By Tonita Perry and Dr. Erica Southerland
On Jan. 20, President Biden announced the final round of pardons, commutations and clemencies before leaving office.
Photo: Photo courtesy NNPA Newswire
“We wholeheartedly commend President Biden for his steadfast commitment to dismantling the lingering effects of the War on Drugs—a destructive chapter that fueled mass incarceration and wreaked havoc on communities of color. His leadership marks a pivotal step toward justice by addressing the overwhelming disparities that disproportionately impact Black Americans, particularly the unjust overrepresentation of Black men and women in our prison system. These inequities have fractured countless Black families, underscoring the urgent need for reform,” said NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley.
According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Black Americans represent just 14 percent of the nation’s population but comprise nearly 40 percent of the federal prison population. Black women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, accounting for 16 percent of all women in federal prisons. Alarmingly, 25 percent of Black women in these institutions are serving sentences exceeding 10 years. Moreover, Bureau of Justice Statistics reveal that Black women are 11 percent less likely to receive non-prison sentences than their White counterparts in federal cases.
“These staggering disparities cannot stand,” said Arline-Bradley. “President Biden’s efforts to tackle racial inequities in the justice system, address sentencing disparities and protect Black families reflect a powerful dedication to righting historic wrongs. Now is the time to build on this momentum and forge a criminal justice system that values equity, compassion and humanity for all.”
NCNW was pleased to see its efforts rewarded since the president granted clemency to two of seven individuals the organization submitted for consideration. These individuals have demonstrated accountability, rehabilitation and commitment to serving their communities. They are people that are not a menace to society, but instead, symbols of redemption and resilience, ready to continue making positive contributions, which is the standard for clemency. They are as follows:
Kemba Smith – At 24 years old, Kemba Smith was sentenced to 24.5 years in federal prison for her involvement in a drug conspiracy, despite being a first-time, non-violent offender. After serving 6.5 years, her sentence was commuted by President Clinton in 2000. Since her release, Ms. Smith has become a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, founding the Kemba Smith Foundation to educate youth and advocate for sentencing reform. She has shared her story through public speaking and her memoir, “Poster Child: The Kemba Smith Story,” aiming to prevent others from experiencing similar fates.
Ravidath “Ravi” Ragbir – Ravi Ragbir is a nationally recognized immigrant rights activist and the executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition. After facing legal challenges related to his immigration status, Mr. Ragbir has dedicated his life to advocating for immigrant communities, providing support and organizing efforts to protect the rights of undocumented individuals.
“We firmly believe these individuals represent the transformative power of rehabilitation, public service, and redemption,” Arline-Bradley said. “Each of them has demonstrated remarkable contributions to society, and granting pardons would serve not only as recognition of their rehabilitation but also as an opportunity to elevate their roles as advocates and inspiring role models. These pardons and commutations would provide a meaningful chance for a fresh start—enabling them to rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and uplift their communities.”
Arline-Bradley continued, “President Biden’s leadership in this moment will once again stand on the right side of history. By embracing second chances, he underscores the principles of equity, compassion, and justice that our nation so desperately needs. This is about more than individual stories—it’s about creating a legacy of hope and opportunity for countless others.”
NCNW is grounded on a foundation of critical concerns dedicated to advocating for sound public policy and social justice.
About NCNW
National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of over 330 campus and community-based sections and 38 national women’s organizations that enlightens, inspires, and connects more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, and for more than fifty years, the iconic Dr. Dorothy Height was president of NCNW.
Today, the NCNW programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns that are now “NCNW Priorities.” Our organization promotes education; encourages entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and economic stability; educates women about health and promotes healthcare access, and promotes civic engagement and advocates for sound public policy and social justice.
For more information, please visit www.ncnw.org or NCNW’s social channels via Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
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