Freed After 40 Years, Debbie Africa Asks: When Will the Rest of the MOVE 9 Members Get Parole?

democracynow.org - Exactly 40 years ago today, the Philadelphia police besieged the headquarters of the black radical group known as MOVE. During the siege on MOVE’s house on August 8, 1978, gunfire was exchanged, and a police officer named James Ramp was killed. Two years later, nine MOVE members were convicted of third-degree murder in Ramp’s death and were sentenced to 30 to 100 years in prison. Now, the first of the MOVE 9 has been freed. Debbie Africa spent nearly 40 years behind bars before being released earlier this summer. Newly freed, she has united with her son, Mike Jr., for the first time outside prison walls. For more about their incredible story, we speak with Debbie and Mike Africa, reunited on June 16 after nearly four decades. We also air footage from the documentary ”MOVE: Confrontation in Philadelphia,” directed and produced by Karen Pomer and Jane Manicini. ( / moveconfrontationinphi... )
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[@ea9373]

Home of the brave and land of the free??? This was nothing but domestic terrorism under the guise of law enforcement. The Brutish Inhuman Savagery of those involved in attacking and separating the people of Move9 is simply unacceptable and those that bombed and killed members of Move9 should be held accountable and charged with first degree murder.

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

Truth

[@gennadicole7102]

@Bad Banana That was a bold face lie‼️that cop died from friendly fire, they only blamed the move because they wanted a reason to kill them and put them in jail. That’s facts everybody know Rizzo was a evil bigoted piece of shxt who terrorized the black community.

[@ultimategeorge9887]

😡😠 they were treated like this simply because they were black.

[@iluvrachellef]

These devils are going pay dearly for all they've done to an innocent and chosen people. They are so beautiful and the King looks closer to 30 than 40. 👑👑👑✊✊

[@jediwarrior9347]

Brutha Dnubian Look at the Queen. She looks closer to 40 than 60.

[@lovesyah4618]

Demons bombed them just like they bombed Tulsa destroying our people.

[@andrewparris1108]

Black brainwashed police officers was involved in this atrocity🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@luvitluvitbaby]

@Bad Banana but guilty of what? Anything they were guilty of didn’t warrant what was done to them and everyone acknowledges that.

[@luvitluvitbaby]

@Bad Banana No proof they shot a cop. They were black radicals which means the government automatically set out “neutralize” them either by killing them or framing them for murder. This is no secret. Innocent children don’t deserve to burn up in a fire.

[@bpott7726]

How could they get away with killing children, they acted like barbarians, it is unreal that police officers act like that.

[@Fari-100]

No, it's actually very real....

[@AM.000]

This is what the American police force is. They were like this since the police force was created. They were KKK white supremacists, but now it's universal..... they have zero empathy to everyone, who join the police force to perform sadistic acts against citizens, lie to justify their force, and feign fear to harm and kill. Look at civil forfeiture because the police station keeps that stolen money for toys in their office. The worst people become police officers in the USA... they form a brotherhood protecting each other.

[@chiefeaglespiritdancing9624]

To those not affected by it.

[@MaLiArtworks186]

They are barbaric. Still are.

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

Then they turn around and call us animals they are evil savages.

[@dianadowie3985]

This is so sad, heartbreaking and scary because the Police officers killed innocent children and people.

[@Fari-100]

Never really been held accountable. And the devil boy "Goode" (wicked) turned preacher? Typical. Went from one wickedness to another.

[@dianadowie3985]

@Merville Holton,your whole comment is full of b/s. My comments has nothing to do with anything you mentioned. My comment is about getting justice for Blacks who were murdered and their property stolen.

[@flavabean1847]

The trauma that we have suffered as Black people!!!it's now embedded in our DNA

[@kameeshafreeman781]

Thank you Mrs Africa hopefully you can help our people the ones who want to be helped

[@mrsoft6884]

This woman is a mountain of courage and strength! God bless her. Amen.

[@mpalmer7800]

And still fresh n beautiful

[@gaylejohnson4659]

Just think they still doing the same thing today.

[@MsTMarie83]

Omg this melted my heart! I gave birth to my one and only at home... I couldn't imagine the anxiety doing that in a jail, being scared of getting caught and forced into a hospital or whatever.. Damn what an amazing beautiful role model for females! God designed our bodies to give birth and our medical system treats it like an illness to make money... so sickening... Love & prayers to everyone involved

[@CC910unc]

What’s weird is how ppl really thing you can’t give birth naturally what do you think ppl did b4 hospitals

[@MarioCavett]

They had no right to lay siege to their headquarters in the first damn place!

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

That’s right but Amerikkka ain’t racist according to uncle Tim.. MOVE . These ppl are so STRONG DEBBIE AFRICA LOOKS BETTER THAN KAREN ON HER BEST DAY .

[@luvitluvitbaby]

@FORENSIC AUDITS ACROSS AMERICA!! They deserved to be convicted of a murder they didn’t commit and forced to serve 40 plus years in prison because they were alleged squatters? Damn! What would foreclosure get you in your world? Death by lethal injection???? 🤔

[@babsbeatty1314]

They also determined that Ramp was shot by "friendly fire"

[@samueleswanson]

Bridgette Toni please link.

[@biggwillnyc4047]

Also in the f.b.i. case where two agents were shot on the Indian Reservation. There was massive gunfire from all directions. It's tragic that the two agents were killed. But do we want those responsible to pay the price or just a native person ??

[@LazyIRanch]

www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/03/07/18484319.php The police lied at first and said they didn't carry guns using that caliber. They did. Then they lied and said they never fired these weapons. They did.

[@babsbeatty1314]

Samuel Swanson - There was no internet back in those days. I remember hearing it on the news and reading it in the newspaper.

[@samueleswanson]

Bridgette Toni I see. I read a dubious source that claimed the officer was shot by the movement as well as by 1 friendly fire bullet.

[@callmemonkh9020]

Bro. Mike and Mama Debbie...I was in Detroit, 13 or 14yrs old in 1985 when things occurred. I heard of what was happening, up to the point of the bombing, on the news for about 20 to 25min. And then NOTHING. I REMEMBER. IT HURT. I REMEMBER, IT STILL HURTS. MY SOUL FLIES TO YOUR COMPANY. STAY SO STRONG. LIVE. LOVE. So MUCH Love&Strength to both of you.

[@Fari-100]

Yeah, this event changed me forever. I was 23 at the time, a rasta youth, still to this day. They weren't rastafari as such, but it cut me like a knife because of their countenance and things. I knew for sure police & this U.S. system in general is evil to the core no matter how much "freedom" and other bullshit they proclaim. And from my view today, it is absolutely true. Babylon, you shall fall from the weight of your mortal sins

[@ambriaashley3383]

🖤🖤🖤

[@babsbeatty1314]

OMG In 1984 when they fired at that house with automatic weapons claiming that Move was returning fire ....the police and fire commissioner dropped a bomb on that house and let 63 homes burn down saying that they escaped through a tunnel then finding out later there was no tunnel and no freaking automatic weapons in that house! They only found a melted hand gun and burned bodies of men woman and children huddled together...that really showed how ruthless & evil the Philly cops were. Rizzo, Comissioner Sambor and the Fire department captain are splashing in the fires of hell right now.

[@njosborne6152]

Bridgette Toni AND then the police Chief was given a big fat raise when he was hired to do the same thing in Los Angeles. Here they call it The Rule of LAHa.

[@everthevillain188]

Well then they probably should not have made threats they could not make good on. They got their bluff called. Stupid games win stupid prizes. Black, white, badges or dreads, everyone is a fuck up here.

[@rebeccaanderson7549]

@@everthevillain188 shut the hell up

[@babsbeatty1314]

@@everthevillain188 - your a devil and will splash all the fire out of hell like Rizzo, Sambor, Ramp and all the other officials and police involved.

[@DeaconYomouf]

And they been holding them kids bones all these years....this shit is disgusting...

[@thejenksxo]

That women is beyond strong...it's unimaginable.

[@sandrasteele976]

No it isn't, you should've met my grandma.✌✊💖. The hatred and lack of human rights is unimaginable.

[@seanwhatshisname1831]

If your a woman she did not do anything that no other woman can do ..u think it extra ordinary cause society has made u forget how to make your own

[@demetriasmithmiller3082]

I am just hearing about this Horrible Event !! My, My, LORD THIS IS SO HORRIBLE !! They bombed their home, and allowed it to burn !! 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@oldblckmajic]

It's not the first time.

[@normahamilton2985]

They did the same to Black Wall Street.

[@peace.404]

Where is Ava Duverney? She needs to nring this to light so the rest of the Move 9 people can be free, so justice can be served on those who lurdered the other members and so some restitution can be given to the move 9 members and so their communal home can be restored!

[@blairbushproject]

Mike Africa, you have grown to be a well spoken, handsome, gentle man. I’m sure Debbie is very proud of you. And to hear you speak of John. Thank you for sharing your struggles and representing us all in your family. Let all of creation bless Mumia and the survivors of Move 9. They stood for us all.

[@PillzMusic]

Love these Strong Brothers and Sisters with that Warrior Spirit of the Ancestors long live Move RIP John Africa ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾

[@constancetaylor2114]

Who is responsible for this??? And where are these murderers ?????

[@pettiebloop692]

How was she in prison for 40 years she only looks 30🤣🤣🤣

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

That’s Mel at work she looks better than Karen on her best day . That’s the ancestors black MAGIX right there .

[@irri4662]

How many others remain unnoticed and unknown.

[@devonarap2437]

How can we as a ppl force the govt to pay for all the attrocities w/o using violence? As non violent ppl ,violence seems like the only way they will pay attention , Justice will be done

[@zlawf_gang9084]

Devon Arap -battle of the brains.... Amerikkka is a Powerhouse for Weapons of mass destruction. ThT would never work unfortunately!

[@devonarap2437]

@@zlawf_gang9084 of course it wouldn't happen blk ppl r not evil , aren't violent and r not bent on revenge the universe will serve justice for the atrocities committed by the colonizers n evil doers

[@Fari-100]

@@zlawf_gang9084 yet David slew Goliath with a sling and stone (a parable). The Taliban kicked USSR & U.S. asses all this time to now. U.S. leaving like the bitches they are. The Viet Cong also whipped that ass and sent them running. Also the Seminole war right here in U.S. so never underestimate....

[@blairbushproject]

The more peaceful we are. The more violent they are. Power to the peoples.

[@jammazzing5986]

Oh that’s bullshit. My heart goes out to all the move movement. I am sad that this is how our country treats people. God Bless you and your family.

[@tylerrjohnson68]

Waco ? They burned them alive and told us it was failed suicide

[@MaLiArtworks186]

They murdered school children and college students.

[@meshiawarren4167]

The placenta question was not needed.

[@miltondixon7091]

Brave lady, a real Kemet warrior

[@salwainfiniteloveone1767]

We will never have justice .

[@nicoleholley7049]

When God returns!!

[@njosborne6152]

Isatu Shaheed Yes, But first we need to reject the Antichrist.

[@ConsidertheCrows]

You can deliver justice at any time.

[@Fari-100]

Oh yeah the f we will! Especially when we wake up and stop expecting "god" to "return" or some shit and do it. They say god helps those who help themselves, it's a message, people

[@riathomasson6234]

No justice for us, so stop begging.

[@tylerrjohnson68]

On other channels police cry for being called a murderer

[@Effthefbi]

THEY are beasts. THEY took out 2 blocks going after a family in ONE home? All THEY had to do was go through the front door. THEY love to declare war on those without weapons- this was overkill, this was a premeditated, cold, calculated execution.

[@elizabethbalazs7322]

He is so handsome.

[@publicdomain6607]

Where is the judge now?

[@robertgreat1746]

The Devil is Real.

[@Fari-100]

Or, there are some real devils

[@charliefennell1764]

THEY INFEST THE WHITE 🏠 HOUSE.BLANCA,CASA.

[@koechristian84]

That’s American history fosho

[@tootietalks]

Why the hell the police shoot in the house with kids in it😏🙄

[@abrafovictory7193]

If they were Caucasoids they wouldn't of did it.

[@RONJAE212003]

Mike if FINE. I’m so proud of you sistah

[@100BlaQRaok.el_1]

Thanks for this. I remember that atrocity.

[@andrewparris1108]

Evil hate the pure in 💛

[@tooleybobb6571]

Thank you democracy now for featuring this event , also to the mother and son may the blessings of the most high continue to bless you both and your families , stay safe !

[@pettiebloop692]

Bless her! I could never!!!

[@sunofuniversedaud3561]

To hear that this American Indian mother is so amazing

[@ianking9485]

If this world we live in was a fair place all the American presidents should go to prison for crime against humanity.

[@tootietalks]

And now how they lived is how they want us to live today 😏🙄😏😏

[@andrewgoosdy3814]

File with the world courts

[@colinroach7815]

Positive !!!!!

[@andrewgoosdy3814]

They need to file with the world court

[@Joy31608]

I remember seeing a report on CNH Headline News that evacuations were being ordered for the neighborhood. My husband looked at me an exclaimed "what are they planning to do"?

[@Joy31608]

I appreciate that you covered this topic but labeling them as "radical" diminishes your advocacy! 😢

[@Stephon723]

Personally I think the demonization of the term radical Along with many terms that are demonized Equally diminish advocacy. There is absolutely nothing wrong or negative about being a radical. It simply means that you are vastly different from what is considered the norm... radically different. If these savages are out here beat and rape in and murder in children children and you come to town talking about How it is an abomination, you are the one who is out of norm and the radical but that doesn't mean that you are wrong or bad. Just means that you are a completely different from what is this that is quo. But because of the way we've been conditioned to use words loosely and interchangeably as if integrrity, accuracy, and nuance count for nothing; "same-difference culture", radical and terrorist are Interchangeable in the average societal mind. Extremist and terrorist interchangeable in the average mind. And at the moment they're working on activists and terrorists being interchangeable in the average mind. I miss when details mattered. Nowadays though, everything is "same-difference" and "you know what I mean" But I DO know what you mean Joy. And I get it.

[@wingchundragon]

The HBO Doc brought me here. Living in nyc 1985, I dont recall this story. However, I still have questions about the MOVE group. It seems they've adapted the Rasta lifestyle. But what exactly made them dangerous (besides being a black group of course)? Did they just live in house, not work, pay rent etc? I felt the doc didn't really clearlify what they exactly do. Asking respectfully

[@LoveLeeLifeHair]

You and I are on the same page. It seems as if them white folks were afraid of those strong black minds- and they couldn’t profit off of them so they saw it fit to just drop a bomb on them and try and erase their existence. Smh

[@LoveLeeLifeHair]

@Khai Meen I said the same thing in reference to the black panthers. It’s crazy how if we ALL did what they did what would happen. They can’t kill us all without putting themselves or their love ones at risk.

[@jurivlk5433]

But what were the official charges against these people? You can't just bomb someone whose lifestyle you don't like. Well, maybe in Ku Klux Klan America you can.

[@Fari-100]

@@jurivlk5433 they have unceasingly dealt with the Black revolutionary people this way. These type white people are very much still here in the U.S. They just had their greatest icon ever, apparently, in the head orange devil

[@jurivlk5433]

@@Fari-100 Crazy that nobody is ever talking about these occurrences, even decades later. They prefer to put the focus on Nawalny and mention democracy.

[@charlesrobinson7469]

NO Person, much less a Child should Ever have to experience such a Tragic thing.🙏🏾

[@publicdomain6607]

Where are the decision makers now?

[@normahamilton2985]

What a handsome young man. He looks just like mom. We are powerful Israelites!! America's history is EXTREMELY HORRIFIC!!

[@MartialVillager]

Down with the Amerikkkan police-state! We need militias for community DEFENSE and community service like the Black Panthers. Imperialism is pushing humanity toward possible extinction... No strategy should be off the table. How long will we wait?

[@kylecole9433]

All the stuff this woman went through and she doesn't look like she's even old enough to even have a 40 year old son.

[@maescreativespace444]

WHO WAS COMPENSATED FOR THIS MASSACRE? WHO WAS HELD ACCOUNTABLE?

[@everthevillain188]

They should all be retried for the murders of 11 children

[@PillzMusic]

The police right?

[@oldblckmajic]

@@PillzMusic Right.

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

When black ppl they are STRONG . Omg what we have injured is unbelievable . We really got that BLACK MAGIX. 40 yrs in prison and she is so pure and beautiful xx

[@colinbutts252]

"Philly On Fire" has won the 2022 Library of Congress film prize for best documentary. This film examines the Philadelphia police attack on the rowhouse headquarters of the Black liberation group, MOVE. Eleven people died, including five children, and 60 homes were destroyed. A moment in history.

[@revalesq]

Ona MOVE!

[@dlee8843]

9 people did not kill 1 police officer smh

[@user-tk5it1bm3l]

They should be out of jail

[@40bpaula]

Wow.

[@Jesura1]

I was young and watching this Devastating Tragedy still effects Me with overwhelming Sadness. I met one of them while driving for Septa she still has the external scares on her face and hand's. I got up the nerve to say Hello and God Bless You All Sister. She said you to Thank You.

[@ngairehodge8566]

Free 'em all! Ona move!

[@andrewgoosdy3814]

File with the world Court they committed crime against humanity

[@khadijahnyabinghi]

The horror of it all.

[@KennyJones-mn9su]

Im sheddin tears... My condolences

[@neutronstar8289]

What an inappropriate question, dn.

[@jenellastewart]

Here after the Breakfast Club. Free the Africa Family ✊🏾💪🏾

[@patriciaannfranklyn2221]

When will America pay for all wickness on Black people from slavery to present day

[@Joy31608]

The STILL unanswered question is WHY??

[@maescreativespace444]

Are any police officials or politicians still around from the era! WHO SIGNED OFF ON THIS?? What did the police officers do that evening when they went home. WHAT POLICE WAS ONE THE RECORDING LAUGHING SAYING ” bet they won’t call the commissioner a MFER’’… WHERE THERE ANY LAWSUITS?

[@lindaharris8910]

There are so many horror stories about blacks in America since it's inception - yes - this is America's history

[@zmcleod4583]

I remember watching all of that on TV.

[@goldenbrown439]

How can they charge all of them with one killing

[@skylerboyce2597]

This country is racist

[@geraldinewarren9279]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@SconnerStudios]

Every now and again, I re-educate myself on this event. I don't think we should teach "white people bad" in schools, but if the MOVE attack and other race-related events aren't taught in schools, these race-related attacks will continue. No to critical race theory, yes to historical events that show the racism we have perpetuated in the past and to some extent, still do in the present.

[@michellelove34]

But we wonder how victims live with their victimizers/abusers, smh. Black people living in this country is no different!

[@fuckbankers]

They were lynched

[@shagwell28]

They burned children.omg

[@rickybrown4745]

Devils 😈 DOER OF EVIL

[@forensicaccountant259]

Mike Africa, Sr. was finally released in 2018.

[@amincapbellfairell4791]

Just watched the HBO documentary 40 years in prison. Very interesting.

[@MrWarrenwest]

Stay strong.

[@randythomas5884]

So it okay to kick a beat unarmed people one day this shit is going to turn around the other way

[@njosborne6152]

BLESS YOU Debbie, Mike and Romona too. FREEDOM! The PRESS WAS COMPLICIT in this as a COVERUP! Yes, this is ONLY ONE story, and like POX NEWS they ARE the real fake news, now it’s their time to let them burn. FULL CIRCLE, what goes around.

[@rasheencoleman2000]

Wow

[@ProsteadEnt]

Smh

[@YoungSugaDaddy]

Why can't she go back the philly

[@deondralarry921]

She Probably Got Paroled To Her Son House & He Doesn't Live In Philly. If She Leaves Out The Jurisdiction Where She Lives , She Can Get Violated.

[@seanwhatshisname1831]

I used to relate to the move kids ...used to play w kids on hunter Street there was a certain freeness to them that made me feel comfortable I was young not aware of the politics behind them(I wouldn't have cared)

[@theprofiler8531]

The evidence in jamal’s case is overwhelming. To deny his guilts is offensive to the officers wife. Just because he is an effective speaker does not negate his guilt.

[@forensicaccountant259]

Debbie Africa was released on Tupac Shakur's 47th birthday.

[@scavenger9579]

40 years later they still

[@veronicapagelaflin]

Crazy

[@wiseonebey7359]

Sad

[@youngfritos]

DROPED A BOMB ALL FOR AN EVICTION 😬

[@JanineFrancesHarrigan-eu2he]

❤️‍🔥

[@shagwell28]

I m write to democracy now,see how I can help.

[@tootietalks]

Hell there's a baby in the damn pic right there😏🙄😏😏😏🙄