On Sunday, January 19, President Joe Biden pardoned five individuals, including gun violence prevention advocate gun violence prevention advocate Darryl Chambers, former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Don Leonard Scott, Jr., renowned civil rights leader Marcus Garvey, criminal justice advocate Kemba Pradia and immigrant and faith communities’ advocate Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir.
“America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my clemency power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history,” Biden stated.
“Today, I am exercising my clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have each made significant contributions to improving their communities.”
Additionally, the President commuted the sentences of Robin Peoples and Michelle West. Currently serving a 111-year sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s, Peoples is “an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.” Meanwhile, West, serving a life sentence, is “a role model who has built a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption.” Sentences for both Peoples and West are scheduled to expire on February 18, 2025.
