Bill Text: MS SR28 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Extend congratulations of MS Senate to Alice Marie Johnson of Olive Branch as the first "Pardon Czar" appointed by the President.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2026-02-04 - Adopted [SR28 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-SR28-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Blackwell, Gillespie Isom, McLendon, Jackson
Senate Resolution 28
(As Adopted by Senate)
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE COMMENDATION AND CONGRATULATIONS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE TO ALICE MARIE JOHNSON OF OLIVE BRANCH, MISSISSIPPI, WHO WAS APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AS THE FIRST-EVER WHITE HOUSE "PARDON CZAR" TO REVIEW CLEMENCY CASES AND SUPPORTING THOSE TRANSITIONING FROM PRISON.
WHEREAS, Alice Marie Johnson made history on February 20, 2025, when she was appointed the first-ever White House Pardon Czar by President Donald J. Trump; and
WHEREAS, a "pardon czar" is the individual appointed to advise on clemency and pardons, focusing on nonviolent offenders seeking second chances, a role Alice Marie Johnson took on after her own life sentence for a drug offense was commuted in 2018. This unofficial White House role involves reviewing cases, recommending individuals for clemency, and ensuring support for those transitioning from prison, with a priority on community safety and successful reintegration, a concept she champions as part of criminal justice reform; and
WHEREAS, Alice grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi, the daughter of sharecroppers, Raymond and Sallie Mae Boggan, who later became business owners and respected leaders in DeSoto County, Mississippi. Alice is the sixth of nine children. She is the proud mother of five children: Tretessa, Catina, Charles, Bryant and Cory; a grandmother and great-grandmother; and
WHEREAS, Alice worked hard all of her life and enjoyed a successful career in business and management. Then, her world turned upside down when she made a terrible mistake. In 1996, Alice was convicted as a first-time nonviolent offender and sentenced to a mandatory life sentence without parole; and
WHEREAS, during her time in prison, Alice became an ordained minister, hospice volunteer, and wrote and directed original plays, which were seen by thousands of women, including staff and outside volunteers. She was considered a model prisoner and mentored many women; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Alice's case caught the attention of Kim Kardashian, who advocated for her freedom after seeing a video op-ed of her. Kim subsequently met with President Trump on Alice's birthday, May 30th. Seven days later the world watched as Alice ran across the street on June 6, 2018, into the arms of her family, after being granted clemency. She was one of the most Googled individuals of 2018. She had served almost 22 years in prison. Then, on August 28, 2020, she was granted a full pardon by President Trump. Because of the injustice of her case, Alice has become the face of criminal justice reform; and
WHEREAS, Alice has been called our modern-day Harriet Tubman. No one in modern day history has done what she's done. Alice Marie Johnson didn't get comfortable in her own freedom, instead she reached back and helped many others gain their freedom and receive a second chance in life; and
WHEREAS, some of Alice's additional accomplishments are:
� Celebrated Author, After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom;
� National and International Speaker;
� Criminal Justice Reform Advocate;
� Honored as one of four women designated as a "Women's Right Defender" at the United Nations on International Women's Day;
� Honored at the National Civil Rights Museum in their "Catalyst for Change" series;
� Honored as a "CAOC Advocate for Justice" award recipient in 2019;
� Featured in a Superbowl commercial in 2020;
� Honored as one of Ebony Magazine's Power 100 Blacks in America;
� Served on the Boards of Duke University and Ready Life;
� Founder of the Taking Action for Good Foundation;
� She has been on numerous TV networks and podcasts;
� Featured in many novels;
� Featured in several documentaries; and
� Featured model in the launch of Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Alice Marie Johnson of Olive Branch, Mississippi, who was appointed by President Donald Trump as the first-ever White House "Pardon Czar" to review clemency cases and supporting those transitioning from prison.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Alice Marie Johnson and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
