Sun Jan 19 14:22:27 UTC 2025: ## Biden Pardons Civil Rights Leader Marcus Garvey, Four Others
**Washington, D.C. –** President Joe Biden granted posthumous pardons to five individuals on Sunday, January 19, 2025, including renowned civil rights leader Marcus Garvey. The White House also announced the commutation of sentences for two others.
Garvey, who died in 1940, was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and served time before his sentence was commuted in 1927. The White House recognized his significant contributions to the African American community, highlighting his founding of the Black Star Line shipping company and the Universal Negro Improvement Association, organizations that celebrated African history and culture. Human rights groups consider Garvey a pioneer in organizing mass movements among African Americans.
The other pardons went to Darryl Chambers and Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, both convicted of non-violent offenses, and Don Leonard Scott, a Virginia state legislator, and Kemba Smith Pradia, both convicted of non-violent drug offenses. Biden also commuted the sentences of Robin Peoples and Michelle West, citing their remarkable rehabilitation. The White House statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to criminal justice reform.
First Piper 