Before drawing the curtains and taking a bow, POTUS Joe Biden signed off on Michelle West’s clemency. West was a woman who had two life sentences hanging around her neck and was condemned to die in jail. The president heavily delivered his promise of addressing justice reforms by granting clemency to a handful of inmates.
Joe Biden Pardons Michelle West In Executive Clemency
Michelle West was first arrested in 1993. Since then, she has been denied her freedom while being convicted under mandatory sentencing laws. This meant her sentencing was not based on direct proof that tied her to the crime.
Via Instagram, Its_onsite reported that West had always maintained her innocence. Sadly, she was sentenced to serve two consecutive life terms, after which she would spend fifty more years. This translates to dying behind bars. Still, after spending more than three decades in jail, she remained unfazed and continued to search for freedom. Her behavior inside the prison was remarkable, and fellow inmates spoke highly of her.
On the outside, the advocacy to have her out of jail persisted. Miquelle West, the ex-convict’s daughter, pleaded for clemency while resounding the family’s pains. Eventually, in January 2025, President Biden granted clemency, giving West the freedom she so much desired.
People Granted Clemency By Biden
The ex-president has since touted his concerns for racial equity and justice reforms. On January 19, hours before stepping out of the white house, Biden agreed for some convicts to enjoy freedom due to their exemplary character behind bars.
Apart from West, other clemency beneficiaries signed off included Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Robin Peoples, Don Leonard Scott, Jr., Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir, and Darryl Chamber. Meanwhile, women like Kemba Smith Pradia also enjoyed executive clemency. Unlike those mentioned earlier, Pradia was released after serving seven years out of her 24-year sentence when President Clinton pardoned her. Following this move by Biden, she will no longer be regarded as an ex-con.
Joe Biden Commended For Justice Reforms
This action has earned Biden some accolades from the Legal Defence Fund, a civil rights group that has long represented Pradia. This clemency not only helps the former convicts’ families but also gives the individuals another chance at living right.
Funnily enough, Biden’s generosity also reached the dead. HereSpartanBurg confirmed that the president granted posthumous clemency to Marcus Garvey. Garvey was a beloved civil rights leader who chanted reforms for the black community. In 1923, the activist was allegedly charged unjustly for mail fraud. Despite his death, Garvey’s family has long fought against the criminal record with efforts to seek a pardon.
Biden’s leniency with the clemency of these individuals has etched his name in the history books. While leaving the office of the POTUS with a deed to be remembered, he became the only US president to have granted numerous pardons. On top of that, Biden has left a legacy worthy of emulation, as his actions strongly show the country’s concern for the Black community.
#Clique, what do you think about Joe Biden granting clemency to many before leaving office? Let us know in the comments.
