From the very beginning of his administration, President Biden has made racial equity a cornerstone of his agenda, with bold efforts to invest in underserved communities, tackle health disparities, and reduce inequities caused by structural racism.

We celebrate the encouraging step taken today and urge the President to continue using his constitutional authority to redress the profound harms caused by mass incarceration.  As we shared in a letter sent to President Biden last month, we call on him to continue to prioritize commutations for individuals who have been disproportionately harmed by systemic inequities in our federal justice system, including those on federal death row—a punishment disproportionately inflicted on people of color.

President Biden has a unique opportunity to cement his racial justice legacy. As the window for action narrows, we encourage him to seize this moment to ensure lasting progress in the fight for equity and justice.

Urban League of Essex County, CEO/President Vivian Cox Fraser proudly stands behind the National Urban League and President Biden for his bold stance on clemency and social justice. His commitment to addressing the systemic inequalities in our criminal justice system is a crucial step toward healing and progress. By advocating for clemency, President Biden is taking meaningful action to restore fairness and dignity to those affected by unjust sentencing. Essex supports these efforts and urges continued action to ensure that racial justice remains at the forefront of our national agenda. Together, we can build a more equitable future for all.