I would like to address my speech directly to the man himself,

Dear President Biden:

My name is Mitzi Wall, my son Jonathan will spend his upcoming 30th birthday in federal prison for a first offense, non-violent cannabis crime. Jonathan has been in prison now for 5 years. Our family has been forever altered. We had so much hope four years ago when you took office as President of the United States and pledged to decriminalize and expunge all records of people with cannabis convictions. Remember the statement you made, “No one deserves to be in jail for marijuana”? Unfortunately, that day has yet to come. We believed you and you had our votes now none of us are free and many will be in prison long after you’ve passed unless you take decisive action and intervene today. But there is still time because you are not done. What do you want your legacy to be? I think a man who kept his word and his promise to over 4,000 families. At least, I would like to think that is what you would want.

Over the last 30 years this country has seen mass incarceration soar. As a result, families have been torn apart and thrust into abject poverty and pain. I took my pain and got involved with non profits like Freedom Grow and The Last Prisoner Project to advocate for both the prisoners and their families. It helped me cope. Unfortunately, President Biden , you had a part in constructing and implementing the 1994 crime bill that resulted in mass incarceration and mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders. I believe that weighs heavily on your conscience so I am asking you to grant clemency to all non-violent cannabis offenders, many of whom need help and recovery, not more prison time. These are people just like your son and parents just like you. I know you have a son who disappointed you greatly, but whom you still love unconditionally. President Biden, you can help and make a profound difference in all these prisoners and their families lives. We have all made mistakes and we have all suffered the consequences of those mistakes but there comes a time that forgiveness and grace is needed. That time is now and you can help. This can be a part of your legacy. How wonderful would that be?

Earlier this year I attended the historic pardon action where Maryland Governor Wes Moore used his Pen to Write History to grant clemency to more than 145,000 cannabis offenders with possession and paraphernalia charges. Yet other Marylanders like my son who is incarcerated on federal charges can only get that type of clemency relief by The President of the United States taking that pen………

Imagine how you would feel if someone granted your child clemency. Your beautiful, bright, kind child. Maybe they made mistakes and messed up but they need help and guidance, not prison. Imagine if someone told you the President of the United States of America set your child free. Just imagine that. President Biden, you have already taken the first steps. But I would like to now challenge you to go further. Grant as many clemencies as you can. Grant them all! Take the Pen..

Thank you…..Mitzi Wall