Behind The Walls
For over 40 years,
The MOVE Organization and its supporters worked tirelessly to free The MOVE 9 political prisoners and ensure that the May 13, 1985 bombing would not be forgotten. Imprisoned MOVE 9 members, Delbert Africa, Eddie Africa, Phil Africa, Mike Africa Sr., Chuck Africa, Merle Africa, Janet Africa, Janine Africa, and Debbie Africa, led dynamic lives in prison: they organized for their own freedom from prison; they wrote articles in response to biased media; they worked to maintain their relationships with family members and each other; and they nurtured interests in art, athletics, and academics.
Gallery
Mike Africa Sr. asks: “Where’s the Rage?” [1]
This 2004 article was written by Mike Africa Sr. following the decision by the jury in Ramona Africa’s civil suit against the city of Philadelphia for Mayor Wilson Goode, Police Commissioner Gregore Sambor, and Fire Commissioner William Richmond to pay Ramona $1 per week for 11 years as punishment for their role in the 1985 Bombing. The judge in the civil suit later granted Goode, Sambor, and Richmond immunity from this punishment. [01a]
Mike Africa Sr. asks: “Where’s the Rage?” [2]
“Where’s the Rage?” cont. [01b]
“Animal Power Fitness” by Debbie Africa [1]
“Animal Power” was a fitness program created by Debbie Africa and her son Mike Africa Jr. Debbie designed the nutritional program while Mike Jr. designed the fitness portion. Organized through prison visits, correspondence, and phone calls, this program represents the collaborative organizing inside and outside the prison walls. [02a]
“Animal Power Fitness” by Debbie Africa [2]
“Animal Power Fitness” cont. [02b]
“Animal Power Fitness” by Debbie Africa [3]
“Animal Power Fitness” cont. [02c]
Photos of MOVE Prisoners Together [1]
Because there were so many MOVE men and women in prison together, they were often allowed to meet with each other to consult about their cases. These meetings often turned into joyful times of connection. These images depict how MOVE members maintained their relationships while incarcerated. [03a]
Photos of MOVE Prisoners Together [2]
Photos of MOVE Prisoners Together cont. [03b]
Photos of MOVE Prisoners Together [3]
Photos of MOVE Prisoners Together cont. [03c]
Mongolia Postcard to Phil Africa
Phil Africa corresponded with people all over the world. This postcard is from a woman in Mongolia who rode a donkey three miles to her post office to write to Phil Africa monthly. [04]
Photo of Mike Sr. with his children
This photo pictures the first prison visit Mike Africa Jr. can remember to his Dad, Mike Sr. at SCI Huntingdon. Mike Jr.’s smile reveals the immense joy of learning that Mike Sr. was his Dad. [06]
“Long Live John Africa” Blanket Made by MOVE Women
MOVE 9 women spent a lot of time in prison crocheting and sewing together. This elaborate blanket was crocheted by Debbie, Janet, and Janine Africa, depicting a popular drawing of John Africa from the 1980s pulling the world, to illustrate his intention to influence people to protect life. [05]
2015 Letter from Debbie Africa to her Family
It was not uncommon to see MOVE members create their own stationary for letters. Here, Debbie Africa created stationary with family photos, which she used to send a letter to her grandchildren. Accompanying the letter are photos of Debbie Africa over the years in prison and with the dogs she trained. [07]