Great to see, well-deserved! For more information on Speaker Don Scott’s life, see here (“In 1994, Scott was arrested on federal drug charges and served seven years in prison. Later, he acknowledged his mistakes, and said that the experience motivated him and showed him injustices of the legal system.”) A truly remarkable and inspirational life’s journey since then for Don Scott!
| Statement from Speaker Don Scott on Receiving a Presidential Pardon |
| Richmond, VA – Speaker Don Scott released the following statement after President Joe Biden announced a Presidential Pardon, recognizing his journey of redemption and transformation following his 1994 incarceration for a drug-related offense, for which he served nearly 8 years.
“Today, I am deeply humbled to share that I have received a Presidential Pardon from President Joe Biden for a mistake I made in 1994—one that changed the course of my life and taught me the true power of redemption. “I want to begin by thanking President Biden for granting me this pardon and recognizing my journey of redemption. His commitment to second chances is truly remarkable, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as the President who championed redemption and transformation. His unprecedented efforts in issuing pardons and supporting individuals in rebuilding their lives cannot be understated. “After serving nearly eight years in federal prison for my actions, I came out determined to reshape my future. I was driven by faith, family, and the belief that a person’s worst mistake doesn’t define the entirety of their story. My journey—from being arrested as a law student to standing here today as the first Black Speaker of the House of Delegates in Virginia’s 405-year history—is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of second chances. “My deepest thanks go to Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Bobby Scott, Senator Mark Warner, my dear friend Ken Johnson, and all those who have supported me and advocated for me along this journey. To my wife, Mellanda, and our daughter—your unwavering love has been my foundation and my guiding light. “I will never forget the pain my family felt when I was sentenced or the sound of my mother’s anguish in that courtroom. But I also won’t forget the joy of redemption and renewal—the sound of her tears as I was sworn in as Speaker. To those who may feel their mistakes define them, I want you to know that it’s possible to rebuild and thrive. “This moment is not just about me. It’s about demonstrating that our nation can embrace the potential for change, for justice, and for redemption. It’s about what happens when we refuse to give up on each other. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me, stood by me, and reminded me that my story was far from over.” |
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
