Browse Items (40 total)

Investigators spent days searching the debris for bodies. In all, eleven people were found dead and sixty-one buildings were burned down. From this angle, viewers can get a better understanding of just how much was lost in a very brief period of…

Residents were devastated to find that all their possessions had burned along with their homes. Here, unidentified residents weep at the sight of what is left of their neighborhood. While the city promised to rebuild, what residents received were…

The founder of MOVE was one of the victims of the bombing. Here, supporters show solidarity as John Africa's funeral procession passes by Osage Avenue. Their stance shows that what John Africa created was larger than himself. MOVE did not die with…

This is a collection of interviews done with various people associated with the MOVE bombing. Interviewees include Ramona Africa (a MOVE member and the only adult survivor of the May 1985 confrontation), Officer James Berghaier, Fire Commissioner…

While not a member of MOVE, Mumia Abu-Jamal (born Wesley Cook) was a Philadelphia native and member of the Black Panther Party. He was a critic of Philadelphia Police and their treatment of MOVE members, particularly following the arrests of the MOVE…

In 1988, the state of Pennsylvania took developing company Edwards and Harper to court for misappropriation of funds. Edwards and Harper was hired to rebuild the homes on Osage Avenue, but the construction was shoddy and the work in no way reflected…

Police Commissioner Sambor submitted his resignation in November of 1985 following the backlash against his actions in the MOVE bombing. At the time, he claimed that he was not being forced out of his position. However, just three months later in a…

John Africa, seen here in the car with sunglasses, is released after being acquitted on weapons possession and conspiracy charges in 1981. Africa (formerly Vincent Leaphart) founded MOVE in 1972. He insisted that all members of MOVE change their…

Police dropped the bomb from a state police helicopter as it flew over the compound. The target was a fortified bunker on the roof, which police planned to enter through once it collapsed. Lt. Frank Powell was ordered to drop the bomb. At about 5:30…

In this detailed report, the Special Investigation Commission laid out the facts of the incident as well as their findings and recommendations for the future. While they condemned the actions of Mayor Goode, Commissioner Sambor, and Commissioner…