

Because if some goon squad from B.L.A.C.K. tries to stop me that’s exactly what they are doing, infringing upon my rights.

Perhaps it is time for yet a third article to clearly state what the “conditions” of attendance are.
Open to the public or not?
Media attendance or not?
if the media can attend, will they be allowed to ask questions.
will people attending the event be allowed to document and record it so that this momentous event, which we at EMU should evidently be proud of holding/attending, can be shared with those that are not able to attend?

Hello everyone,

Walter Kraft, the VP of communications for Eastern Michigan University, has just confirmed that media outlets will be allowed to attend the Nov. 29 event.

“Media will be allowed to attend the event,” Kraft said in a statement to the Echo. “We are a public institution and this is a public event.”

Thanks!

I’ve talked to a member of B.L.A.C.K directly. They know that the university is a public place and they can’t keep the media off public ground. Since they reserved a room, they can implement any rules they feel necessary to try to keep it as organized as possible and in the enlightenment that all of the students who wishes to attend the event get their questions answered.

The question WILL NOT be screened before hand, because they are asking the students to use #KwameAtEMU on twitter, so their questions could be read verbatim if they do not wish to ask directly.

As an organization if they DO NOT want recording or flash photography going on during THEIR event, they have the right to ask people to leave or be escorted out.

Marcus Adams Very well thought out, well said comment. I truly believe everyone has to look themselves in the mirror when it comes to judging. However, when one hasn't yet served the community they raped, how does it serves us, a community of young, and vulnerable minds to see a criminal not yet fully redeemed. I refuse to throw around religion or spirituality. Not my place to impose my beliefs on you. I just don't approve of elevating someone who has not yet fully given back what he owes to Detroit citizens. Go to Detroit and talk to them about how you've redeemed yourself, Kwame. B.L.A.C.K., I hope you use the outcome of this event to learn a valuable, life lesson…whatever that will be, to make sure the mistakes of a public official are not repeated by any of your members.
Lets be assured, each student organization does get money from the Provost supported events funding. I don’t believe that there are no University funds involved here.

it may be their event but it is still a PUBLIC event. as stated by Katrease Stafford, Editor-in-Chief stated in her quote of Kraft “We are a public institution and this is a public event.”

B.L.A.C.K.‘s and Kilpatrick may not wish or desire the event to be documented and recorded, but their wishes and desires DO NOT supersede the public’s rights.

A reasonably case might be made for flash photography, as the bright flash could be distracting. BUT non flash photography, video, and audio recording are not intrusive in the slightest.

I have been reading everyone’s comments and have had many conversations on campus with people about this event today,and after being able to calm down from my initial reaction and thinking it through, I am planning on attending the Kilpatrick event on the 29th.
Now,BEFORE anyone draws any conclusions, let me say I am NOT recanting any of my statements in the Echo. I’m not implying I am okay with Kilpatrick being here, nor that I believe what he has to say is fully credible. I AM, however, more open to what he has to say and am willing to hear him out before making a final, and rational, and more informed judgement. I debated over whether to make this “public” or not, but in the end, obviously decided to do so. Again, please don’t make this into a move of support for this event, but please do take it as me giving this guy a chance. I hope maybe others will join in. If anyone wants to go together as a group, look me up on emich and let me know. I’d be happy to join you.

I also plan on attending the event. Because lets face it…this is going to more entertaining and humorous than ANY comedy show i have ever seen or been to. ROFL

I just wonder how many faculty of the Department of African American Studies will be in attendance. Or will they be distancing themselves from this event as to not shine negatively upon themselves. This will be interesting to see who shows, who demonstrates or protests the event, and whether media will be thwarted in their efforts to attend. The University, in all its intelligence, has put its reputation at risk. Many people will hoping for backlash and even a disruption, just because it is a “Black” event. That in itself is a shame. If we could look past the black/white issue, we would be all in a better place socially.

I’ve noticed that the members of BLACK are collecting canned goods and school supplies, so if all of you protesters could bring some school supplies SINCE YOU CARE SO MUCH about Detroit, I’m sure we can make a small step in helping the city of Detroit. Regardless of how you feel about Kwame Kilpatrick we should all agree to that.

I hope that everyone knows that EMU is sponsoring this. If EMU doesn’t sponsor it, they wont have ANYTHING but a empty room. I believe that BLACK did not like Kwame Kilpatrick THAT MUCH to pay over 500 for a room and everything that comes with it.

EMU is lying to you and as while you are worried about KWAME, be worried about the corruption going on with EMU. They will cover up everything because WE let them! Stop being naive and ask questions! They owe you answers!

Mr. Kennard, do you really believe these words that are quoted as saying?

“Racism plays a big role in most political stages in the world,” Kennard said. “ If you look at it, you had a man [former President Bush] who ran the world for eight years. He managed to mess up the U.S. and the world. Taxpayer money is still being sent overseas to rebuild buildings that Bush had torn down during the war. So it’s like there are other things that people could be mad at but seeing as how this man is a black man, they feel like they go full throttle.”

You do realize that the current President (a black man) continued to destroy the very same things that you accused the guy that prededed him of? You can make whatever excuse you want for bringing the guy to campus, but claiming racism is a joke that you’re making your group out to be.

Might I ask you, “What do you call a black man that had so little respect for the black people that he served?” Let me answer that for you; “I would call him a pathetic human being.” The way that he literally raped the citizens of Detroit is indefensible, but you and your group want to try and justify bringing him to campus in the name of outreach and second chances. I too am a black man that was born and raised in Detroit. I don’t live there now and am proud of that fact, but to hear someone compare what Bush 2 did without acknowledging what Kwame purposely did is absurd and racism has absolutely nothing to do with why people are so angered about this.

Maybe you and your friends ought to rethink the name of your organization because aspiring for critical knowledge has nothing to do with doing the right thing, but appears by your definition, to be synonymous with stupidity.

Kwame K.: A train wreck of acute human suffering (in Detroit) for personal gain. Manipulator of student groups for self-promotion. Used for publicity at the cost of group integrity. A teaching moment.

I support the student group to have whoever they want a free and public event on public property to which the media and the public are equally invited, if that’s what this in fact turns out being. I’m not liking the attitude and perception of security monitoring and exclusion given by the posters in this thread who apparently…ONLY… have rented a room in the Student Center for a speaker. Renting a public space does not offer carte blanche to exclude the media or make arcane rules about who can and cannot attend or what can and cannot be said…no matter who the student group is or what they want to do, at least at a public university, presently, last time I checked. But as me and my house, I won’t be donating any time to this circus anyway….nor any cans or school supplies…Not because I’m against giving cans or school supplies, I’d just prefer to give directly without any Kilpatrick connection anywhere in the exchange…there’s a track record there (allegedly). Nope. I’m going to spend the evening in the library furthering my education, and perhaps later, when I get home, I’ll read a good book…not Kwame’s ode to his love for the wife he cheated on and his coded fingerpointing and blamesetting. But I digress…there is something people can do to help the city of Detroit more than donate some cans or school supplies (they can do that anytime anyway, at many charities, and don’t need to listen to the egotistical musings of a unrepentent felon to do so…) When you go down to Detroit on the weekend, or anytime really, contribute to the commongood of the city by patronizing some local businesses…Spend actual money in the City of Detroit..regularly…. something the speaker of this event, who cannot show his face there because he owes the city money and refuses to pay his debt…does not do regularly, if ever I may add. I guess we can’t blame him…he is, after all, still unemployed, nevertheless he finds the time, funds, and inclination to preach to others about his “redemption”, move into a new bigger house in Texas bigger than his last on, and of course, be unable to afford lawyers other than the ones that the court appoints to him…who also, just happen, to be his old lawyers… meanwhile he’s selling a book that was largely co-written by someone else (Khary Kimani Turner) why KK himself was in prison, working on his Twitter account. He’s got alot of wisdom to share, and this spectacle shall find him in rare form, probably. “Surrendered” indeed…that is, a surrendering of commonsense to see Kilaptrick’s visit to an institition of higher learning other than an event of high comedy, a spectacle for his own self-promotion, or an ironic example of a student group being misled by some misplaced & unapologetic desire for publicity good or bad, controversy, or, I dunno, veneration of Kilpatrick. I have no doubt that much of the student organization’s planners do, in fact, venerate and even admire him… Why else invite him, pay his way and deal with all this flack and hassle? And, that begs the question, if this is the first of a series, who wants to actually follow Kwame? What thinker or sage or disgraced politican wants the NEXT speaking slot? That’s a tough act to follow . I’ll be staying home from this one, thanks, and perhaps the whole “series” after this electrifying start…if in fact it’s actually a series, and not just a publicity gaining sideshow.

So are the EMU students who are responsible for the “hiring” of Kwame Kilpatrick paying him in cash under the table? Even a check could be cashed without the city of Detroit knowing about it. He signs it over to his mother.Has his mother deposit it in her account and turns the money over to him. Is the check written to the city of Detroit for restitution payment?

@ShipDog7 WTF are you taking about heres a little a history on this org i just found out about yesterday they are a new org on EMU campus this year so i don’t think they have the money to pay anybody “under the table” and as far as i know from whats been said in the echo!! they only paid for his plane ticket to come and speak so why are you saying they hired him because it seems that everone know that he’s coming for free. stop trying to start thing or make dumb comments. do your homework beacause you sound stupid

The real shame here is that BLACK is too ignorant or uncaring to realize that what they’re doing will bring nothing but shame to Their university.

Any support for Kwame is bad, he doesn’t deserve a chance to speak here.

There are many other black leaders around Metro Detroit. I want to know what BLACK’s angle is. Are they playing the Kwame was unfairly targeted card? I have a hard time believe BLACK is this ignorant without some other motive.

Sean, do you have any proof for your allegation that EMU is sponsoring Kilpatrick’s visit, and lying about? Any proof at all?

Or are you just spewing stuff you made up?

As a two-time alum of this wonderful university I have had a vested interest and take great pride in Eastern Michigan University. This is absolutely absurd of this organization to invite this joke of a human being. It’s off-color and very distasteful. In addition, this is a slap in the face to every person in this region who deeply cares about Detroit and the state of Michigan.

Although, B.L.A.C.K. has the right to invite this man, I think I’m going to attend and ask him how comfortable his new house is. I want to ask him why he acted like an idiot when he was sentenced to prison and he had no remorse whatsoever, just an ignorant stare at the bailiffs trying to cuff him like he was completely innocent. The man’s a crook just like his father and I hope they rot in prison together and get what they deserve.

If this is about second chances maybe he should’ve been invited to the 56th chance convention.

As members of the student group “Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge,” we understand that the speaker we have selected to initiate our “Redemption Series” of public talks at EMU has fallen from grace. But we also believe that Kwame Kilpatrick is the perfect person to discuss how to take a second chance and then make the best of it.

We feel that Mr. Kilpatrick is a great choice for such a talk, because he is a human being who has made mistakes in an imperfect world. From our standpoint, he has an abundance of information and perspective to share, and his voice can inspire people who currently are or have been in a situation similar to his to refocus and get their lives back on track.

If we can change one person’s thought process or inspire someone with this program, we will consider it a job well done. This is critical knowledge. This is critical perspective that can potentially create a new mindset or stir someone’s confidence and show them that if Mr. Kilpatrick can turn things around, it is possible for anyone to do the same.

This program is NOT put together by Eastern Michigan University, but rather by a group of male students who aspire to be leaders and use critical knowledge in benefiting today’s society. This event involves no type of financial gain for either Mr. Kilpatrick or for Eastern Michigan University.

Note: B.L.A.C.K. members covered the cost of Kwame Kilpatrick’s plane flight, approximately $400.There was NO SPEAKER FEE.

B.L.A.C.K.

What can young black males learn from a mobster who just happened to be an elected official?

Kilpatrick is doing nothing with his second chance except playing your organization for fools.

Why are you aiding this man in his political comeback. He will most likely face federal charges soon that would lock him up for much longer. What is your angle here?

5 days ago the Free Press reported that he pocketed a 10,000 bribe. Don’t you guys do your research. HE TOOK A CASH BRIBE. And you’re bringing him here?

The reason we live in an imperfect world is because of people like Kwame. And then we have groups like yours who seem to care only about the attention your group will receive.

Don’t you realize how disrespectful this is to the rest of the campus community? YOu could have found soooooo many speakers with no criminal charges more pending.

NOt all second chances involve scum like Kwame. I think you guys need to get your priorities in line.

WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WRONG!!! WASTE OF TIME!!!

It’s clear to me you haven’t been reading the comments.

Mr. Kilpatrick is NOT the perfect person to speak about second chances, nor does he have the PERFECT message. The jury is still out and charges are pending, among other things. Find someone that’s been given a SECOND chance and MADE GOOD with the opportunity. Do your homework, there are plenty of excellent choices out there to choose from. Mabe in 20-30 years when KK is out of prison and has proven himself he would be a good candidate for second change discussions. He hasn’t proven anything yet! He still flaunts the law. What kind of example is he providing that you find worthwhile?

If your intention for this speaker series is to inspire students to take advantage of second chances, you need to find someone with a proven track record of success to give credibility to your message and intentions.

What are you saying is just not credible. KK is not credible, his actions talk volumes.

B.L.A.C.K.

Please quit while you’re ahead. Your excuse for bringing the guy to campus sounds worse that the invitation itself. The following comment is as disingenuous as it gets:

“We feel that Mr. Kilpatrick is a great choice for such a talk, because he is a human being who has made mistakes in an imperfect world. From our standpoint, he has an abundance of information and perspective to share, and his voice can inspire people who currently are or have been in a situation similar to his to refocus and get their lives back on track.”

The man (usely termed) that you have invited to campus has not learned a thing from the situation that he put himself in. So exactly how can he inspire others to not do likewise? Please look up the word ‘hubris’ and then you’ll understand all the outrage associated with this guy coming to the campus of EMU. To those that think that the outrage is about race, you’re fooling yourself into needing an excuse to defend this foolishness. And if you really believe that the guy is redeemed, ask that he bring a check with him and use your platform to make restitution to the City of Detroit; before a single book is brought at the end of his engagement.

Do your thin B.L.A.C.K., but wake the hell up. The guy is a user and you’re being USED!

“We feel that Mr. Kilpatrick is a great choice for such a talk, because he is a human being who has made mistakes in an imperfect world. From our standpoint, he has an abundance of information and perspective to share, and his voice can inspire people who currently are or have been in a situation similar to his to refocus and get their lives back on track.”

BLACK you have absolutely won me over. I love it, and I will be there.

Ok as an undergraduate alum and current grad student i think that they way everyone is commenting on BLACK’s intelligence and competence as an org is DEPLORABLE. Ok so you don’t agree with them inviting a speaker big frickin deal. I don’t think he should have his plane ticket to be paid to come here either and I think the way he abused the city of Detroit is also DEPLORABLE. That being said he is still an American with rights to speak and BLACK is a recognized university org and has the right to bring WHOEVER they want for WHATEVER reason. A lot of you are making assumptions rather than asking questions. Some of you are just pulling “facts” out or you hind parts.

To Shawn. EMU is NOOOOOOTTTT sponsoring the event. They are in support of the right for students to bring who ever they want and not doing so would imply prejudice. EMU does not cost student orgs a $500 fee for rooms in the student center. Event Space is FREE. You sound stupid this is not some university conspiracy. GET IT TOGETHER PEOPLE I know members of BLACK and I know that there is no malicious intent for bringing Kwame in. If you don’t want to go don’t. But this is a perfect forum for you to address the issues that you have with Kwame (rather then berate a group of students that made it possible for you to do so)

I agree with ProudAlum. Use this event as a learning opportunity. Bring the list below as you listen to KK and check off any characteristics of KK that seem to fit this profile. I think you will be enlightened. Criminal justice and psychology
majors should take advantage and attend this event.

Source: http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html

Profile of the Sociopath

Glibness and Superficial Charm

Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”

Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

Incapacity for Love

Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity

Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

I graduated EMU class of ’72. I stood with the black student protesters during the great EMU upheaval over the Jackson State, Kent State, Cambodia events, and watched friends get shot with birdshot and teargas thrown into Buell Hall, among many other things.

I have NO racist agenda. And I fully believe that B.L.A.C.K. has the right to invite any speaker they like to the campus, (a right we in the Movement DID NOT have back in the previous era, and a right you should all support).

Having said that, I’m disappointed that Mr. Kilpatrick would be invited to the EMU campus. I believe that events show that Kilpatrick is disingenuous in his bid to convince the public he has “turned a page” in his life, and is now on the path to righteousness. Please…

But in truth, I’m more disturbed by the larger cultural picture here, which this event is only a small indicator of.

I’m more upset by the phenomenon of Celebrity Public Forgiveness.

You need a little perspective here to view this thing, so if you were born after the ’70’s, you’ve grown up with this phenomenon and are less likely to be cynical about it.

Prior to the 80’s, a person convicted of the disgusting sort of corruption Mr. Kilpatrick was burdened with would have been completely ashamed to show his face in public for decades following such behavior.

But in the 80’s there began a virtual parade of celebrities coming to the town square and confessing their sins, mostly sparked, I believe, by very savy PR flacks who better understood the public forum and how to manipulate it.

They confessed everything from rehab visits to spousal abuse. And it worked, or at least it offered a better outcome than the old denial route. And maybe that really wasn’t such a bad thing. Honesty is the best policy, right?

Warren Zevon even penned a song about it:

“Well, I’m gone to Detox Mansion
Way down on Last Breath Farm
I’ve been rakin’ leaves with Liza
Me and Liz clean up the yard

Left my home in Music City
In the back of a limousine
Now I’m doin’ my own laundry
And I’m getting those clothes clean

Growin’ fond of Detox Mansion
And this quiet life I lead
But I’m dying to tell my story
For all my friends to read”

But by the 90’s, the phenomenon took on its’ own life. The public began to see this as expected behavior, and their role as public forgivers was unquestioned. You MUST forgive anyone of anything, as long as they prostrate themselves and beg, (and we LOVE to see celebrities beg). People were no longer allowed to question the genuineness of the sinner. To do so would brand you as small-minded and vengeful.

I think many social observers would add that the Phenom was heightened by younger generations of celebrities which have grown up with a distorted sense of self. If you’ve been allowed to believe you’re the center of the universe, then you MUST be forgiven little transgressions, otherwise your greatness will be muted, and all society will be diminished for it.

So Mr. Kilpatrick is simply playing the role we as a culture have sanctioned. And, ironically, that means Kilpatrick is less at fault here than are WE as a culture. By our actions and decisions, WE allow it to flourish.

Of course, that brings about an entire other sad cultural turn, our extreme reluctance as a society to ever take responsibility for our own actions. “The county is doomed because of those idiot Congress critters”. And who voted them in ???

We can’t get into that here, however, we can express our disappointment with B.L.A.C.K. and what I see as a shortsighted decision which further relinquishes personal responsibility and gives more ground to those who hoist the flag of The Enablers.

Kwame the King.

Steal a little, and they put you in jail. Steal a lot, and they make you king.

- Bob Dylan from Jokerman

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stand-Up-Against-Kwame-Kilpatrick-EMU/247683041952915?sk=wall&filter=1

B.L.A.C.K you have my continuing support in this event. I wasn’t on your side initially, but, after a lot of conversations and thinking about it rationally, and after seing your VERY well thought out motivation for asking Mr. Kilpatrick, I’m with you, and I will be there. Sorry that ya’ll are getting SO much flak. Don’t give up.

Your right on Amberle. And I think people are being overly emotional and close-minding on this issue. Kwame kilpatrick coming here to speak at an event is not going to ruin EMU’s reputation and to think so is ridiculous.

Kwame is not even at his second chance yet. He is still under investigation for his first chance. Taxpayers are still paying for the trouble he has caused. Great choice for a role model B.L.A.C.K.

Anthony- Thank you! I think you are correct in your comments as well. I know what I said in the interview was completely opposite of my position now, but I’m happy I changed my mind. Wish other people would be more open…but, you can’t change everyone. Hoping for a HUGE turnout for this event!

The history and beauty of a public institution of higher learning is one borne out of making waves and building bridges. It’s further ignited and fueled by human contradiction and chaos. If we engender rabid, elitist and force fed, fearful emotion upon freedom of speech, then we create a utopian space full of calculating minds whose only agenda is to recreate a holocaust of uniformity.

A man died and went to Heaven. As St. Peter started to open the pearly gates, he saw a huge wall of clocks behind St. Peter. He asked, “Why are all those clocks here?” St. Peter answered, “Those are Lie-Clocks. Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock and every time you lie the hands on your clock move.” “Oh,” replied the man, “very interesting . . . whose clock is that?” “That’s Mother Teresa’s clock,” answered St. Peter. “The hands have never moved, indicating that she never told a lie.” “Incredible!” exclaimed the newly deceased man. Then he pointed to another and asked, “Whose clock is that?” St. Peter responded, “That’s Abraham Lincoln’s clock. The hands have moved only a couple of ticks, telling us that Honest Abe told only two lies in his entire life.” Then the recently deceased fellow said, “I’m from Detroit, and I don’t see Kwame Kilpatrick’s clock anywhere. Where is it?” “Kwame’s clock is in Jesus’ office,” replied St. Peter,”he’s using it for a ceiling fan.”

Kwame Kilpatrick Fact Check: He was Detroit’s greatest mayor and is innocent of all federal charges, according to Kwame Kilpatrick. (August 2011).

(Complete story – interview: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/08/kwame_kilpatrick_fact_check_he.html)

B.L.A.C.K
Question: Why does Kwame need second chances when he believes he is innocent? What’s his need for “redemption”?

When asked if Detroit would be better off if Kwame Kilpatrick was never mayor, Kilpatrick basically explained that he was the greatest mayor in the city’s history.

“[I] built more houses in the city than any mayor in the city of Detroit, fixed more streets, built more parks, built more rec centers, brought more national events to the city of Detroit than any mayor in history, more economic development than any mayor in the history of the town,” said Kilpatrick. “We brought casinos, we brought the Major League Baseball All-Star game. Detroit took a giant step forward while I was mayor.”

That sounds great, except it’s a lot of hooey.

For one thing, mayors don’t build houses. For another, Detroit lost a quarter of its population in the last decade. It simply doesn’t stand to reason to assert Detroit had an historic residential building boom as it bled population during Kilpatrick’s seven-and-a-half years in office. Are we really to believe city experienced a new housing market that rivaled the period between 1910 and 1930, when Detroit’s population more than tripled from 465,766 to 1,568,662? That’s absurd.

Kwame Kilpatrick did not bring casinos to Detroit either. All three local gambling halls opened before he even began his mayoral campaign. They did open their hotels while Kilpatrick was mayor, but even that part of the process began well before Kwame Kilpatrick was elected.

As for the rest, notice how vague his claims are? He “brought more economic development” based on what metric or standard? He says he did all these great things but when you unpack his self-selected list of accomplishments, he’s awfully short on specifics.

You can give him the All-Star Game. At the same time, Bud Selig gives every city an All-Star Game after building a new ballpark. Securing the 2005 All-Star Game is an accomplishment like showing up for work every day is an accomplishment. You only brag about it if you’ve got nothing better.

Perhaps Kilpatrick would have made a stronger case if he had the time, but the hour was up. Brewer had to go to a break. She apologized for cutting him off, noting she had hoped for a longer interview but traffic delayed his arrival to the studio.

Her comment elicited a rare honest reaction from Kilpatrick—he was left speechless and looked embarrassed.

If you who have previously responded and are free of mistake and/or Pissess great humility, please declare your innocence here by citing your email name that you listed above? Let the judgement games begin … Whose name will be chronicled? Go ahead…list your name!

If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, I like it.