President Biden has issued a posthumous grant of clemency to civil rights icon Marcus Garvey, part of a broader effort to reverse longstanding disparities in convictions and sentencing laws. The pardon marks a significant step towards redemption for those who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.
Biden Pardons Five More People, Including Civil Rights Leader Marcus Garvey
President Biden has issued more individual pardons and commutations than any other president. He recently pardoned five activists and public servants, including a posthumous grant of clemency to the civil rights leader Marcus Garvey.
The Legacy of Marcus Garvey
Civil rights advocates and lawmakers have long argued that Mr. Garvey’s 1923 conviction for mail fraud was unjust, as he was targeted for his work. Mr. Garvey mobilized the Black nationalist movement and made significant contributions to improving communities. His legacy continues to be celebrated today.
A Long-Standing Commitment to Clemency
President Biden has announced thousands of individual pardons and commutations, more than any other president, in seeking to reverse longstanding disparities in convictions and sentencing laws that have disproportionately affected minority communities. He believes that those who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption should be given a second chance.
A Personal Perspective on Redemption
During a visit to Royal Missionary Baptist Church near Charleston, S.C., Mr. Biden reflected on his decisions, saying they reflect how he has come to view the power of “redemption.” He believes that these acts of clemency are important not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader story it tells about the failures of our criminal legal system.
Janai Nelson, president of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, echoed this sentiment, stating that the list of pardoned individuals is significant because it highlights the need for reform in our criminal justice system.
