Chuck Africa was the last imprisoned member of the MOVE organization, a revolutionary Black group in Philadelphia that was targeted, BOMBED, and locked up by police for taking a stand. 9 of these members languished in prison for decades … until something changed.
Chuck was first arrested shortly after he turned 18, when police attacked the MOVE organization’s communal home over 40 years ago.
After this confrontation with authorities left a police officer dead, the MOVE 9 were all imprisoned for decades. Two members of the MOVE 9 died in prison and never got to see life again on the outside. Essentially, their entire lives were stolen from them.
Chuck’s 59 now, and after spending most of his life in prison, he’s finally free thanks to organizing and legal help challenging the MOVE 9’s imprisonment.
Now, for the first time, the members of this group will be able to commemorate the tragedy that led to their arrest outside of prison walls. They all have children, relatives, and friends who have been waiting for countless years to see them freed. Some died waiting for this day.
Chuck Africa has a lot to do now that he’s free from prison. Though this is a major development, it’s still sad that the MOVE members were unjustly imprisoned at all. Hopefully, they can move forward with their lives in peace, free from confinement and harassment.