President Biden Pardons 5 People

On January 19th, 2025, President Biden pardoned five people during his last full day in office. The pardon power of the president is found in Article II, Section II, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution, which states “The President… Shall have power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States except in Cases of Impeachment.” In a statement, President Biden said “America is a country built on the promise of second chances.” The five people pardoned were Black nationalist Marcus Garvey, Darryl Chambers, Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, Don Leonard Scott Jr., and Kemba Smith Praida.  & “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” Biden said. Marcus Garvey was the only person given the pardon after he died. Garvey was arrested for mail fraud in connection with the Black Star Line. The Black Star Line was a shipping company created by Garvey in 1919 with the intention to improve the lives of Black people around the world by giving them economic power and treat them as equal. Garvey...