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In a historic move during his final days in office, former President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned iconic civil rights leader and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), Marcus Garvey. Read more details about who was involved to make this happen inside.
The legendary civil rights activist and a champion of Black empowerment and racial equality was convicted of mail fraud in 1923, which was a conviction widely believed to have been politically motivated to suppress his activism. In one of Biden’s final moves as President of the United States, he posthumously pardoned him of all charges.
Garvey’s supporters, including Howard University law professors and students, have worked tirelessly for years to clear his name. Professor Justin Hansford, a faculty member at Howard University School of Law, collaborated with Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius Garvey, for over 15 years to secure this pardon. Their efforts aimed to rectify a historical injustice and honor Garvey’s legacy as a leader of the Back-to-Africa movement and an advocate for unity among Black people globally.
Howard University celebrated the decision, calling Garvey “the first national hero of Jamaica” and highlighting his lasting impact on civil rights.
“Garvey’s work to inspire pride, self-reliance, and liberation among Black people worldwide remains a cornerstone of his legacy,” the university stated.
Garvey’s conviction stemmed from allegations of using mail to defraud investors in his shipping enterprise, the Black Star Line. Despite receiving the harshest penalty at the time (five years in prison and a $1,000 fine), Garvey maintained his innocence, arguing that his prosecution was a targeted attack on his movement. He was later deported to Jamaica, where he continued his activism until his death in 1940.
In his remarks at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in South Carolina, Biden reflected on America’s ability to forgive and support those who falter, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and justice.
“We don’t turn on each other. We lean into each other,” Biden said.
This pardon marks a significant moment in Biden’s presidency, during which he granted more pardons and commutations than any of his predecessors. His actions, including commutations for 2,500 nonviolent drug offenders, highlight his commitment to criminal justice reform.
Garvey’s pardon serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring influence and the ongoing fight for racial equality. Comment your thoughts on this posthumous pardon below.