Biden Pardons Nearly 40 in Historic Clemency, Sparks Debate Among Black Women

President Joe Biden recently made a big decision to reduce the sentences of about 1,500 people and also pardoned 39 others who had committed nonviolent crimes.

He announced this on Twitter on December 12, calling it a chance for these individuals to start anew. “America was built on second chances,” Biden wrote, explaining the idea behind his decision.

However, not everyone is happy with this decision. Some leaders from the Black community have criticized Biden, saying he has not done enough for Black Americans, who were very important in helping him win the presidency in 2020.

Civil rights activist Angela Rye and Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO) are especially outspoken. Rye reminded everyone of the significant support Biden received from Black voters during challenging times, like the pandemic and after the murder of George Floyd.

She believes Biden should do more to free Black people, as he promised during his campaign.

Congresswoman Bush also expressed disappointment, pointing out that despite Biden’s promise to reduce the number of people in prison, the numbers have actually gone up. She urged Biden to act quickly to reduce the prison population and address the unfairness in the justice system.

The White House responded by saying that the pardons were given to people who had changed their lives for the better after their crimes.

These include a woman who now leads teams during natural disasters, a church deacon who works as a counselor, a military veteran, and a student working towards a PhD in molecular bioscience.

The decision also includes a pardon for Biden’s son, Hunter, who faced federal gun charges, which has added to the controversy.

Meanwhile, Representatives Bush and Jim McGovern (D-MA) are pushing for a pardon for Steven Donziger, a lawyer who represented farmers against a large oil company and was jailed for contempt of court.

This case is part of the larger debate about how Biden is using his power to pardon and commute sentences.