Commemorating the 18th anniversary of the May 13, 1985, this new photo-essay features a new interview with Ramona Africa of the MOVE organization focusing on what the corporate media hasn’t told us about the May 13 FBI and City of Philadelphia bombing and murder of Africa’s family in their home at 6221 Osage Ave. Also new are photos from 6221 Osage today in 2003.

This is a photo of 6221 Osage Ave. today in 2003. It is now a police station. To view the other photos of 6221 Osage as well as photos from last September and of Ramona Africa speaking at a demonstration for Mumia, please link to:

www.phillyimc.org

or to the Alternative Press Review website where this photo-interview has been chosen as a web feature:

http://www.altpr.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=7

May 13, 1985: What the Corporate Media Didn’t Tell You
An interview with Ramona Africa
by Hans Bennett

Ramona Africa is the sole adult survivor of the May 13, 1985 massacre of 11 members of the MOVE organization. The FBI and the City of Philadelphia dropped a C4 bomb on MOVE’s 6221 Osage Avenue home in West Philadelphia. Carrying the young Birdie Africa (the only other survivor) with her, Ramona dodged gunfire and escaped from the fire with permanent scarring from the burns.

After surviving the bombing, she was charged with conspiracy, riot, and multiple counts of simple and aggravated assault. Subsequently Ramona served 7 years in prison. If she had chosen to sever her ties with MOVE, she could have been released far earlier. In the face of this she held true to her revolutionary beliefs and was uncompromising in the face of state terror. Since her release from prison, Ramona has tirelessly worked as the MOVE Minister of Communication on behalf of the MOVE 9, Mumia Abu-Jamal, and all political prisoners and prisoners of war.

The May 13 assault was the culmination of many years of political repression faced by the mostly black revolutionary and back-to-nature organization at the hands of Philadelphia authorities. In the 1970s, MOVE took up arms in response extensive police brutality that included the murder of the Young Life Africa as well as several miscarriages. On Aug.8, 1978, the police attacked their Powelton Village home and in the process police officer James Ramp was shot by a bullet traveling in a downward trajectory, from behind as he was laying down facing the MOVE home. Despite the physical impossibility of MOVE firing the bullet at that angle from their position in the basement, 9 MOVE members were convicted for his murder and were given 30-100 year sentences still being carried out today. In 1985, organizing to free the MOVE 9 was at the forefront of MOVE political activities.

A few months ago I rode my bike out to see 6221 Osage Ave. for the first time since I moved to Philadelphia. Upon arrival I was shocked to find “PERMIT PARKING FOR PHILA. POLICE CIVIL AFFAIRS