President Joe Biden marked his final day in office by granting pardons and commutations, highlighting his belief in "America as a country built on the promise of second chances." In a statement, Biden noted his historic use of clemency powers, saying he has granted more individual pardons and commutations than any president, including nearly 2,500 commutations on Friday.
Among those pardoned on Sunday was Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a Black nationalist convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s. Garvey's posthumous pardon followed decades of calls for his exoneration. Other notable pardons included Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights advocate; Kemba Smith Pradia, a criminal justice advocate; and Don Scott, the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Biden commuted the sentences of two additional individuals, citing their "remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption."
Don Scott expressed deep gratitude after receiving the news. "I'm so very grateful because I take nothing for granted," he told CBS News, reflecting on his journey after serving seven years in prison for drug charges. Scott emphasized the importance of second chances, adding, "There are a lot of people like me who deserve them. I'm grateful President Biden used his power."
These actions come on the heels of Biden's unprecedented clemency efforts. In December, he commuted the sentences of around 1,500 people and pardoned nearly 40 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes, marking the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. Earlier that month, he also pardoned his son, Hunter Biden.
The clemency decisions arrive amid speculation about potential preemptive pardons for officials targeted by President-elect Donald Trump. Reflecting on his legacy, Biden said, "I've worked to make the promise of second chances a reality."
Link: CBSNews
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