Spartan Profiles: Kwame M. Kilpatrick

MAYOR OF DETROIT

            It might surprise some observers that the mayor of Detroit was elected last year when he was only 31 years old.  But it comes as no surprise to those who know Kwame M. Kilpatrick, J.D. ’98.  Before moving to Manoogian Mansion, Kilpatrick was the first African American and youngest person ever to serve as leader of either party in Michigan’s 176-year history.  He was named Leader of the Democratic Caucus in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2000 after proving his ability, most notably in designing the $675 million Clean Michigan Initiative in 1998.  He has many other feathers in his legislative cap, such as forging a bipartisan coalition to preserve $45 million for hospitals that serve low-income patients and helping secure $7 million to address the problem of lead poisoning. 

            Kwame comes from a strong political background.  His mother served in the U.S. Congress and his father is chief of staff for Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara.  “This is my dream job,” he said after his election.  “When I was a little boy and dreamed of what job I wanted, it wasn’t president.  It was mayor.” 

            A native of Detroit, he completed his law degree at MSU-DCL in 1998.  Before entering politics, he was a teacher and basketball coach at Marcus Garvey Academy in Detroit.  Kilpatrick has achieved massive power with his election.  “You have to make sure that you are very visible in Washington, in Lansing,” he explains.  “If the mayor of Detroit is not a national player, then Detroit can’t play.”