Biden Pardons Late Black Activist Marcus Garvey
Biden Pardons Late Great Black Activist Marcus Garvey
Source: Pictures from History / Getty
In 2021, Marcus Garvey’s descendants requested a pardon from President Biden. The move came as many questioned the way Trump’s first term presidential administration had doled out pardons before he left office.
Marcus Garvey, who lived from August 17, 1887 – June 10, 1940, was born in Jamaica and dedicated his life to uplifting Black people. He studied at Birkbeck College (University of London) and worked for the African Times and Orient Review which was a journal that emphasized Pan-African nationalism. In July 1914, he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) in Jamaica. The UNIA supported the “back to Africa” movement by celebrating African history and culture. Garvey created the Black Star Line as a direct path back and forth to countries in Africa and his work in the United States helped give birth to the Pan-African movement!
In 1922, Marcus Garvey was charged and convicted with mail fraud in connection with a ship on the Black Star Line, Orion. While serving his prison sentence at Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, President Calvin Coolidge commuted his remaining time amidst protests from Black Americans. In 1927, he was deported from the United States back to Jamaica, where he continued his UNIA work and political activism before moving to London in 1935. He died 5 years later after suffering multiple strokes.
On January 19, 2025, President Biden posthumously pardoned civil rights leader Marcus Garvey which is an official act of forgiveness for a crime or offense from The United States of America. Marcus Garvey is no longer considered guilty.
In addition, activist Ravi Ragbir, criminal justice advocate Kemba Smith Pradia, and two individuals, Michelle West and Robin Peoples, whose sentences were commuted due to their rehabilitation, were also pardoned.
Also See:
Marcus Garvey’s Son, Dr. Garvey On The Carl Nelson Show
Marcus Garvey’s Descendants Seek Pardon From President Biden