President Joe Biden made significant moves on his final full day in office, announcing a pair of executive actions aimed at bolstering his legacy and protecting his accomplishments. The first action involved exercising his clemency power by pardoning five individuals and commuting the sentences of two others. Biden highlighted that these recipients had shown remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption, making positive contributions to their communities.
Among those pardoned was civil rights leader Marcus Mosiah Garvey, receiving a posthumous pardon. Don Leonard Scott, Jr., who had been convicted of a non-violent drug offense in 1994, was also pardoned. Scott later became the first Black speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Additionally, Biden granted pardons to a criminal justice advocate, an immigrant community advocate, and a gun violence prevention advocate.
The second executive action involved the issuance of a new executive order focused on aiding disadvantaged communities in making a comeback. The order prioritizes communities facing economic distress, undergoing industrial transitions, emerging as innovation hubs, and rebuilding from natural disasters for economic development funding opportunities. The White House described this initiative as a 'no wrong door' approach, streamlining access to federal funding for these communities.
These actions by President Biden underscore his commitment to addressing social justice issues and supporting economic development in underserved areas. While some of his policy decisions may be subject to change in future administrations, clemency actions, once granted, cannot be reversed. The executive order on economic development reflects Biden's efforts to leave a lasting impact on communities in need as he transitions out of office.
