LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE 3) — Two Louisville activists have received pardons in honor of their work in the community.
Some of the governor's pardons have garnered anger and controversy among families. Two community leaders in Louisville say they are thankful to the Governor and hope future governors will continue to have pardoning powers.
Christoper 2X and Amanda Hall both work on criminal justice and addiction issues. 2X is frequently a liason in Louisville between traditionally African-American communities and local law enforcement. 2x has a 30-year-old conviction for drug possession and a theft conviction.
Senator Rand Paul supported the pardon, releasing a statement to WAVE 3 News in Louisville:
“As someone who has known Christopher 2X for many years and watched him change the lives of so many Kentuckians, I am truly honored to have helped make this pardon happen and congratulate him on this wonderful news. Christopher 2X is a great example of someone who made mistakes when he was a young man and used his second chance at life to positively impact his community, especially through reaching out to Louisville’s youth, providing safe places for them, and advocating for parents to be more involved in their children’s lives. I’ve been proud to work with him over the years on criminal justice reform and issues like Economic Freedom Zones, and look forward to continuing our efforts together.”
The ACLU's Amanda Hall works with 2X on criminal justice and addiction issues. Hall developed a drug problem as a teen in Martin County and had a conviction for drug trafficking.
Hall told the Louisville tv station that the pardon had affected her ability to go on her children's field trips .
