NAACP Commends President Biden’s Clemency Actions During His Final Hours in the White House

In the wake of President Biden's announcement of pardoning five individuals including Marcus Garvey and commuting the sentences of two more, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement:

The NAACP commends President Biden's leadership and commitment to justice demonstrated by today's pardons. Righting these wrongs highlights the systemic inequities that have – for too long – plagued our criminal justice system.

By pardoning and commuting individuals who have shown profound personal growth and dedication to serving their communities, President Biden has taken a meaningful step toward restoring their dignity and showing that this country believes in second chances.

But our work does not end here. Make no mistake, the NAACP will continue to fight on behalf of Black Americans who have been disproportionately impacted by the justice system.

REP. YVETTE D. CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN URGING THE EXONERATION OF MARCUS GARVEY

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) led 20 of her colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the exoneration of Marcus Mosiah Garvey for a 1923 conviction for the fraudulent use of the mail:

“Exactly 101 years ago, Mr. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in a case that was marred by prosecutorial and governmental misconduct. The evidence paints an abundantly clear narrative that the charges against Mr. Garvey were not only fabricated but also targeted to criminalize, discredit, and silence him as a civil rights leader. In response to this blatant injustice, President Calvin Coolidge commuted Mr. Garvey’s sentence upon eligibility. Efforts to clear Garvey’s name have persisted for decades. In 1987, under Congressman John Conyers’ leadership, the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on Mr. Garvey’s exoneration. In 2004, Congressman Charles Rangel introduced a series of resolutions calling attention to the injustice, followed by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s recent efforts to continue these strides. Despite these efforts, Garvey’s name has not yet been cleared,” wrote the Members.

“Exonerating Mr. Garvey would honor his work for the Black community, remove the shadow of an unjust conviction, and further this administration’s promise to advance racial justice. At a time when Black history faces the existential threat of erasure by radical state legislatures, a presidential pardon for Mr. Garvey would correct the historical record and restore the legacy of an American hero. As we approach the conclusion of your administration, this moment provides a chance to leave an indelible mark on history.”

The full text of the letter is available here.