# Editorial: A Pardon 100 Years Too Late
In a historic decision, President Joe Biden has posthumously pardoned Marcus Garvey, a towering figure in the fight for Black nationalism and civil rights. While this act is commendable, it is also a stark reminder of the systemic injustices that have plagued our nation for over a century. This pardon, although significant, comes 100 years too late, highlighting a grave truth: America must continue to confront and repent for its sins of the past.
Marcus Garvey was a visionary leader whose ideas of racial pride and self-determination inspired generations, including influential figures like Malcolm X. Convicted of mail fraud in the 1920s—an accusation many argue was politically motivated—Garvey was deported and died in exile. His life story is emblematic of a broader narrative in America, one that reflects the struggles against racism, oppression, and the ongoing fight for justice.
Biden's pardon is a small step towards rectifying historical wrongs, yet it feels more like a symbolic gesture than a genuine reckoning. The injustices faced by Garvey and countless others are not relics of the past; they resonate in contemporary America. Systemic racism, economic disparity, and social injustice continue to plague our society, and merely acknowledging these issues through pardons does not suffice.
As a nation, we must engage in deeper reflection and action. A true reckoning involves facing uncomfortable truths about our history and the lasting impacts of those injustices. It requires not just symbolic gestures, but substantive policies aimed at dismantling the structures that perpetuate inequality.
Biden's pardon of Garvey should serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about reparations, criminal justice reform, and systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect Black communities. It is vital to ensure that the mistakes of the past do not repeat themselves in the future.
America has a long way to go in addressing its historical sins. A pardon, however significant, cannot erase the pain of a century’s worth of marginalization and oppression. It is imperative that we not only remember figures like Marcus Garvey but also commit to creating a society that embodies the principles of justice, equality, and respect for all.
In conclusion, while we acknowledge this historic pardon, let it not be a closing chapter but a beginning. America must strive for genuine repentance through action, ensuring that the legacy of Marcus Garvey is honored not just in words, but in the transformative changes we implement today.
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