A Call for Justice and Accountability
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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.
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 caused 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
Image Description:
This image shows a white police officer standing in a scorched, debris-covered street, clearly unsettled as towering flames and thick black smoke consume the homes behind him. Burned-out vehicles and destroyed rowhouses line the background, creating a grim scene of destruction. The officer's posture is rigid, and his expression is tense, evoking the chaos, guilt, and helplessness that surrounded this moment in history.
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Historical Background:
On May 13, 1985, the Philadelphia Police Department, in coordination with city officials, dropped a military-grade explosive from a helicopter onto a rowhouse occupied by MOVE, a Black liberation and back-to-nature organization. MOVE members had long clashed with police over their anti-establishment beliefs, lifestyle, and activism.
The bombing was intended to force the group out of their fortified home on Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia, where they had resisted eviction for months. Instead, it ignited a massive fire that destroyed 61 homes, left over 250 people homeless, and killed 11 people, including five children. Shockingly, police and fire officials allowed the fire to burn unchecked for over an hour.
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Image Meaning and Connection
The image is a symbol of state violence, racial injustice, and institutional failure. The presence of the white police officer with an uneasy expression reflects the moral ambiguity and institutional complicity that haunt the events of May 13. It represents not only the physical destruction of a Black neighborhood but also the psychological and social damage inflicted by a government willing to use deadly force against its citizens.
It forces viewers to confront:
The abuse of power by law enforcement
The dehumanization of Black radical voices
The long-lasting trauma inflicted on Black communities
This image is not just a reflection of a past event—it is a mirror of systemic injustice that still echoes today.
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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
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