In a historic move, President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey, the influential Black nationalist leader, on Sunday. Garvey, whose teachings inspired civil rights figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., was convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s, a charge his supporters have long argued was politically motivated to suppress his advocacy for racial pride and unity.

Born in Jamaica, Garvey was deported following his conviction and spent the remainder of his life advocating for Black empowerment until his death in 1940. Congressional leaders and activists have pushed for Garvey’s exoneration, contending his trial was a miscarriage of justice aimed at silencing a rising voice in the global fight for equality.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once described Garvey as the “first man, on a mass scale and level,” to instill in millions of Black people “a sense of dignity and destiny.”

President Biden announced the pardon while addressing a congregation at Royal Missionary Baptist Church in South Carolina. He framed the act as part of America’s commitment to redemption and second chances, saying, “We don’t turn on each other. We lean into each other. That’s the sacred covenant of our nation.”

Biden, who holds the record for the most presidential pardons and commutations issued, also granted clemency to four living individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities after their convictions.

Among those pardoned is Don Scott, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Convicted of a drug offense in 1994 and having served eight years in prison, Scott later rebuilt his life and made history as the first Black speaker in Virginia’s legislature. “I am deeply humbled,” Scott said in a statement. “This moment reflects the power of redemption.”

Immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir, convicted of a nonviolent offense in 2001, was also pardoned. Ragbir, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, faced deportation but has since become a prominent voice for immigrant advocacy.

Kemba Smith Pradia, a prison reform activist, received a pardon for her 1994 drug conviction. Her sentence had been commuted by President Bill Clinton in 2000. Darryl Chambers of Delaware, a former inmate who now advocates for gun violence prevention, was similarly pardoned after serving time for a drug offense.

Biden also commuted the sentences of two individuals. Michelle West, who was serving life in prison for her involvement in a drug conspiracy, had spent more than 30 years advocating for her own release. Her daughter, Miquelle West, expressed gratitude, saying, “The clouds have parted. I finally see the sunshine and a bright future for us both.”

Robin Peoples, sentenced to 111 years for bank robbery in the late 1990s, also saw her sentence reduced. The White House cited changes in sentencing laws that would have led to a significantly shorter punishment under current standards.

With these actions, Biden has underscored his belief in redemption and reform, offering a second chance to those who have paid their debt to society and proven their commitment to positive change.

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