President Biden Grants Pardons and Commutations to Seven Individuals

President Biden has granted pardons and sentence commutations to seven individuals:

1. Darryl Chambers (Wilmington, DE): Convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1998 and sentenced to 17 years. He later became a gun violence prevention advocate, educator, and executive director of several programs focused on reducing violence and empowering youth.

2. Marcus Mosiah Garvey (Posthumous): A prominent civil rights leader convicted in 1923 for mail fraud. Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and Black Star Line, and his posthumous pardon highlights his global advocacy for African American rights.

3. Ravidath "Ravi" Ragbir (Brooklyn, NY): Convicted of a non-violent offense in 2001 and sentenced to 2.5 years. He has since been an advocate for immigrant rights and served as executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition.

4. Don Leonard Scott, Jr. (Portsmouth, VA): Convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 10 years. After his release, he became a lawyer, elected to the Virginia legislature, and eventually became the first Black Speaker of the House.

5. Kemba Smith Pradia (Ashburn, VA): Convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994 and sentenced to 24 years, later commuted by President Clinton. Since her release, she has become a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, women's empowerment, and racial equity.

   
   

Additionally, President Biden has commuted the sentences of:

6. Robin Peoples: Serving a 111-year sentence for crimes committed in the late 1990s. He has shown remarkable rehabilitation and will have his sentence expire on February 18, 2025.

7. Michelle West: Serving a life sentence for crimes committed between 1987 and 1993. She has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation, and her sentence will also expire on February 18, 2025.

   
   

These decisions reflect recognition of rehabilitation, community contributions, and advocacy for justice reform.