Statement from President Joe Biden on clemency measures

America is a country built on the promise of second chances. As President, I have used my pardon power to make that promise a reality by granting more individual pardons and commutations than any other president in American history. Today, I am exercising my power of pardon to pardon 5 people and commute the sentences of 2 people who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation and redemption. These grace recipients have each made a significant contribution to the betterment of their community.

Against the backdrop of the White House:

President Biden pardons the following 5 people:

Darryl Rooms – Wilmington, Delaware

Darryl Chambers is a gun violence prevention advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense and was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 1998. Shortly after his release, he joins the HOPE Commission, a Wilmington, Delaware nonprofit organization committed to community development and violence reduction. He has studied and written about violence prevention, notably in his book Murder Town, USA. He continued his studies and is pursuing a doctorate in sociology and criminal justice. In addition to founding the Center for Structural Equity, he is also executive director of the Youth Empowered to Strive and Succeed program. Advocates, legislators and his mentees praise him for his commitment to the Wilmington community, his efforts to reduce violence and help young people transform their lives.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey – Granted posthumously

Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940) was a famous civil rights and human rights leader who was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and sentenced to five years in prison. President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927. Mr. Garvey notably created the Black Star Line, the first black-owned shipping company and method of international travel, and founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated the African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first man of color in American history to lead and develop a mass movement.” Advocates and lawmakers hail his action and impact on a global scale, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.

Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir –Brooklyn, New York

Ravi Ragbir, a well-known advocate for immigrants and religious communities, was previously convicted of a nonviolent offense in 2001. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Since his release, Mr. Ragbir has advocated for vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey. Previously, he served as executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith network of congregations, organizations and individuals supporting immigrant communities. He has received numerous awards, including from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Advocates, religious organizations and lawmakers praise his efforts to promote justice and human dignity.

Don Leonard Scott, Jr. – Portsmouth, Virginia

Don Scott was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Since his release, he has practiced law and was elected to the Virginia Legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first Black Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Mr. Scott is a U.S. Navy veteran who donated his kidney to his next-door neighbor in 2021. His supporters have noted his dedication to public service, his remorse and redemption, and his tireless commitment to improving the lives of those around him.

Kemba Smith Pradia – Ashburn, Virginia

Kemba Smith Pradia is a criminal justice advocate who was previously convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994. She was sentenced to 24 years in prison. President Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000. Since her release, she has been outspoken on issues related to criminal justice, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and racial equity through of his non-profit foundation. She has also worked with nationally recognized civil rights and criminal justice organizations, testified before Congress and the United Nations, and was appointed to the Virginia Sentencing Commission and the Virginia Parole Board. Advocates and lawmakers hail her efforts to transform her life and heal from traumatic experiences from her past, as well as her fierce and courageous advocacy on behalf of incarcerated people and survivors of domestic violence.

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Additionally, President Biden commutes the sentences of the following two individuals so that their sentences expire on February 18, 2025:

Robin Peoples (BOP #05707-027)

Robin Peoples is currently serving a 111-year prison sentence for crimes he committed in the late 1990s. Mr. Peoples would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. During his detention, he demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Mr. Peoples’ request for clemency received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends and family members. Mr. Peoples’ supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor and someone who deserves a second chance.

Michelle West (BOP #17809-039)

Michelle West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes she committed between 1987 and 1993. During her three decades of incarceration, Ms. West has demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation . Ms. West’s request for clemency received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, women’s rights advocates, former fellow inmates and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year track record of rehabilitation and redemption.

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