Outgoing US President Joe Biden pardoned five people, including the activist and fighter for the rights of black people Marcus Garvey, who died 85 years ago.
According to a statement from the White House, Biden posthumously pardoned Garvey because the United States “values his influence and advocacy“ and also highlights “the injustice that lies at the heart of his conviction“. In 1923, Garvey was sentenced to 5 years in prison for mail fraud.
Biden also pardoned Daryl Chambers, an advocate for the prevention of gun violence. In 1998, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison for a nonviolent drug offense. The list of pardons also includes Ravidat Ragbir, an advocate for immigrants and religious communities, and two lawyers, Don Scott and Kemba Pradia.
The president commuted the sentences of a man serving a 111-year sentence and a woman serving a life sentence. Their cases are scheduled to be completed in February.
The inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump will take place at noon on January 20.