Forty-one years ago, Philadelphia police bombed the MOVE organization’s house at 6221 Osage Avenue, killing 11 Black people — five children and six adults. The May 13, 1985, inferno destroyed an entire neighborhood of 61 homes, making 250 people homeless.
A somber gathering was held on May 13, at Cobbs Creek Parkway and Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia to commemorate this mass murder. Volunteers formed a line while holding paintings of those who perished.
The program began at 5:27 p.m. — the time when the bomb containing two pounds of C4 plastic explosive was dropped on the MOVE house. The names of those who were killed were read while a musician played a violin. The names began with the children: The children killed were Tomaso Africa, age 9; Phil Africa, age 11; Delisha Africa, age 12; Netta Africa, age 12; and Tree Africa, age 14.
The names of the adults were then spoken: Conrad Africa, Raymond Africa, Frank Africa, Rhonda Africa, Theresa Africa, and John Africa, the MOVE organization’s founder.
The crimes committed against these MOVE family members didn’t end with their deaths. Remains of two children — Delisha Africa and Tree Africa — weren’t given to their families.
They were kept by the University of Pennsylvania instead. Even in death these Black children were not allowed any dignity.
There were just two survivors: Ramona Africa and 13-year-old Birdie Africa, both of whom suffered severe burns.
None of those who committed these killings were ever charged. The only person convicted was the injured Ramona Africa, who spent seven years in prison.
‘Let the fire burn’
It was recounted that the police assault began the day before on May 12, 1985, which was Mother’s Day. Police fired thousands of bullets into the house while the fire department poured in water. Tear gas was also used, choking the surrounding blocks.
The assault continued on the following day. The Pentagon and FBI helped assemble the bomb which was dropped from a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter.
Police fired 10,000 rounds. Cops shot at anyone trying to leave the MOVE house. With the house and the neighborhood in flames, Police Commissioner Gregore J. Sambor gave an order to “let the fire burn.”
Mike Africa, Jr. was the main speaker. He was born in the prison where his parents — Debbie Africa and Mike Africa, Sr. — were incarcerated. They were imprisoned 40 years after being framed as part of the MOVE 9.
These MOVE members had been assaulted and arrested after their home in the Powelton Village neighborhood was attacked by police in 1978 under orders from super racist Mayor Frank Rizzo.
Mumia Abu-Jamal — the revolutionary journalist who was originally sentenced to death and has been imprisoned for 44 years — defended John Africa and the other MOVE members.
Mike Africa, Jr. is now leading a campaign to reclaim the MOVE house on Osage Avenue.
People in Philadelphia are horrified by the MOVE bombing. In 2020, the city council finally apologized for the atrocity. The same year while the Black Lives Matter movement swept the United States, racist Frank Rizzo’s statue across from City Hall was finally taken down.
A historical marker was erected on Cobbs Creek Parkway near the site of the MOVE house. Real justice will come. Never forget the MOVE holocaust.
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