The MOVE 9: A 45-Year Struggle for Freedom (1978–2025)
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The MOVE 9 were nine members of the MOVE organization arrested after the August 8, 1978, police assault on their communal home in Powelton Village (Powellton Village), West Philadelphia. That morning, over 600 heavily-armed Philadelphia police officers surrounded the house at 33rd & Pearl Streets. A shoot-out occurred, Officer James Ramp was killed by a single bullet to the head, and the MOVE 9 were charged with his murder despite overwhelming evidence that the fatal shot could not have come from inside the house.The Nine and Their SentencesAll nine were convicted in 1980–1981 of third-degree murder, conspiracy, and multiple counts of attempted murder/aggravated assault. Each received 30–100 years.
Key Controversies & Evidence of Wrongful Conviction
Their slogan remains:
“Long Live John Africa! Long Live the MOVE 9! Ona MOVE!”
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Name
|
Born
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Role in MOVE
|
Status (as of Nov 2025)
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|---|---|---|---|
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Debbie Africa
|
1956
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Mother, gave birth in prison
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Paroled 2018
|
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Michael Africa
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1956
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Debbie’s husband
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Paroled 2018
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Edward Africa
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1950
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Long-time member
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Died in prison 2015 (cancer)
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Janet Africa
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1951
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Sister of Janine
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Paroled 2019
|
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Janine Africa
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1955
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Sister of Janet
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Paroled 2019
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Delbert Africa
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1950
|
Iconic photo of him beaten
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Paroled 2020; died 6 months later
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|
Phil Africa
|
1950
|
Artist, musician
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Died in prison 2015 (circumstances disputed)
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Chuck Africa
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1955
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Last remaining prisoner
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Paroled October 2023 after 45 years
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Merle Africa
|
1950
|
Strong female leader
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Died in prison 1998 (ovarian cancer)
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- Ballistics impossibility
The medical examiner testified that Ramp was shot from above and behind while facing the MOVE house. The bullet entered the top of his head and exited his throat — physically impossible from basement windows where MOVE members were located. - “One gun, nine murderers”
Prosecutors claimed a single rifle belonged to all nine defendants collectively, so all were equally guilty of murder. No fingerprints or individual ownership were ever proven. - Beatings on live TV
Delbert Africa was shown on news footage surrendering unarmed, hands up, shirt ripped off, then brutally kicked and beaten by multiple officers (including the infamous photo of an officer stomping on his head). - Judge Edwin Malmed’s infamous quote
At sentencing, Judge Malmed told the defendants:
“I’m going to sentence you not for what you did, but for what you are.”
He openly called MOVE a “terrorist organization” and said they had “no right to be in this society.” - Denied parole for 40+ years
From 2008 onward, the Parole Board repeatedly denied release because the prisoners would not express remorse for a crime most insist they did not commit, and because they maintained affiliation with MOVE.
- Merle Africa (1998) – Denied proper medical care for ovarian cancer.
- Phil Africa (Jan 2015) – Died suddenly within weeks of being diagnosed with stomach issues; family never allowed to see body.
- Edward Africa (Oct 2015) – Cancer.
- Delbert Africa (June 2020) – Died of cancer six months after finally being paroled.
- Debbie & Michael (June 2018) – first releases
- Janine & Janet (May 2019)
- Delbert (Jan 2020)
- Chuck (Oct 2023) – the very last, after 45 years, 2 months, 8 days
- No one has ever been prosecuted for the 1978 police assault or the 1985 bombing.
- The MOVE 9 case is taught in law schools as a textbook example of collective guilt, racist policing, and wrongful conviction.
- In 2021, the City of Philadelphia formally apologized for the 1985 bombing but has never apologized for the 1978 raid or the MOVE 9 convictions.
- Annual August 8 remembrance events continue in Powelton Village.
Their slogan remains:
“Long Live John Africa! Long Live the MOVE 9! Ona MOVE!”