Summary
Highlights
The video marks the 40th anniversary of the 1978 police siege on MOVE headquarters, a radical group dedicated to black liberation and a back-to-nature lifestyle. The police operation led to the death of Officer James Ramp and the conviction of nine MOVE members, known as the MOVE 9, including Debbie Africa. Debbie recounts her determination to give birth to her son, Mike Jr., in prison without the intervention of authorities, driven by John Africa's teachings on natural childbirth and a desire to protect her child from the system.
Ramona Africa, the sole adult survivor, describes the devastating 1985 police bombing of the MOVE house. Police dropped a C-4 explosive on the roof, igniting a fire that authorities deliberately allowed to spread, destroying an entire city block and killing eleven people, including five children. Debbie, incarcerated at the time, and Mike Jr., then seven years old, share their traumatic experiences and reactions to learning about the bombing while separated from their family.
Debbie Africa discusses the positive impact of Larry Krasner's election as Philadelphia's District Attorney, noting that his office recommended her parole, a significant change from previous administrations. She emphasizes MOVE's willingness to accept what is right, aligning with Krasner's efforts toward fairness and justice.
Mike Africa Jr. speaks passionately about his father, Mike Africa Sr., still incarcerated, highlighting his father's dedication to justice, family, and numerous achievements in prison. He reveals his father's selflessness, prioritizing the release of other MOVE women over his own. Debbie reinforces that the awards won by Mike Sr. demonstrate the MOVE members' motivation and resilience, debunking claims of a 'lack of motivation for success'.
Debbie Africa discusses her relationship with Mumia Abu-Jamal, a journalist and MOVE supporter now imprisoned for life. She expresses her belief in his innocence. Mumia Abu-Jamal's commentary, 'For Debbie Africa: Freedom,' is played, celebrating Debbie's release after 40 years and calling for the swift freedom of the remaining MOVE survivors, including Janine and Janet Africa.
Mike Africa Jr. explains that he was raised as a 'community kid' by various women and a MOVE brother, Mo Africa. In their closing remarks, both Debbie and Mike reiterate their plea for the release of the remaining MOVE 9 members, emphasizing that they were tried as a family and should be released as a family to live their lives in freedom and health.