Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Named Executive Director of Justice Reform Nonprofit

Kwame Kilpatrick and CEO Alice Marie Johnson

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been named executive director of Taking Action for Good (TAG), a justice reform nonprofit based in the Memphis, Tenn. area.

Kilpatrick, 53, tells Deadline Detroit that it is a full-time job, but he will continue to run his virtual minisitry, Movemental Ministry based in Georgia, and actually expand on that. He said the new job is a salaried position, but declined to say how much.

"It’s the perfect opportunity to engage community, government and influencers about the importance of being involved in the work to improve the lives and opportunities of justice affected people," Kilpatrick says.

Kilpatrick says he will not be based in the Memphis area and will travel there when necessary.

Alice Marie Johnson, the CEO of the organization, in a statement,:

"I am thrilled to 'tag' Kwame in to our team. He and I have a shared experience of having been incarcerated, which makes us invaluable allies to the people who are still caught in the system because we understand what it will take to improve it. His commitment to faith and uplifting others makes him a perfect fit for TAG, and I look forward to working with him to continue to change the criminal justice system for the better, reunite more families, and keep our communities safe."

Kilpatrick, 53, was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison in 2013 for public corruption. President Donald Trump commuted his sentenced to time served in January 2021, just before leaving office.

While he was incarcerated, Kilpatrick found his faith and became a changed man, a press release says, adding that "he was a role model in the prison, leading Bible study groups and teaching classes to other inmates."

In In 2021, Kilpatrick married LaTicia Maria McGee, who has been part of the virtual ministry, Movemental Ministries. They have two children, Kyng,18 months, and Kynsli, two months.

Johnson advocated for Kilpatrick's release from prison.

"I will forever be grateful to Alice for helping me get my second chance, and I am looking forward to helping other deserving people get their own second chances in my new role with Taking Action for Good," Kilpatrick said in a statement. "The seven years I spent in prison opened my eyes to the faults in our nation's criminal justice system. It was during that time that I found my calling to serve God and help others find their own redemption. TAG does amazing work in this vein, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

Alice Marie Johnson founded TAG to lend a voice to the voiceless and to humanize the countless men and women impacted by the criminal justice system, her press release says.

The non-profit says it has advocated on behalf of more than 100 clemency and pardon applicants and has helped 46 people get a second chance at life.

Charlie LeDuff recently reported that Kilpatrick is considering moving to Michigan next year.