NAACP Commends Biden’s Commutations of 2K+ Non-Violent Drug Offenders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2025
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - Following years of advocacy from the NAACP and others, President Biden announced today that his Administration would commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson issued the following statement commending the historic move:
"True justice is not only about how we shape a better future, but how we address injustices of the past. Today, President Biden did that.
We applaud President Biden for his actions this morning, commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders. America's so-called War on Drugs was only designed to lock-up as many people as possible — disproportionately Black — causing immense pain and devastation in communities nationwide only to line the pockets of for-profit prisons. By taking action on thousands of clemency applications that the NAACP has advocated for, President Biden is helping to turn the page on that devastating and unjust era.
In part, today's commutations addressed a significant priority for the NAACP: the crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing disparity. Although the current Department of Justice has ended the widely condemned crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing disparity, far too many Black Americans who were sentenced before the policy changed remained incarcerated. We are pleased to finally see this disparity being addressed."
Earlier this week, NAACP Chief of Policy and Legislative Affairs, Patrice Willoughby, joined Rep. Ayanna Presley (D-MA), and fellow advocates in calling on pardon actions for non-violent drug offenders whose sentences were based on outdated laws and policies including the 1994 Crime Bill.
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The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.