Movement in the Streets
Throughout the decades,
the Movement in the Streets encompassed a vast array of political strategies from writing letters and publications to taking a more confrontational approach. Since August 8, 1978, MOVE has held hundreds of protests and demonstrations, media appearances, and speaking engagements to raise awareness about the injustices against MOVE.
This section of the exhibit features over 40 years of protest flyers, political writings, and newspaper coverage documenting the Movement in the Streets. This section also features the personal items of four MOVE members, who played a leading role in different phases of the struggle:
- Louise James Africa and LaVerne Sims Africa, sisters of John Africa and mothers of MOVE members imprisoned and murdered by the state, who documented and preserved MOVE’s organizational history for decades, while writing and speaking in defense of MOVE
- Ramona Africa, who served 7-years in prison after the 1985 bombing and then immediately assumed leadership within the Movement in the Streets to Free the MOVE 9 following her release
- Mike Africa Jr., second generation MOVE member, who was born in prison in 1978 and joined the struggle to Free the MOVE 9 from the age of 13.
Gallery
Flyer for “We Can’t Forget About MOVE” Event
This undated flyer demonstrates the continuous work of Louise James Africa to remind people about the tragic events of May 13, 1985. [1]
Flyer for August 8, 1979 mass demonstration
This flyer advertises the first annual commemoration of the August 8, 1978 attack on MOVE hosted by Louise James Africa and LaVerne Sims Africa, whose phone numbers appear as contacts. [2]
Flyer for “Killadelphia” Protest
In 1985, Bill Cosby was the face of Philadelphia due to the success of The Cosby Show. Cosby’s face was used in posters across the city with the caption “Billadelphia.” A MOVE supporter remixed this design with the face of Wilson Goode and the words “Killadelphia.” Contrary to current usage, the phrase Killadelphia was coined to describe the bombing of MOVE. [3]
20 Years On The Move
Released in 1991, “20 Years on the MOVE” was the first book about MOVE history written with the input of MOVE members. Tens of thousands of copies were sold and distributed internationally. [4]
Flyer for 1989 Event, “Sisters on the move” featuring L & L
This flyer for a “Sisters on the MOVE” event in Harlem on May 10th 1989 featuring Louise James and LaVerne Sims is an example of L&L’s tireless work to raise awareness about the bombing and injustice against MOVE. Focusing on women, this event specifically sought to galanize support among women. [5]
Undated May 13th Bombing Event with L & L
This flyer is another example of the nonstop work Louise James and LaVerne Sims did to ensure that the 1985 bombing would not be forgotten. [6]
1991 and 1992 “Open Letter to W. Wilson Goode” by Louise James [1]
Written by Louise James in 1991 and 1992, these open letters addressed to the commander-in-chief during the 1985 bombing focused attention on Wilson Goode’s culpability in the events. [07a]
1991 and 1992 “Open Letter to W. Wilson Goode” by Louise James [2]
“Open Letter to W. Wilson Goode” [07b]
1991 and 1992 “Open Letter to W. Wilson Goode” by Louise James [3]
“Open Letter to W. Wilson Goode” cont. [07c]
Portrait of Ramona Africa
This 1986 pencil drawing by Detroit artist Bennie White depicts “Ramona Africa of MOVE.” This is one of only 500 prints that were released. [8]
The Return of Ramona by Mumia Abu Jamal
Even while politically imprisoned himself, Mumia remained an active journalist who continued to cover MOVE stories. This article reports the 1992 release of Ramona Africa from prison. [9]
“I Resolve”–1998 New Year’s Resolutions
At 19, Mike Africa Jr. appears in a local news story featuring young people and their New Year’s resolutions for 1998. His resolution was “to do what he always [does]” which is fight for his parents’ freedom. [10]