Biden grants pardons to four individuals, including late Black activist Marcus Garvey.

On his final day in office, President Biden granted five additional pardons, one of which was for political activist and Black nationalist Marcus Garvey.

"Biden, as President, has made good on America's promise of second chances by issuing more individual pardons and commutations than any other President in U.S. history. Today, he is exercising his clemency power to pardon 5 individuals and commute the sentences of 2 others who have shown remorse, rehabilitation, and redemption. These clemency recipients have made significant contributions to improving their communities."

Garvey, along with Darryl Chambers, Ravidath "Ravi" Ragbir, Don Leonard Scott, Jr., and Kemba Smith Pradia, were granted clemency. Garvey received a pardon posthumously.

Garvey, a civil rights and human rights leader, was convicted of mail fraud in 1923 and sentenced to five years' imprisonment.

In 1927, former President Calvin Coolidge commuted his sentence. Notably, Marcus Garvey founded the Black Star Line, the first Black-owned shipping line and method of international travel, and established the Universal Negro Improvement Association, which celebrated African history and culture. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described Garvey as "the first man of color in the history of the United States to lead and develop a mass movement." Advocates and lawmakers praise Garvey's global advocacy and impact, and highlight the injustice underlying his criminal conviction.

Supporters of Garvey argued that his conviction was politically motivated and an attempt to silence the growing leader who spoke of racial pride. Congressional leaders urged Biden to pardon Garvey.

Biden granted pardons to Ragbir, an immigrant rights activist, and Smith Pradia, an advocate for criminal justice reform. Ragbir was convicted of a nonviolent offense in 2001 and was sentenced to two years in prison. Smith Pradia is an advocate convicted of a drug offense in 1994 when she was sentenced to 24 years behind bars. President Bill Clinton commuted her sentence in 2000.

Biden declared that he would pardon two more individuals, Michelle West and Robin Peoples, so that their sentences would end on February 18, 2025.

In the '90s, West was found guilty of charges such as conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, drug-related homicide, and aiding and abetting in drug-related homicide, according to court records.

West is currently serving a life sentence for crimes committed between 1987 and 1993, as stated by the White House.

"The Biden White House contended that Ms. West's three decades of imprisonment have resulted in remarkable rehabilitation and personal transformation. Her clemency petition has garnered widespread support from various groups, including civil rights activists, women's rights advocates, former fellow inmates, and lawmakers. Supporters describe Ms. West as a role model who has achieved a 31-year record of rehabilitation and redemption."

Court records indicate that Peoples was found guilty of bank robbery and related crimes.

The White House announced that Peoples, who is currently serving an 111-year sentence for crimes committed in the late 1990s, would likely face a significantly lower sentence under current law and policy. While in custody, he has demonstrated remarkable rehabilitation and courage. Peoples' clemency petition has received overwhelming support from the civil rights community, government officials, friends, and family members. Peoples' supporters describe him as a model inmate, an inspiring mentor, and someone deserving of a second chance.

Whether Biden will grant pardons to individuals criticized by President-elect Trump on his final day in office remains uncertain.

The possibility of Biden issuing preemptive pardons for potential offenses by Trump's critics has been suggested, but this would exceed the presidential powers in uncharted territory.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.