Norman O’Neal Brown is a 56-year-old man who was convicted of nonviolent drug offenses when he was 22 years old. If Brown had been sentenced under current law and today’s sentencing practices, he likely would have received a shorter sentence.
After serving more than 20 years in prison, President Obama commuted his sentence in 2015. Since then, the District-born Brown has worked with several non-profit organizations, including those focused on rehabilitation, reentry, and justice-impacted youth. He currently volunteers at several national and community-based organizations that help support incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people and serves as a board member for a non-profit dedicated to sentencing reform.
Family members and colleagues describe Brown as a man of grace and integrity and an exceptional human being. On Thursday, Dec. 12, Brown was among the largest single-day grant of clemency in modern history, as President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals and pardoned 39 others convicted of non-violent crimes.
According to the White House, the action demonstrates the administration’s focus on criminal justice reform and second chances for those who have shown rehabilitation and commitment to their communities.
The commutations apply to individuals who were placed on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CARES Act. The White House asserted that the individuals have reentered society by securing employment, pursuing education, and reuniting with their families. The 39 pardoned individuals, many of whom were convicted of nonviolent drug offenses, now contribute to their communities as veterans, healthcare workers, teachers, and advocates.
“America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said. “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation.”
The White House noted that Biden is the first president to issue categorical pardons for individuals convicted of simple marijuana use and possession, as well as for former LGBTQI+ service members who were punished because of their sexual orientation.
According to the White House, “The President has issued more sentence commutations at this point in his presidency than any of his recent predecessors at the same point in their first terms.”
Those granted clemency include a decorated military veteran who helps elderly church members, a nurse who led COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and an addiction counselor who mentors young people to avoid gang involvement.
Biden’s decision comes shortly after he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who faces sentencing for a federal gun charge and a separate tax offense. Biden and his aides have also discussed the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons for individuals targeted by President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated plans for retribution.
The president signaled that more clemency actions could follow.
“I will take more steps in the weeks ahead,” he stated, adding that his administration would “continue reviewing clemency petitions to advance equal justice under the law, promote public safety, support rehabilitation and reentry, and provide meaningful second chances.”
