Ex-Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick to speak at NABJ meeting

Kilpatrick has said he plans to answer questions during Thursday's event

DETROIT – Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will be speaking at the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists on Thursday at the St. Regis Hotel.

Listen here: Listen to Kilpatrick speak beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Kilpatrick, who now lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, said he plans to answer questions during Thursday's meeting.

His visit comes as preparations are underway for his federal corruption trial.

The case also involves Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick, and 2 others. Kilpatrick is accused of running a criminal enterprise with family and friends which included taking cash bribes, kick backs, vacations, private jets and more in exchange for getting contracts in the city.

All have pleaded not guilty.

More: Defenders special section

The crimes carry a 20-year prison penalty if convicted. Kilpatrick and prosecutors will be going over prospective jurors very closely.

Complete coverage: Kilpatrick's federal corruption trial

Kilpatrick was released from a Michigan prison in August 2011 after serving just over a year for violating probation in the 2008 criminal case.

Related:

Slideshow: Key players in Kilpatrick corruption trial

Kwame Kilpatrick said he plans to speak extensively with media in Detroit before the trial begins to get his side of the story out.