President Biden Grants Clemency to Nonviolent Offenders
On his final full day in office, President Biden pardoned five individuals, including former Virginia House Speaker Don Scott and posthumously pardoned Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, both of whom were convicted of nonviolent offenses. This move is part of Biden’s commitment to criminal justice reform and providing second chances to those who have made mistakes.
Don Scott: A Story of Redemption
Don Scott, the first Black speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, served seven years in prison for a federal drug conviction. After his release, Scott became a lawyer and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2024. He thanked President Biden for the pardon and his commitment to second chances.
Marcus Garvey: A Civil Rights Pioneer
Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican-born activist who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and the Black Star Line, a shipping and travel company. Garvey inspired many civil rights leaders, including Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. He was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s and deported from the United States.
Other Recipients of Pardons
In addition to Scott and Garvey, President Biden also pardoned Ravi Ragbir, an immigrant rights activist; Kemba Smith Pradia, a prison reform advocate; and Darryl Chambers, a gun violence prevention advocate. All were convicted for nonviolent offenses.
Biden’s Commitment to Criminal Justice Reform
President Biden has made criminal justice reform a priority during his presidency. He has pardoned more individuals than any other president in U.S. history and has commuted the sentences of dozens of nonviolent drug offenders.
Unclear Future of Preemptive Pardons
It remains unclear if President Biden will issue preemptive pardons for those President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to prosecute, including those who worked on the House of Representatives’ January 6th Committee.