President Biden Pardons Marcus Garvey and Others on Final Day in Office

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On January 19, 2025, President Joe Biden exercised his clemency powers to pardon five individuals and commute the sentences of two others, marking a significant action on his last full day in office. Among those pardoned was the renowned civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, who passed away in 1940. Garvey was best known for advocating for the rights of African Americans and was previously convicted of mail fraud in 1923.

The White House confirmed that Garvey’s conviction has now been expunged, recognizing his role as a pioneering figure in the movement for racial equality in the United States. Biden also pardoned Darryl Chambers, a gun violence prevention advocate; Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, an immigration advocate; Don Leonard Scott, a former Virginia legislator; and Kemba Smith Pradia, a criminal justice advocate, all of whom had non-violent offenses on their personal records.

Two additional individuals, Robin Peoples and Michelle West, had their sentences commuted. Both were recognized for their remarkable rehabilitation since their convictions in the 1990s. These presidential pardons and commutations reflect Biden’s ongoing commitment to justice reform and addressing past injustices in the American legal system.

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