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You are here: Home / Archives for featured news

featured news

Delbert Africa Passes Mon., June 15, 2020

  • Delbert Africa & daughter, Yvonne Orr-El (Tribune Photo/Abdul R. Sulayman)
Delbert Africa with his daughter and MOVE family

Delbert Africa passed away last night on Monday, June 15, 2020. He was at home with his family around him. Delbert Africa was an early counterpart 42 years before George Floyd. Besides his original, brutal attack by Philadelphia police, Delbert was deliberately killed, methodically assassinated, by officials at the State Correctional Institution – Dallas as part of the government’s plan to get rid of all MOVE men they could get their hands on.

Delbert was receiving care for cancer at the end of his prison sentence at the local hospital. There the doctors and nurses said the prison provided a lot of wrong treatments on Delbert and they couldn’t even understand why the prison did what the doctor and staff did. But, MOVE knows, and Delbert’s supporters know why–it’s murder by prison officials. The same fate that Phil Africa and Merle Africa suffered. The same fate that is occurring to Black men and women all over America by brutal, racist police, and the system they serve.

The MOVE Family
Long Live John Africa Forever!

MOVE member Delbert Africa speaks at a press conference after parole from prison.
Mumia Abu-Jamal Remembers Delbert Africa
MOVE Organization Press Conference on Murder of Delbert Africa
Delbert Africa, Warrior for the people!
By Betsey Piette posted on June 17, 2020, Workers World Newspaper

Filed Under: Delbert Africa, featured news, philadelphia Tagged With: Delbert Africa, MOVE, MOVE Family, Yvonne Orr-El

Chuck Sims Africa freed!

Final jailed Move 9 member released from prison

  • Chuck Africa is free!
  • Welcomed by family
  • Chuck in prison, 18

Welcome Home, Chuck, 60 Years Strong!
Birthday Celebration!
Sat., April 4, 2020

4 – 7 pm
Darby Recreation Center, 1020 Ridge Ave., Darby, PA 19023
See map/directions. More info. RSVP.

Reprinted from The Guardian, Philadelphia, Friday, February 7, 2020.
Article by Ed Pilkington

One of the great open wounds of the black liberation struggle of the 1970s has finally been healed with the release of the last member of the Move 9, the group of radicals rounded up in a Philadelphia police siege in 1978 and held behind bars for more than four decades.

Chuck Sims Africa, 59, walked free from the Fayette state correctional institution in La Belle, Pennsylvania, on Friday morning. The youngest of the incarcerated group, he has been in custody since shortly after he turned 18.

It takes a lot to rebuild a life that has been stolen since August 8th, 1978. We want to make this transition as smooth as possible, and ensure he has all the basic necessities to get established on the outside. Additionally, Chuck has been valiantly fighting cancer from within prison. Now that he is out, he can receive holistic care and some funds will go towards these expenses.

Chuck appreciates all the support we’ve given over the past four decades, and just needs a little more to kick start his new life! Please give him a warm welcome home and help him to get settled.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-chuck-africa-rebuild

His freedom marked his reunion with his family for the first time in almost 42 years. It was also historic, as it closed a chapter that had remained unfinished since the black power movement erupted in the late 1960s.

Alongside the Black Panthers, Philadelphia’s Move organization was central to the volatile and at times violent struggle for black equality that lasted until the 1980s.

Members of the organization regarded themselves – and still do to this day – as part of a family dedicated to race equality, with all members taking the last name “Africa.” Part Panthers and part eco-hippies, they also had a commitment to environmental justice that was ahead of its time.

Mike Africa Jr, the son of two of the Move 9, said Chuck’s release put an end to a long and grueling campaign. “We will never have to shout ‘Free the Move 9!’ ever again. It’s been 41 years, and now we’ll never have to say it.”

For Mike Africa, who is also Chuck’s nephew, the release was especially poignant. He was born in a cell five weeks after his mother, Debbie Sims Africa, Chuck’s sister, was rounded up in the 1978 siege and incarcerated – she gave birth to him unbeknown to the prison guards and kept him hidden with her in the cell for the first few days of his life.

The Guardian began investigating the prolonged imprisonment of the Move 9 in 2018 as part of an examination into black power behind bars. At that time all the surviving members of the group were still in custody in various Pennsylvania prisons.

Members of the group described in letters, emails and prison interviews how they had endured so many years inside while keeping their spirits high. Janine Phillips Africa said that she raised therapy dogs in her cell and grew vegetables in the prison yard, avoiding birthdays or holidays that reminded her of the passage of time.

“The years are not my focus,” she wrote in a letter to the Guardian. “I keep my mind on my health and the things I need to do day by day.”

Delbert Orr Africa said: “We’ve suffered the worst that this system can throw at us – decades of imprisonment, loss of loved ones. So we know we are strong.”

Soon after the Guardian began its investigation, the seven surviving members of the group began to be released on parole. First up was Debbie Sims Africa, set free in June 2018. “We are peaceful people,” she said as she stepped out of Cambridge Springs prison.

Then the other six began to emerge, one after the other like falling dominoes:

  • Mike Africa Sr, October 2018
  • Janine Phillips Africa and Janet Holloway Africa, May 2019
  • Eddie Goodman Africa, June 2019
  • Delbert Orr Africa, January 2020

Chuck Sims Africa completes the set.

The Move 9 were arrested following a massive police siege of their collective headquarters and home in Powelton Village, Philadelphia, on 8 August 1978. Hundreds of police officers in Swat teams armed with machine guns, teargas, bulldozers and water cannons surrounded the property following a long standoff with city authorities that saw the group as a threat to the community.

The siege culminated in a police shootout in which Move members allegedly returned fire though they denied doing so. A police officer, James Ramp, was killed in the crossfire.

Nine members were arrested and held jointly responsible for Ramp’s death despite forensic evidence showing he was killed with a single bullet. In 1980 the nine were convicted of third-degree murder and lesser offenses and each sentenced to 30 years to life.

Two of the nine – Merle and Phil Africa – died in prison. The remaining seven fought for many years to convince parole authorities that they were safe to be let out, pointing to clean discipline sheets in prison.

Over the past two years, there have been no security incidents relating to any of the paroled individuals.

Wilson Goode, former mayor of Philadelphia, wrote to the parole board to support Chuck Africa’s bid for freedom. He said: “His release will reunite a family after 40 years and I am convinced he will be a positive contributing voice to the Philadelphia community.”

Goode, the first black mayor of Philadelphia, was in that position on 13 May 1985 when the second disaster relating to Move occurred. Following another prolonged bout of acrimony between the organization and its neighbors and city authorities, the decision was taken forcibly to evict the group from its latest headquarters, then in Osage Avenue.

Another shootout broke out, and when that failed to flush them out police dropped incendiary bombs from a helicopter on to the roof of the building. A fire ensued which was allowed to spread, eventually razing to the ground 61 homes in the overwhelmingly African American neighborhood.

Eleven people in the Move house, including five children, died in the inferno. Chuck Africa’s cousin, Frank, was among the adults who were killed.

All the paroled members of the Move 9 are now preparing to mark the 35th anniversary of the tragedy. For the first time they will be able to commemorate the event and the relatives and peers they lost outside a prison cell.

A huge THANK YOU to The Guardian for their steadfast coverage of the MOVE 9. Original article.

Filed Under: Chuck Africa, featured news Tagged With: Chuck Africa, Fayette State Correctional Institution, MOVE, MOVE Organization

Delbert Africa Free on Parole!

Delbert Africa of the MOVE organization was freed from prison after 42 years on Saturday! In a joyful scene, he was reunited with daughter, Yvonne, and MOVE family on Sat., January 18, 2020. He is 73 years old and just spent 4 decades in harsh Pennsylvania prisons.

From Yvonne, Delbert’s daughter

My father, Delbert Orr Africa, was a political prisoner from the MOVE Organization that has been incarcerated for 41 years finally got paroled on Saturday, January 18th, but I have to have some major things in place in order to ensure he’s re-acclimated (e.g. health insurance, housing, etc). I would greatly appreciate your financial support by donating to my GoFundMe campaign for my father.

  • Delbert and Yvonne
  • MOVE family welcomes Delbert home
  • Pam Africa welcomes Delbert home
  • Delbert Africa. Still standing strong for John Africa!

Filed Under: Delbert Africa, featured news Tagged With: Delbert Africa, MOVE 9

Donate to Our Freed Warriors!

After 41 years in prison, they need help setting up a home in the free world. Show your appreciation for them with a donation.

Eddie Africa

Donate to Eddie Africa
https://fundrazr.com/eddie-africa

Janine and Janet Africa

Donate to Janine & Janet Africa
https://fundrazr.com/janet-janine

Debbie and Mike Africa

Donate to Debbie & Mike Sr. Africa
https://www.gofundme.com/help-debbie-amp-mike-rebuild

Ramona Africa in hospital, August 2018

Remember Ramona Africa with your donations
https://www.gofundme.com/helpsaveramonaafrica

Filed Under: Debbie Africa, Eddie Africa, featured news, Mike Africa Sr, news, Ramona Africa

Free Delbert Africa

ONA MOVE 

Delbert Orr Africa #AM4985 was 32 years old when he was wrongfully imprisoned along with 8 other men & women. His “crime” was being a part of an organization against corrupt government, racism and the degradation of our people. He is now 73 years old, having served nearly 42 years for a crime none of them committed. He has been eligible for parole since 2008 but has continually been denied because of his political views.

Del has 8 codefendants. Two died in prison (Phil Africa and his wife, Merle), and five have been released from prison onto parole just between Fall 2018 and Spring 2019. It’s past the time that Delbert should be coming home from prison. Just like others from the MOVE 9 are thriving, so should Delbert Orr Africa have the same opportunity.

Our community has supported those who came home to excel and we are committed to doing the same for Del so that he can excel as well. From having one of his daughters murdered during the bombing of MOVE Headquarters by the government to having his eldest daughter battling breast cancer, it’s overdue for him to be with his family. 

Delbert Africa, famous for surviving extremely vicious Philly police assault.
Young Delbert

Filed Under: featured news, news Tagged With: Delbert Africa, parole, Philadelphia police, police brutality

Eddie Africa Paroled Fri., June 21st! Press Conf. June 27.

Early Friday morning joyous MOVE family and friends came to bring Eddie Africa home after 40 years of imprisonment.

Eddie Africa (rust colored shirt, third from left) is free! LLJA.

Press Conference
Thurs., June 27th
10 am
Philadelphia Student Union
501 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19143

Now the fight remains to free the last two imprisoned MOVE members: Delbert and Chuck Africa. Send them cards of solidarity and love and stay tuned for more actions.

  • Free Delbert Africa
  • Free Chuck Africa

Filed Under: Eddie Africa, featured news

Friday, Dec 9 for a 3pm Rally and 6pm Indoor Event

Friday, Dec 9 for a 3pm Rally and 6pm Indoor Event

3pm: Meet at Frank Rizzo statue at 15th & JFK, Philadelphia (map)
6pm: Nearby church.

Dec. 9, 2016 marks 35 years since the police tried to execute Mumia Abu-Jamal on the streets of Philadelphia. He was framed and sentenced to death through the complicity of the FBI, the District Attorney’s Office and the courts.

 

WE DEMAND

  1. Allow the legal proceedings that could overturn Mumia’s convictions.
  2. Immediate treatment for Mumia’s Hep C–and all Pennsylvania prisoners.
  3. Clean water for all Pennsylvania prisoners.
  4. Tear down Philly’s racist Frank Rizzo statue (with #FrankRizzoDown & Philly Coalition for REAL Justice)
  5. Black Lives Matter
  6. End Mass Incarceration, Solitary Confinement, the death penalty and stop & frisk.

 

*The rally will start at the Frank Rizzo statue at 15th & JFK, Philadelphia in
solidarity with the #FrankRizzoDown campaign initiated by REAL Justice Coalition

To endorse or for more info: 215-724-1618 or Mobilization4Mumia@gmail.com or http://freemumia.com
For NYC & Newark bus tickets & info: 212-330-8029

Filed Under: event, featured news, philadelphia

Who are the MOVE 9?

Over 36 years after the Aug. 8, 1978 confrontation in Philadelphia, the eight remaining “MOVE 9” prisoners are still being denied parole, after becoming eligible in 2008. MOVE is asking for support in building public pressure for the MOVE 9’s release. The MOVE 9 are:

move9-grid-210x310px-web

Write to the MOVE 9 and let them know they are remembered.

Michael Davis Africa #AM4973
P.O. Box 244
Graterford, PA 19426-244

William Phillips Africa #AM4984
Charles Sims Africa #AM4975
Delbert Orr Africa #AM4985
1000 Follies Rd.
Dallas, PA 18612

Edward Goodman Africa #AM4974
Mumia Abu Jamal #AM8335
301 Morea Rd.
Frackville, PA 17932
(570) 773-2158
Supt. John Kerestes

Debbie Sims Africa #006307
Janet Hollaway Africa #006308
Janine Phillips Africa #6309
451 Fullerton Ave.
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238

Check out www.move9parole.blogspot.com for more specific information on how to support parole for the MOVE 9

Filed Under: featured news Tagged With: August 8 1978, Charles Sims Africa, Debbie Sims Africa, Edward Goodman Africa, Janet Hollaway Africa, Janine Phillips Africa, Merle Africa, Michael Davis Africa, MOVE 9, MOVE 9 parole campaign, William Phillips Africa

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All MOVE members freed from prison! LLJA!

Debbie Sims Africa, June 2018

Mike Africa Sr, October 2018

Janine Phillips Africa

Janet Holloway Africa, May 2019

Eddie Goodman Africa, June 2019

Delbert Orr Africa, January 2020

Chuck Sims Africa February 2020

And, we always remember the two MOVE members who died suspiciously in prison:

Merle Africa, March 1998
Phil Africa, January 2015

42 years after the Aug. 8, 1978 confrontation in Philadelphia, FINALLY all of the “MOVE 9” prisoners are out of prison!

Also, check out: move9parole.blogspot.com for more information.

The MOVE family was bombed in an attempt to stop their work to free all Life.  They remain steadfast. Long Live John Africa!

Life

All living beings, things that move, are equally important, whether they are human beings, dogs, birds, fish, trees, ants, weeds, rivers, wind or rain. To stay healthy and strong, life must have clean air, clear water and pure food. If deprived of these things, life will cycle to the next level, or as the system says, ‘die’. - John Africa

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