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derrick johnson, joe biden, joseph r. biden jr., joseph r. biden, 46th president of the US, naacp president
Press Statement December 23, 2024

NAACP President Celebrates Historic Death Row Commutations, Pushes for Additional Commutations for People in Prison

derrick johnson, joe biden, joseph r. biden jr., joseph r. biden, 46th president of the US, naacp president

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 23, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org 

WASHINGTON - Today, in a historic move, the Biden-Harris Administration announced sweeping commutations of nearly all people on federal death row to life sentences. The commutations will spare the lives of nearly 40 people currently facing execution in the United States, including Billie Allen, a Black man wrongfully convicted of murder who has been on death row for more than 20 years. 

NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement in celebration of today's news:

"For over fifty years the NAACP has fought for the abolishment of the death penalty. We know that Black Americans are disproportionately targeted and often wrongfully convicted to inhumane execution by the very government tasked with upholding their life and liberty. We're proud to see the Biden-Harris administration make history by sparing the lives of these individuals and setting an important precedent in the face of rising extremist and anti-humanitarian rhetoric and policy. But this fight is far from over. The President still has the power to commute the sentences of more than 7,000 Americans impacted by the inherently racist 'War on Drugs.' It is our hope that the Administration continues down the pathway to progress, using its position to right the wrongs of the past and publicize the playbook for a brighter future."

The NAACP has advocated for commuting sentences of thousands of people in prison serving outdated sentences that would be shorter under today's laws and policies. Many of these cases have already been thoroughly vetted and received positive recommendations by the Office of the Pardon Attorney. These cases include many individuals who were sentenced under the now-discredited crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity as well as those who did not receive retroactive relief through the First Step Act, legislation designed to remedy the systemic racism perpetuated throughout the 'War on Drugs' and eliminate some mandatory minimum sentences that were a relic of the 1994 Crime Bill.

In the past month, the Biden-Harris Administration has commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 people and pardoned 39 others. None of these clemency actions addressed the dire need to provide relief for those still in prison and impacted by the failed "War on Drugs" that resulted in disparate convictions and sentencing over the last 30 years.

For more information on NAACP's Criminal Justice Reform work, visit our website.

ABOUT NAACP

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.

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