Surviving the Ashes: Mike Africa Jr.’s Fight for Justice
In his powerful memoir On a Move: Philadelphia’s Notorious Bombing and a Native Son’s Lifelong Battle for Justice, Mike Africa Jr. recounts his harrowing journey as a survivor of one of the most tragic incidents of police violence in American history. Born into the MOVE organization, a Black liberation group, Africa Jr. was just six years old when the Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on their communal home, killing 11 people, including five children. This gripping narrative not only chronicles Africa Jr.’s personal struggle to overcome the trauma of that fateful day but also sheds light on the systemic racism and injustice that led to the bombing and the decades-long fight to free his parents from prison.
Summary
On a Move begins by introducing readers to the MOVE organization, founded in 1972 by the charismatic John Africa. Inspired by the Black Panther Party, PETA, and Earth First, MOVE’s mission was to protect all forms of life from oppression. Living together in a West Philadelphia commune, MOVE members took the surname Africa and adhered to a strict lifestyle that included a vegetarian diet and a rejection of modern technology. However, their unconventional ways drew the ire of city officials, who saw them as a threat to the status quo.
On May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia police, under the orders of Mayor Wilson Goode, dropped a bomb on the MOVE compound, igniting a fire that killed 11 people and destroyed 61 homes across two city blocks. Africa Jr., born in jail to imprisoned parents, was just six years old at the time. In the aftermath of the bombing, he was placed in an abusive orphanage, separated from his family and the only life he had ever known.
As Africa Jr. grew older, he became determined to uncover the truth about the bombing and to fight for the release of his parents, Debbie and Mike Africa Sr., who were among the “MOVE 9” convicted for the death of a police officer during a 1978 confrontation. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, Africa Jr. never wavered in his commitment to justice. He studied the law, honed his public speaking skills, and tirelessly advocated for his parents’ freedom.
In 2018, after more than four decades in prison, Debbie and Mike Africa Sr. were finally released, thanks in large part to Africa Jr.’s tireless efforts. Their reunion, captured in a now-iconic photograph, serves as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
Main Characters
- Mike Africa Jr.: The protagonist, born into the MOVE organization and raised in the aftermath of the 1985 bombing. Africa Jr.’s journey is one of survival, activism, and the pursuit of justice.
- John Africa: The founder of MOVE, whose charismatic leadership and unconventional beliefs inspired the group’s members and drew the ire of city officials.
- Debbie and Mike Africa Sr.: Africa Jr.’s parents, members of the “MOVE 9” who spent more than 40 years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Their release in 2018 is a pivotal moment in the narrative.
- Wilson Goode: The Mayor of Philadelphia at the time of the bombing, whose decision to drop the bomb on the MOVE compound is a central point of controversy and outrage.
Key Events and Plots
- The Founding of MOVE: The narrative begins by introducing readers to the MOVE organization and its mission to protect all forms of life from oppression.
- The 1978 Confrontation: A clash between MOVE members and the Philadelphia police leads to the arrest of the “MOVE 9” and the death of a police officer, setting the stage for the events of 1985.
- The 1985 Bombing: The climax of the story, the bombing of the MOVE compound by the Philadelphia police, kills 11 people and destroys an entire city block.
- Africa Jr.’s Childhood: The narrative follows Africa Jr.’s journey as he navigates the aftermath of the bombing, including his time in an abusive orphanage and his determination to uncover the truth about the tragedy.
- The Fight for Justice: Africa Jr.’s lifelong battle to free his parents from prison and to hold those responsible for the bombing accountable is a central theme throughout the book.
Suspense and Conclusion
On a Move builds suspense through its vivid depiction of the events leading up to and following the 1985 bombing. Africa Jr.’s personal story is woven seamlessly into the larger narrative of the MOVE organization and the systemic racism that led to the tragedy. The book creates a sense of urgency as readers follow Africa Jr.’s journey, rooting for him to succeed in his quest for justice.
In the conclusion, Africa Jr. reflects on the lessons he has learned from his experiences and the importance of continuing the fight against injustice. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.
On a Move is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of police violence, the Black liberation movement, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. Africa Jr.’s story is a testament to the power of the written word to inspire change and to honor the memory of those who have been lost to the forces of oppression.
