MOVE Bombing Victim Remains Found, Renewing Calls for Accountability

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Penn Museum discovered additional human remains believed to be Delisha Africa’s.
The 1985 MOVE bombing resulted in 11 deaths and widespread destruction in Philadelphia.
The discovery highlights a history of institutional failures regarding the handling of human remains.
Community members and civil rights attorneys have called for accountability following the recent find.
The Penn Museum has apologized and committed to improving ethical practices regarding human remains.
The situation underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity for victims of historical injustices.

The MOVE Bombing: A Legacy of Institutional Failure and Disrespect

Painful Memories Resurface: Penn Museum Finds MOVE Bombing Victim Remains

In a distressing update reigniting anger, the Penn Museum found more human remains linked to the 1985 MOVE bombing. These remains are believed to be those of 12-year-old Delisha Africa, a tragic victim of this dark event. Discovered during the museum’s careful inventory, this finding shines a light on ongoing issues of racism and neglect within institutions.

The 1985 MOVE Bombing: A Brutal Moment in Philadelphia’s History

The MOVE bombing serves as a grim example of the harsh suppression faced by Black liberation groups in America. On May 13, 1985, police dropped a bomb on MOVE’s base in a busy neighborhood. This led to the tragic deaths of 11 individuals, including six children, and the destruction of over 60 homes. This shocking act left a lasting scar on Philadelphia’s history.

Failures of Institutions and Disrespect for Human Dignity

Finding Delisha Africa’s remains at the museum highlights a troubling disregard for Black lives in institutions. Despite promises to return all remains to families, this discovery reveals failings by the City, University, and museum. In 2021, the University admitted to keeping bones of at least one victim, showing a pattern of disrespect and dehumanization in academic settings.

Community Anger and Demands for Justice

This revelation has sparked indignation among civil rights advocates and locals. Council member Jamie Gauthier voiced her dismay, noting how the museum’s assurances were false. The community echoes her call for accountability, demanding justice for families hurt by the bombing and subsequent neglect of remains.

The Enduring Impact of the MOVE Bombing

The Penn Museum apologized and pledged to improve its handling of remains. Christopher Woods, museum director, promised to uphold dignity and ethical standards. Yet, many see these words as late and insincere, as failures in addressing systemic issues persist.

The Penn Museum’s Response: Too Little, Too Late?

The mishandling of MOVE victims’ remains reflects deep-rooted racism in institutions. Law enforcement and academia’s treatment of these remains shows a lack of value for Black lives. It’s time we address these issues, demanding not just apologies but a real change in structures that cause such injustices.

Understanding MOVE and Its Significance in Black Liberation

To grasp the depth of the tragedy, we must first understand MOVE. Founded in 1972 by John Africa Sr., MOVE is a communal organization based in Philadelphia (Wikipedia). The group advocates for living in harmony with nature, rejecting modern technology, and promoting animal rights.

MOVE members adopt the surname of “Africa” to honor their connection to the continent’s heritage (Zinn Education Project). They believe that all life is interconnected and that living beings are equally important. This philosophy led them to participate in protests against racism, police brutality, and environmental destruction.

The Historical Context Surrounding the MOVE Bombing

In the 1970s and 1980s, Philadelphia faced social unrest and economic decline (West Philadelphia Collaborative History). Tensions between MOVE and city authorities escalated during this time. The administration of Mayor Frank Rizzo was known for aggressive policing, particularly against activist groups.

After a violent confrontation in 1978, where a police officer died, relations worsened (Wikipedia). By 1985, frustration and fear led city officials to take extreme measures against MOVE, culminating in the bombing of their headquarters.

Exposing Institutional Racism and State-Sanctioned Violence

The MOVE bombing is a stark example of institutional racism and state-sanctioned violence. Specifically, institutional racism refers to policies and practices within social and political institutions that unfairly disadvantage certain groups (Wikipedia).

State-sanctioned violence occurs when government authorities use force against citizens with approval from the state (Wikipedia). Furthermore, the decision to bomb a residential neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, exemplifies this abuse of power.

Community Response and the Quest for Justice

The community’s outrage after the bombing was immediate and intense. Residents protested the city’s actions, demanding accountability (YouTube: Attack on Black liberation group MOVE). Additionally, many could not believe that such force would be used against citizens.

Over the years, the affected community has sought justice through lawsuits and public campaigns. In 1996, survivors received $1.5 million in damages, but many felt this was insufficient (Wikipedia). The lack of criminal charges against officials fueled ongoing frustration.

A Call to Action: Moving Toward Healing and Change

The MOVE bombing’s legacy challenges us to act. Supporting organizations that fight for social justice is one way to contribute (Zinn Education Project). Advocating for police reform and greater accountability can lead to meaningful change.

Learning from the past helps us work toward a more fair future. Educating ourselves and others about this history prevents it from being forgotten. By doing so, we honor the memory of those affected and strive for a better tomorrow.

The Ongoing Struggle for Justice and Dignity

Finding Delisha Africa’s remains is a clear reminder that the fight for justice continues. This situation calls for serious reflection on violence towards Black communities and systemic racism’s impact on institutions.

We must hold institutions accountable and work to dismantle systems that enable these wrongs. True change requires valuing Black lives in action, not just words, to avoid future tragedies and honor those lost to violence.

The MOVE bombing’s story is not only about Philadelphia but about America. It is a story that must be remembered and acted upon until justice and equality prevail.

FAQ

Q: What recent discovery was made by the Penn Museum regarding the MOVE bombing?
A: The Penn Museum recently uncovered remains believed to be those of Delisha Africa, a 12-year-old victim of the 1985 MOVE bombing, during an inventory of its Biological Anthropology Section.

Q: What happened during the MOVE bombing in 1985?
A: On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on the MOVE headquarters, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and the destruction of over 60 homes in a predominantly Black neighborhood.

Q: What issues does the discovery of Delisha Africa’s remains highlight?
A: The discovery emphasizes systemic racism and institutional negligence, revealing a longstanding disregard for Black lives by institutions like the City of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.

Q: How did the community react to this new revelation?
A: The discovery has sparked outrage among civil rights activists and community members, with calls for accountability and justice for the families of the bombing victims.

Q: What is the Penn Museum’s response to the discovery?
A: The Penn Museum has issued an apology and committed to transparency and ethical practices regarding the handling of human remains, although many in the community view this as insufficient.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.