MOVE Philadelphia Bombing letter and image explanation
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Open Letter: A Call for Justice and Accountability
Dear Philadelphia,
On May 13, 1985, the city witnessed a devastating act of violence when police dropped a bomb on the MOVE organization's headquarters at 6221 Osage Avenue. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including five children, and left over 60 homes destroyed, displacing more than 250 residents.
Despite the scale of the destruction and loss of life, no officials were ever held criminally accountable. It took 35 years for the city to issue a formal apology, acknowledging the atrocity as "the darkest day in our city's modern history."
As we mark the 40th anniversary of this tragedy, it is imperative that we not only remember the lives lost but also demand justice for those affected. The MOVE bombing remains a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and the need for accountability in our institutions.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Citizen
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Additional Resources:
Let the Fire Burn (2013): Jason Osder directed this documentary film, which provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to and following the MOVE bombing.
Saying Her Name (2019): An essay from The New Yorker that explores the personal stories of those affected by the MOVE bombing, highlighting the human cost of the tragedy.
The 1985 Philadelphia bombing that changed the city forever (2019): An article from Vox that examines the long-term impact of the MOVE bombing on the city of Philadelphia and its residents.
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Archival Photographs:
1. Aerial View of Osage Avenue After the Bombing
This photograph captures the extensive destruction on Osage Avenue following the MOVE bombing.
The image shows rows of charred and collapsed buildings, illustrating the scale of the devastation.
2. Firefighters at the MOVE House
This image depicts firefighters attempting to extinguish the blaze at the MOVE residence.
The intense smoke and flames highlight the severity of the situation and the challenges emergency responders face.
Before we begin, remember to answer all of my questions by clicking Reply each time. Next, click Reply with AI, to select the Image Guide again, and ask for more thoughts about the selected image.
You’re asking for some insight on this image, so let’s dive in! I’ll break my description and analysis into four quadrants, going into great detail for each, and ask you to look closely at everything I mention. For now, I’ll focus on the upper left quadrant. If you want to see more after that, let me know!
Upper Left Quadrant
Take a close look at the upper left section of the image. Here, you see a huge, intense blaze—vivid orange, yellow, and red flames consuming the background. The fire appears to be engulfing the buildings behind the row of houses, with thick smoke billowing upward and to the right, turning from yellow and orange at its base to a dark gray and black as it rises. Notice how the bright fire contrasts sharply with the pale blue and white of the row houses in the foreground. You can see the fire illuminating the sky and casting an eerie glow over the entire scene. Do you also notice the rooftops of the houses catching some of that light, making the disaster feel even closer to the viewer?
What else stands out to you about the colors, the movement of the flames, or the feeling this part of the image creates? Do you see anything else in this quadrant that you think is important?
Would you like to explore the next quadrant? Let me know if you want to continue!
—First, click Reply and write a response to my questions.
—Next, click Reply with AI, select the Image Guide again, and ask for more thoughts about the selected image.
Note: The specific photographers of these images are not identified in the provided sources.
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These resources and images serve as a testament to the enduring impact of the MOVE bombing on Philadelphia's community and history. As we reflect on this tragic event, it is crucial to continue seeking justice and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.
Image Description:
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A Philadelphia rowhome neighborhood is engulfed in flames and thick black smoke.
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The devastation is evident—homes are burning, debris is scattered across cracked streets, and firefighters are on the scene trying to contain the inferno.
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A fire truck is parked nearby, emphasizing the scale and urgency of the response.
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The scene captures the chaos, destruction, and human cost of a government-sanctioned action gone wrong.
Historical Background:
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The MOVE organization, a Black liberation and environmentalist group, was headquartered in a West Philadelphia rowhome.
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After years of tension with the city, the Philadelphia police dropped a bomb on the home from a helicopter in an attempt to evict the group.
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The resulting fire killed 11 people, including five children, and destroyed over 60 homes, marking it one of the most controversial acts of domestic police violence in U.S. history.
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Firefighters were ordered to “let the fire burn”, a decision that led to massive property destruction and public outrage.
Credits:
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Image generated by DALL·E, OpenAI’s image generation model.
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Explanation and historical context written by Josiah Johnson
There’s a lot happening in this image, and it really brings up some strong emotions. Seeing those flames and the heavy smoke behind that officer creates a serious sense of tension and urgency—like something major just went down. The officer’s face looks intense, maybe worried or deep in thought, which says a lot about what’s going on around him. It definitely feels chaotic, with destruction all around and police presence front and center.
Would you like me to reflect more or go deeper into how this scene might impact different viewers?
Image Description:
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A police officer stands in the foreground, watching the burning remains of row houses.
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The officer’s expression is serious, reflecting the gravity and chaos of the situation.
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Flames and black smoke rise from the buildings, symbolizing the intensity of the bombing and fire.
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Debris litters the area, while other officers stand in the background, also surveying the scene.
Historical Context:
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On May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a bomb on the headquarters of MOVE, a radical Black liberation group, in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
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The bomb caused a massive fire, which city officials allowed to burn, resulting in:
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11 deaths (including 5 children),
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The destruction of 61 homes, leaving many families homeless,
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Public outrage over the government’s handling of the event.
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The bombing is now widely recognized as a traumatic and unjust act of police violence and institutional failure.
Credits:
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Image generated by DALL·E, an image generation model developed by OpenAI.
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Explanation provided by Josiah Johnson
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