As President Joe Biden’s term draws to a close, he issued five pardons and commuted two sentences on his final full day in office, showcasing his commitment to justice reform and second chances. Among the individuals pardoned was Marcus Garvey, the renowned Black nationalist and civil rights leader, alongside other activists and reform advocates. Here’s a breakdown of the recipients and the significance of their pardons.

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Marcus Garvey’s Posthumous Pardon

On Sunday, President Biden granted a posthumous pardon to Marcus Garvey, a significant figure in the African-American civil rights movement. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 after establishing the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping company, and founding the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African culture and history. Garvey’s conviction was widely seen as politically motivated, as he was an outspoken advocate for Black pride and independence. Biden’s pardon recognizes Garvey’s lasting influence, particularly his impact on figures such as Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who acknowledged Garvey as a leader of mass movements.

Pardons for Activists and Reform Advocates

In addition to Garvey, Biden granted pardons to other individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities after facing legal consequences in the past. These included Darryl Chambers, Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, Don Leonard Scott Jr., and Kemba Smith Pradia.

• Ravidath Ragbir: An immigrant rights activist who was convicted of a nonviolent crime in 2001, Ragbir has been a prominent voice for immigration reform.
• Kemba Smith Pradia: A criminal justice reform advocate, Smith Pradia was convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and served a long prison sentence. President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Smith Pradia has been a vocal advocate for reform and rehabilitation.
• Darryl Chambers and Don Leonard Scott Jr.: Both individuals have worked to give back to their communities after their convictions, with support from civil rights organizations.

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Commutations for Michelle West and Robin Peoples

In a separate move, Biden commuted the sentences of Michelle West and Robin Peoples, allowing their sentences to expire by February 18, 2025. These two cases are notable for their personal transformations and rehabilitation efforts during their long incarcerations.

• Michelle West: Convicted in the 1990s for conspiracy to distribute drugs and other charges, West had been serving a life sentence for crimes committed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Over the decades, she has shown significant rehabilitation, earning strong support from civil rights advocates, lawmakers, and former inmates.
• Robin Peoples: Convicted for bank robbery and associated crimes in the late 1990s, Peoples was serving a 111-year sentence. His supporters argue that he would face a significantly shorter sentence under current laws. People’s clemency petition garnered widespread support, citing his remarkable rehabilitation and mentorship to other inmates.

The Broader Impact of Biden’s Clemency Actions

Biden’s actions highlight his ongoing commitment to justice reform and the importance of second chances. By exercising his clemency powers, Biden granted individuals the opportunity to reintegrate into society and continue their advocacy efforts for justice reform. His decision also reflects the broader ongoing conversation around criminal justice reform in the United States, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

While the pardons and commutations issued by Biden on his final day represent a notable chapter in his presidency, the question remains whether he will take further action regarding controversial figures as the incoming administration prepares to take office. Biden had previously indicated that he was considering granting preemptive pardons, especially for those under scrutiny by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, although no such pardons were issued.

A Legacy of Second Chances

In his statement, President Biden emphasized the importance of second chances in the American justice system, citing his extensive use of clemency throughout his presidency. As the United States prepares for a new administration, Biden’s final act of clemency serves as a reminder of the power of mercy and the need to focus on rehabilitation and redemption in the justice system.

Biden’s clemency actions will be remembered as part of his broader legacy of criminal justice reform, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those he pardoned and commuted, as well as on the ongoing conversations about justice in the United States.

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