News

Philadelphia Apologizes for Deadly 1985 MOVE Bombing

Clay Cane
November 17, 2020

FILE--Row houses in Philadelphia burn after officials dropped a bomb on the MOVE house in this May 1985 photo from files. Ramona Africa, the lone adult survivor of the May 13, 1985 fire, and two other MOVE members sued the city of Philadelphia, and the former police and fire commissioners for financial damages in what was the first trial in court to address the MOVE bombing. The jury said Monday afternoon June 24, 1996, that it reached a verdict, but the result was not announced immediately.(AP Photo/files)

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On May 13, 1985, the city of Philadelphia bombed the MOVE compound.
MOVE was a Black-led organization described as a back to nature
movement. 11 people were killed, including five children. over 60
homes were destroyed. The City of Philadelphia never apologized for
bombing its citizens — until now. Over 35 years later, the Philadelphia
City Council has finally issued a formal apology. The apology also
calls for an annual day of remembrance.

Click ▶️ to listen to Clay Cane’s AURN News report:

My MOVE Bombing resolution passed unanimously today. Thank you to all my Council colleagues for your support.

This resolution serves as recognition for of the pain and trauma that these events have brought upon the Cobbs Creek community, and Black people in our city as a whole. https://t.co/AWUswKMpRz
— Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (@CouncilmemberJG) November 12, 2020

Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane