NCNW Applauds President Biden on History-Making Pardons, Commutations, and Clemencies

Contact
Tonita Perry, APR, tperry@ncnw.org, 704-965-6956
Dr. Erica Southerland, APR, esoutherland@ncnw.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 19, 2025) — Today, President Biden announced the final round of pardons and commutations of sentences before leaving office.

“We wholeheartedly commend President Biden for his steadfast commitment to dismantling the lingering effects of the War on Drugs—a destructive chapter that fueled mass incarceration and wreaked havoc on communities of color. His leadership marks a pivotal step toward justice by addressing the overwhelming disparities that disproportionately impact Black Americans, particularly the unjust overrepresentation of Black men and women in our prison system. These inequities have fractured countless Black families, underscoring the urgent need for reform,” said NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley.

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Black Americans represent just 14% of the nation’s population but comprise nearly 40% of the federal prison population. Black women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, accounting for 16% of all women in federal prisons. Alarmingly, 25% of Black women in these institutions are serving sentences exceeding 10 years. Moreover, Bureau of Justice Statistics reveal that Black women are 11% less likely to receive non-prison sentences than their White counterparts in federal cases.

“These staggering disparities cannot stand,” said Arline-Bradley. “President Biden’s efforts to tackle racial inequities in the justice system, address sentencing disparities, and protect Black families reflect a powerful dedication to righting historic wrongs. Now is the time to build on this momentum and forge a criminal justice system that values equity, compassion, and humanity for all.”

NCNW was pleased to see its efforts for the president to grant clemency to two of seven individuals the organization submitted. These individuals have demonstrated accountability, rehabilitation, and commitment to serving their communities. They are people, who are not a menace to society, but instead symbols of redemption and resilience, ready to continue making positive contributions, which is the standard for clemency. They are as follows:

Kemba Smith – At 24 years old, Kemba Smith was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for her involvement in a drug conspiracy, despite being a first-time, non-violent offender. After serving 6.5 years, her sentence was commuted by President Clinton in 2000. Since her release, Ms. Smith has become a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, founding the Kemba Smith Foundation to educate youth and advocate for sentencing reform. She has shared her story through public speaking and her memoir, “Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story,” aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar fates

Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir – Ravi Ragbir is a nationally recognized immigrant rights activist and the Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition. After facing legal challenges related to his immigration status, Mr. Ragbir has dedicated his life to advocating for immigrant communities, providing support and organizing efforts to protect the rights of undocumented individuals.

“We firmly believe these individuals represent the transformative power of rehabilitation, public service, and redemption. Each of them has demonstrated remarkable contributions to society, and granting pardons would serve not only as recognition of their rehabilitation but also as an opportunity to elevate their roles as advocates and inspiring role models. These pardons and commutations would provide a meaningful chance for a fresh start—enabling them to rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and uplift their communities.”

Arline-Bradley continued, “President Biden’s leadership in this moment will once again stand on the right side of history. By embracing second chances, he underscores the principles of equity, compassion, and justice that our nation so desperately needs. This is about more than individual stories—it’s about creating a legacy of hope and opportunity for countless others.”

NCNW is grounded on a foundation of critical concerns dedicated to advocating for sound public policy and social justice.

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NCNW Applauds President Biden on History-Making Pardons, Commutations, and Clemencies

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