#osage ave

[y2shae]

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13 May 1985

Bombing of Osage

WHYY Specials | Bombing Of Osage

Confrontation between Philadelphia Police and members of the MOVE organization in 1985

[return-of-the-living-gnarsh]

On May 13, 1985, a State Police helicopter dropped a C-4 bomb, illegally supplied by the FBI, on the roof of the MOVE Organization’s house at 6221 Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia. The bomb started a fire that was allowed to burn, and eventually destroyed 61 homes. When the occupants of the house tried to escape the fire, police shot at them, blocking their escape. Six MOVE adults and five children died.

[theglitterygalaxy]

The Infamous Bombing of the Move Compound in Philly

Most people only think of the May 13th, 1985 bombing of the MOVE compound as the police and city officials taking wrong action against a black organization. While the city did take incorrect action in handling the situation, I personally feel the leaders of move and the adults in the compound on Osage Ave are not total victims. My aunt and uncle lived on Osage Ave. at the time of the bombing. Working class black families lived on Osage. The members of move would walk the roofs of the row homes holding rifles terrifying the residents. They had animals on the property which were unkept, which led to an unsanitary environment for the surrounding neighbors as well. The children living on property were malnourished because they were made to eat raw meat while the adults ate fruit and veggies. Their presence on the block made it miserable for the residents. What I never understood was why they felt it necessary to terrorize the people around them, working class blacks. If they wanted to conduct themselves in that way that they should have removed themselves from the block where they would not directly affect those around them. Unfortunately, the bombing took place which was totally wrong by the Philadelphia Police Department. My aunt and uncle lost everything in the bombing. And when the houses were eventually rebuilt they were done terribly and most were not livable. Now on Osage Ave. most of the houses are vacant. So, were the police right in bombing the compound? Absolutely not! Were the members of move justified in there actions? I do not feel they were because they affected those around them in a negative way. They had a choice, they knew what they were doing and unfortunately they children in their environment too. If you were living on Osage Ave. how would you feel?

[tintedjustice]

Philly Comrades:

Make sure to come out to support the MOVE 30-Year commemoration of the 1985 bombing this Wednesday May 13th! For the past several weeks, #tintedjustice has been collaborating with Ramona Africa on out latest (and biggest) project centering the MOVE 9. With the help of many artistic collaborators, we are excited to soon be sharing the work. We will be displaying the installation at the First District Plaza as well as tabling complimentary zines of the MOVE 9. Aside the installation, the day includes a rally as well as great programming featuring Angela Davis, Alice Walker, Rebel Diaz, among others. You don't want to miss out.

Date: Wednesday May 13th

Rally: Location: 62nd and Osage Time: 11am

Programming: Location: First District Plaza (3800 Market St.) Time: 4pm to 9pm

Know their names. See their faces. Remember their stories.