Before the end of his presidential term, US President Joe Biden gave a “parting gift” to several Americans convicted of crimes they committed.. He pardoned five such people.

Biden commuted sentences for two more convicts. This is stated in a message on the White House website.

" As President, I have used my pardon power to make that promise a reality by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history.. Today, I am exercising my authority to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 individuals who have demonstrated remorse, rehabilitation, and atonement. Each of these pardones has made significant contributions to the betterment of their communities,” said the current President of the United States..

So, Darryl Chambers from Delaware received a pardon from Biden. In 1998, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison for non-violent drug offenses. Since his release, Chambers has become an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention.. He joined the nonprofit Commission of Hope in his hometown of Wilmington, which works to promote community development and reduce violence..

Chambers has studied and written about violence prevention for many years, including his book Murder City.. He is also pursuing a doctorate in sociology and criminal justice, founded the Center for Structural Justice, and became executive director of the Youth Empowered to Achieve and Succeed program..

“Human rights advocates, legislators and his supporters praise him for his dedication to the Wilmington community, efforts to reduce violence and help young people change their lives,” the White House said.

Civil and human rights activist Marcus Mosiah Garvey received a posthumous presidential pardon. In 1923, he was convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to five years in prison.. US President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence in 1927.

" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described Mr. Garvey as “the first colored man in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement.”. Human rights activists and lawmakers praise his global advocacy and influence, and highlight the injustices underlying his criminal conviction."

Harvey died in 1940.

Biden also pardoned Ravi Raghbir, a prominent advocate for immigrants and religious communities from New York..

Once freed, Raghbir began protecting vulnerable immigrant communities and families in New York and New Jersey.. from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Center for Constitutional Rights and the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.

“Human rights advocates, faith-based organizations and lawmakers commend his efforts to promote justice and human dignity,” the White House said.

Don Leonard Scott Jr. of Virginia was also pardoned by the President.. In 1994, he received a 10-year sentence for drug use.. After serving his sentence, Don Scott worked as an attorney and was elected to the Virginia Legislature in 2019. In 2024, he became the first black speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.

" His supporters emphasized his commitment to public service, his repentance and redemption, and his tireless dedication to improving the lives of people around him,"

Scott's fellow countryman, Kemba Smith Pradia from Virginia, also received a pardon.. Sentenced to 24 years in prison for drug offenses in 1994, she received a commutation of her sentence from President Bill Clinton in 2000..

Since her release, she has been outspoken about issues related to criminal justice and created a non-profit foundation focused on issues of domestic violence, women's empowerment and racial equality.

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. Human rights activists and legislators commend her efforts to change her life and heal from the traumatic experiences of her past, as well as her passionate and courageous support of prisoners and survivors of domestic violence,"

In addition, Biden commuted the sentences of two Americans: both should be released on February 18 this year.

The first was Robin Peoples, who was sentenced to 111 years in prison for crimes committed in the late 1990s..

" Mr. Peoples' petition for clemency received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, officials, friends and family members. Mr. Peoples' supporters describe him as a model prisoner, an inspiring mentor and a man who deserves a second chance,"

Michelle West, who spent about 30 years behind bars for crimes she committed from 1987 to 1993, also received a commutation of her sentence..

While in prison, West, the White House noted, “demonstrated extraordinary rehabilitation and personal transformation.”.

" Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has built a 31-year track record of rehabilitation and redemption,"

Let us remind you that the day before it became known that Biden commuted the sentences of almost 2,500 prisoners. None of his predecessors as President of the United States achieved this figure..