During the year’s first meeting of the Florida Cabinet and Executive Clemency Board, the case of the Groveland Four was brought up for discussion, after which Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered a motion to grant a full pardon for all four men.
Commissioner Fried offered the following statement:
“Today’s action marks progress and resolution on an undeniable injustice of the past—I’m proud of my colleagues and thankful for everyone who has worked so hard to help correct this disgrace. And although the action taken today can never fully revise this dark chapter of Florida’s past, it’s my hope that the families of Charles Greenlee, Earnest Thomas, Samuel Shepherd and Walter Irvin can accept this pardon as a sincere attempt to set the record of history straight. I look forward to working with the Clemency Board and the FDLE to ensure a full proclamation of exoneration is obtained to clear the names of each of the Groveland Four.”
Today’s action comes after Commissioner Fried raised the issue in mid-December prior to taking office.
