MOVE facts for kids
MOVE is a group founded in Philadelphia in 1972 by John Africa (who was born Vincent Leaphart). The group believed in freedom and equal rights for Black people. They lived together as a community, sharing everything.
Contents
What is MOVE?
MOVE is a group that started in 1972. Its founder was John Africa. The group believed in a way of life that focused on freedom and equal rights for Black people. They also believed in living very simply and close to nature.
Living Together
Members of MOVE lived together in shared homes. This is called living communally. They shared their resources and worked together as a family. This was a big part of their way of life.
Major Events
The MOVE group had two important and difficult events involving the Philadelphia Police Department. These events led to serious outcomes and were widely reported.
The 1978 Event
In 1978, there was a serious confrontation between MOVE members and the Philadelphia Police. This event led to a police officer losing their life. Several other people were also hurt. As a result, nine members of the MOVE group were sent to prison for a long time.
The 1985 Event
Another major event happened in 1985. This time, police were trying to remove MOVE members from their home. This home was a row house on Osage Avenue in Philadelphia. During this event, a police helicopter dropped a device on the house.
The Fire and Its Impact
The device caused a large fire. The fire spread quickly and became very difficult to control. Tragically, eleven members of the MOVE group, including five children, lost their lives in the fire. The fire also destroyed 65 other houses in the neighborhood. This event received a lot of news coverage across the country.
