JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi lawmakers on Tuesday honored Alice Marie Johnson of Olive Branch, recognizing her historic appointment as the nation’s first White House “pardon czar” and her rise from federal inmate to national criminal justice reform advocate.
Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven) and Sen. Theresa Gillespie-Isom (D-Olive Branch) led the presentation of Senate Resolution 28 to Johnson, who was appointed on Feb. 20, 2025, by President Donald J. Trump to advise the administration on clemency and pardons. Rep. Kimberly Remak (R-Olive Branch) joined the ceremony, presenting House Resolution 12 commending Johnson’s achievements.
Johnson’s selection for the newly created role followed years of national advocacy shaped by her own experience in the federal prison system. A Memphis native who later lived in Olive Branch, Johnson served 21 years of a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. Her case became a rallying point for sentencing reform advocates who argued that mandatory minimums had produced excessively harsh penalties for low-level offenders.
Her sentence was commuted in 2018, and she received a full presidential pardon in 2020. After her release, Johnson emerged as a leading voice for second‑chance initiatives, reentry support and clemency reform. She worked with legal organizations, testified before lawmakers and helped families navigate the clemency process, earning bipartisan respect for her advocacy.
The Trump administration cited Johnson’s lived experience, reform work and credibility among families seeking relief as key reasons for her appointment. In her White House role, Johnson reviews clemency petitions, recommends individuals for presidential consideration and works to ensure support systems are in place for people transitioning back into their communities. Her focus on rehabilitation, community safety and successful reintegration reflects the principles she has championed since her release.
Mississippi lawmakers praised Johnson for transforming her personal story into national leadership and for continuing to elevate criminal justice reform on behalf of nonviolent offenders seeking a second chance.
Alice Marie Johnson is joined by (front row left) state Rep. Kimberly Remark (R-Olive Branch) and state Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven) (Courtesy photo)
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
