Browse Items (40 total)

W. Wilson Goode and his wife, Velma, wave to supporters after he was elected Mayor of Philadelphia. Goode was the first African-American mayor in the history of Philadelphia. Given the turmoil of the Rizzo years, there was hope that Goode would show…

Then-Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo addresses the media at a press conference. As Commissioner, Rizzo was devoted to putting criminals behind bars using whatever means necessary. These harsh tactics and his larger-than-life personality made him…

The documentary Amateur Night at City Hall detailed Frank Rizzo's rise from deputy police commissioner to mayor of Philadelphia. This film accurately portrays the atmosphere that Rizzo created in the city. Most lower-class white Philadelphians…

This was a forum discussion at the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists conference in 2015. Included on the panel are individuals who had covered MOVE in the past. Linn Washington was a professor of journalism at Termple University and had…

In 2010, the local newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer put together a series of interviews about the MOVE bombing. Here, police officers, city officials, and a member of MOVE all recall the events of May 13, 1985. Some footage from the confrontation…

This image of Delbert Africa's arrest gained national noteriety. Delbert Africa was a member of MOVE and was arrested as one of the "MOVE 9" in the shootout that killed Officer Ramp. Here, he strikes a pose reminiscent of Jesus on the cross as…

This article covers the tenure of controversial Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo as he began his campaign for Mayor. While Rizzo would ultimately win the election, he did it mainly through support of low and middle-income white Philadelphians. Under…

Despite being evacuated from their homes, many residents watched as the fire spread to their properties. Due to the row homes being physically connected, it was very easy for the fire to spread from one home to the next. It took until about 11:00pm,…

MOVE moved into a row house at 6221 Osage Avenue in 1982. They quickly began turning the home into a fortress. Some exterior changes are visible in this photograph, such as the boarded up windows, megaphones attached to the walls, and the bunker on…

This lengthy report by the County Investigating Grand Jury examines the history of MOVE and breaks down each of the decisions made on May 13, 1985. Much like the Special Investigation Committee, they decided that no criminal act was committed, but…