As President Biden wrapped up his time in office, he made a lasting impact by issuing a series of pardons and clemencies on his final day. His message? America is built on second chances, and he was determined to make that promise real for those who have shown real growth and contribution to their communities.
In a heartfelt statement, Biden shared that he had granted more pardons and commutations than any other president in history, even surpassing his own expectations. Just the day before, he had commuted the sentences of nearly 2,500 people, marking an unprecedented moment in history.
On that Sunday, President Biden granted clemency to five individuals, many of whom had been convicted of non-violent drug offenses. He also commuted the sentences of two others, highlighting their efforts to turn their lives around. These individuals, he said, had demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption over decades of incarceration.
One of the most touching moments came when Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a pioneering Black nationalist from the 1920s, received a posthumous pardon. Garvey had been convicted of mail fraud, but thanks to Biden’s action, his legacy has now been cleared. Additionally, advocates for change like Ravi Ragbir, who championed immigrant rights, and Kemba Smith Pradia, a leader in criminal justice reform, were granted pardons, too.
And there was Don Scott, who made history as the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. After serving seven years in prison for drug charges, Scott was granted clemency by Biden. When he received the call from the White House that morning, his emotions were overwhelming. “I’m so very grateful because I take nothing for granted,” Scott said, through tears. “There are people like me who deserve second chances, but many in power won’t do it. President Biden did, and for that, I’m thankful.”
This wave of pardons comes after Biden’s record-setting clemency spree in December, where he commuted the sentences of 1,500 people and pardoned nearly 40 others convicted of non-violent crimes. The president even extended a personal pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, earlier that month.
As the clock ticked down on his presidency, Biden’s actions spoke volumes about his commitment to justice and second chances. While questions loom about whether President Biden will issue further preemptive pardons before Trump takes office, one thing is clear: Biden’s legacy will be remembered for its emphasis on forgiveness, rehabilitation, and the belief that everyone deserves a fresh start.
