By: Anthony Amey, Astrid Martinez & Alyssa Wilson

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, was forever changed 36 years ago when the police bombed the home of the Black Liberation group called MOVE.  

Short for The Movement, the group focused on fighting issues from police brutality to environmentalism. They had frequent confrontations with neighbors and police. In 1978, the city attempted to evict the group from their headquarters by using a water cannon to flood the basement where members hid with their children, The Guardian reported. The confrontation turned violent, and a police officer named James Rump was killed. Nine members of the organization, known as the MOVE 9, were arrested and charged with third-degree murder.  

Confrontations with the Philadelphia Police Department continued. At 5:27 p.m. on May 13, 1985, Woodrow Wilson Goode Sr., the city’s first Black mayor, authorized the bombing of Osage Avenue. Police flew over the area and dropped explosives on the home, killing eleven people, including five children. The entire Black neighborhood burned to the ground. More than 200 people were left homeless.  

No Philadelphia official ever faced criminal charges. Exactly 36 years later, Philadelphia is still reflecting on the violent act committed by Goode and city officials.  

Mike Africa Jr., whose parents were a part of the nine MOVE members sent to prison, was just a child when the bombing took place. His family founded the organization in the 1970s, and he watched his community burn down in the bombing that claimed the life of his uncle and cousin. Every year, he goes back to the site and tells his family’s story. “Most people don’t go back to that place unless they have to,” he said.  

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On Thursday, members of the MOVE organization and supporters gathered beside the historical marker at the location of the blast and marched to Malcolm X Park.  

Temple University Professor Linn Washington was in Philadelphia on the day of the bombing and he said he will never forget it. “That day remains seared in my mind. It was one of the most horrible things I’ve seen.”  

Washington said racism is the reason for the incident. “There has been a legacy of America ignoring assaults and insults on African Americans,” he said.  

He said the City of Philadelphia should listen to MOVE members to release the last member of the MOVE 9 who remains in prison and handle issues of racism in the city. 

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by police violence and racism, mental health resources are available for you here.