Petition for Posthumous Presidential Pardon for Marcus Mosiah Garvey
New York Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke Leads the Charge
New York, USA — Joseph R Biden is the latest United States president to be petitioned to pardon Marcus Mosiah Garvey who is widely believed to have been convicted by US authorities on trumped-up charges.
A Century of Controversy
June 21 this year marks the centenary of Garvey’s controversial conviction on mail fraud charges in the US. Since then, there have been numerous efforts and calls to have the conviction expunged and to have Garvey exonerated. Congressional efforts to secure a pardon were first made in 1987 by then congressman John Conyers who spearheaded a Judiciary Committee hearing on the trial.
The Case for a Presidential Pardon
Clarke and her congressional colleagues told Biden that Garvey’s influence and contributions are interwoven into the fabric of American history, adding that a presidential pardon and eventual exoneration for Garvey “would reaffirm our commitment to a criminal justice system that guarantees equity under the rule of law”.
“A presidential pardon for Mr Garvey – whose work influenced world leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela, inspired generations of leaders and sowed the seeds of the civil rights movement – would correct the historical record and shift the narrative at a time when African-American history faces the existential threat of erasure by radical state legislatures,” the group of black lawmakers asserted.
“The passage of time has confirmed his place in history, but has not removed the stain of injustice from his legacy,” they added.
About Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Garvey is credited with inspiring nearly six million people across the world after he founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association with a message of social progress through economic prosperity.
Photo: National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Conclusion
The petition for a posthumous presidential pardon for Marcus Mosiah Garvey is a crucial step in correcting the historical record and acknowledging the injustices faced by African-Americans. As the centenary of his conviction approaches, it is imperative that we continue to work towards a future where justice is served and equality is achieved.
FAQs
Q: Why is Marcus Mosiah Garvey being petitioned for a posthumous presidential pardon?
A: Garvey was convicted of mail fraud charges in the US in 1927, but many believe the charges were trumped-up and the conviction was unjust. A presidential pardon would be a step towards correcting this historical injustice.
Q: Who is leading the petition for a posthumous presidential pardon for Marcus Mosiah Garvey?
A: New York Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke is leading the petition, along with 21 of her congressional colleagues.
Q: What is the significance of June 21, 2023?
A: June 21, 2023 marks the centenary of Garvey’s controversial conviction on mail fraud charges in the US.