Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be a featured speaker at the Oakland County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner on August 21, alongside Dr. Ben Carson. Kilpatrick, who served as mayor from 2002 to 2008, was convicted in 2013 on multiple corruption charges and had his 28-year sentence commuted by former President Trump in January 2021. Since his release, he has transitioned to supporting the Republican Party and has publicly endorsed Trump, urging Black voters to do the same. The Oakland County GOP Chairman, Vance Patrick, emphasized Kilpatrick's message of repentance and redemption, highlighting his changed perspective following incarceration. Despite his past convictions, Kilpatrick is positioning himself within Republican circles as he aims to influence upcoming elections. Tickets for the dinner are available for purchase, marking a significant fundraising event for the party.