On November 20, 2024, advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, their families, and several congressional representatives gathered at the United States Capitol to urge President Joe Biden to utilize his clemency powers. This plea came as part of efforts to rectify the long-standing injustices linked to cannabis prohibition, highlighted by speakers such as Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC).
During the press conference, the coalition presented a letter addressed to President Biden, emphasizing the urgency of acting before the presidency concludes on January 20. “Now is the time to use your clemency authority to rectify unjust and unnecessary criminal laws passed by Congress and draconian sentences handed down by judges,” the letter declared. The joint appeal aimed to stress the positive impact of executive clemency on countless families and individuals affected by mass incarceration.
“We urge you to use your executive clemency power to reunite families, address longstanding injustices, and set our nation on course to end mass incarceration,” the letter also stated. This initiative is closely tied to the Last Prisoner Project's Countdown 4 Clemency campaign, which has amplified public pressure on President Biden to grant relief to those still incarcerated for federal cannabis convictions.
Although Biden has pardoned thousands for federal cannabis possession, advocates maintain this has not led to the release of any incarcerated individuals. Pressley pointed out the stark disparity between state policies on cannabis legalization and federal incarceration practices, stating, “While cannabis is now legal in Minnesota and many states across America, thousands remain behind bars for the same substance. This underlines the work still left to be done.”
Pressley insisted Biden has the opportunity to make immediate changes, stating, “You have the support of millions of people across the country who have felt the harms of mass incarceration: children longing to see their grandparents, individuals who have taken responsibility for their mistakes, and those who didn’t get a fair shot.” Pressley’s remarks encapsulated the sentiment of many attendees, who believe Biden holds the key to their loved ones' freedom.
Mitzi Wall, the mother of Jonathan Wall, who faces eight years for cannabis-related charges, illustrated the personal impact of these laws. She compared her son’s plight with the statewide clemency actions taken by Maryland, where Governor Wes Moore actioned pardons for more than 175,000 cannabis possession and paraphernalia offenses earlier this year. “Other Marylanders, like my son, can only hope for clemency from the president,” she lamented.
Jason Ortiz, serving as the director of strategic initiatives at the Last Prisoner Project, spoked about families torn apart due to punitive federal sentencing laws. He highlighted one case of Edwin Rubis, who, after serving 27 years of his 40-year sentence for cannabis-related charges, remains separated from his family, especially his three children, due to laws now deemed outdated.
The call for action also highlighted heartbreaking stories from the participants. Another notable case mentioned was Ricardo Ashmeade, who is serving 22 years due to the three-strikes law, which Biden supported during his time as a senator. Ashmeade’s daughter has lived most of her life without her father. Such stories reflect the urgency of families waiting for justice and mercy from the current administration.
Despite past initiatives where Biden promised to address discrimination caused by the so-called War on Drugs, advocates have expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible actions aligned with those promises. “The clock is running out for Biden to fulfill more of his commitments,” Ortiz noted. Advocates are now hoping for one final push before the potential installation of another administration.
Pressley, Clyburn, Scanlon, and others emphasized the broader spectrum of individuals deserving clemency beyond just cannabis charges. They implored Biden to also include the elderly, the chronically ill, those facing unjust sentencing disparities, and women penalized for defending themselves against abuse.
The stark reality of mass incarceration remains well-documented: the U.S. accommodates around two million people within jails and prisons, the highest rate globally. This epidemic disproportionately affects communities of color, low-income families, and other marginalized groups. The pressing need for reform is echoed across various organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Last Prisoner Project, which supported the lawmakers' letter.
“President Biden has had four years to undo the harms caused by ‘law and order’ policies from the 80s and 90s,” stated Vonne Martin from Popular Democracy. “We deserve care, respect, and dignity for the hardships we've faced. Using his clemency powers can make significant strides toward rectifying these wrongs.”
Cameron Bell of the People’s Coalition for Safety and Freedom emphasized the need to bring forth new narratives around incarceration and justice, advocating for systemic changes rooted in human dignity. “Pardons can be the starting point toward safer communities built on justice and fairness,” Bell confirmed.
Other advocates, including Rev. Sharon Risher from Death Penalty Action, articulated the importance of mercy and compassion within the current clemency conversation. “Clemency means mercy. Everyone deserves another chance,” she said. Advocates are rallying for Biden to make history by granting clemency to those disproportionately punished under laws now deemed unjust.
Reflecting on previous administrations, the lawmakers cited President Obama, who granted clemency to 1,700 individuals shortly before leaving office. They argue Biden has ample opportunity to surpass this benchmark, proposing he could grant relief to two percent of the Bureau of Prisons population, highlighting the need for action now to deliver justice to thousands still incarcerated as potential transformative agents of their communities.
“Time is of the essence,” Ortiz insisted. The drive for clemency, according to Ortiz and others, is not just about reducing numbers but about humanity — the idea of reuniting families and correcting historical injustices.
“President Biden has to make decisive moves now to leave behind a legacy rooted in fairness and justice,” said Weldon Angelos of The Weldon Project, emphasizing the transformative power of clemency. “Time’s slipping away for making these changes, but it's still within your reach.”
