After our repeated calls for action, President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, and re-sentenced them to life in prison.

We made this happen. Together, with a broad and growing coalition of impacted families, grassroots advocates, faith leaders and more, we made the case for commuting death row to save lives and address decades of injustice. Today, we know our voices were heard.

President Biden’s decision is a historic, groundbreaking act of compassion. In the final days of his presidency, he is demonstrating the kind of moral leadership this moment demands, and taking action to address the deep racial disparities in our criminal legal system.

We know that the death penalty is racist and flawed, and has no place in our society as a form of punishment — and we know that the incoming administration wants to expand this horrific practice. With his actions today, President Biden is saving lives, making good on his campaign promise to address the federal death penalty, and sending a powerful message about redemption, decency, and humanity.

This victory belongs to the organizers, advocates, and impacted families from every walk of life who have worked relentlessly to end the death penalty — including faith leaders and the families of victims who have been impacted by violence. Today is for everyone who has pressed for a more just criminal legal system. Our unwavering commitment to uphold the dignity and humanity of every person has made this moment possible. Thank you, for fighting alongside us — and thank you for supporting the fights we still have to face.

I will continue to call on President Biden to keep using his clemency authority to change and save lives in the final days of his presidency. Thank you again for being a part of this important work to create a more just criminal legal system.

Onward,

Ayanna