Philadelphia City Council Reflects On 1985 MOVE Bombing

Tue, May 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM

Philadelphia City Council Reflects On 1985 MOVE Bombing

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May 13th marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most tragic and controversial events in Philadelphia's history, the MOVE bombing. On that day in 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department dropped an explosive device on the home of MOVE, a Black liberation and back-to-nature organization, located on Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia.

The bombing ignited a massive fire that consumed more than 60 homes in the surrounding neighborhood. The incident claimed the lives of 11 people, including five children. All the victims shared the surname "Africa," which members of MOVE adopted as a symbol of unity and their ideological beliefs.

Decades later, the city continues to reckon with the consequences of that day. On Thursday, Philadelphia City Council is set to hold a hearing to reflect on the aftermath and consider a resolution to designate May 13 as an official day of remembrance and reflection. This proposed annual observance aims to honor the lives lost and acknowledge the lasting impact on the community.

In recent years, the tragedy has resurfaced in public discourse due to disturbing revelations. In 2021, it was discovered that the remains of some of the victims had been held without the family's consent by the Penn Museum. Then, in 2024, additional remains believed to be those of 12-year-old Delisha Africa were found, once again raising questions about accountability and respect for the deceased and their families.

Despite the passage of time, the MOVE bombing remains a deep wound for many Philadelphians, especially the Africa family. As part of their journey toward healing and reclaiming their history, the family has now acquired the original Osage Avenue property where the MOVE headquarters once stood.

As the city approaches this significant anniversary, efforts like the City Council hearing and the resolution aim to ensure the lessons of the past are neither forgotten nor repeated. The MOVE bombing remains a symbol of systemic failure and a stark reminder of the importance of justice, remembrance, and community healing.