MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy

By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet

Narrated by: Tariq Trotter

Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In the 1970s, a man who called himself John Africa founded a controversial Black separatist group in Philadelphia called MOVE. The group lived communally and espoused a lifestyle set out by Africa that involved free thinking, a raw-food diet, and profound respect for animals, among other things. As MOVE gained momentum and attracted members, it became a source of contention in West Philly, rankling neighbors and drawing the ire of law enforcement. In 1978, a shootout between the Philadelphia police and MOVE members that resulted in the death of an officer led to nine MOVE members being sentenced to decades in prison. The conflict persisted, and on May 13, 1985, the city of Philadelphia bombed the house where MOVE members lived, killing six adults and five children–the first and only time the US government bombed its own citizens on American soil.

How did these events unfurl in a nondescript residential Philly neighborhood? Why were city officials determined to disband MOVE? What became of the MOVE members? How and why is this story largely buried in US history books?

This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy. Narrated and executive produced by Tariq Trotter, cofounder of The Roots and Philly native, MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy urges us to think about race, liberty, and whether there can ever be justice for all.

©2024 MACRO Media (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.

Excellent Overview of Historical Event

When history is told by the 'Victors,' history becomes subjective, one-sided, and inaccurate. It's great to be exposed to history from ALL perspectives. Thank you for the first-hand accounts from people directly affected.

This Is Absolutely A Story About Racism

I really enjoyed this story as I’m a history buff and didn’t know this. I just want to say that regardless of the fact that black people complained about the MOVE people doesn’t make it less about racism. After all, indoctrinated and brainwashed black people assisted slave catchers and slave drivers as well. The fact that they destroyed an entire black neighborhood with very little regard, even though those people were on the government’s side and tried to adhere to white respectability politics, proves even further that this was 100 percent about racism. So please understand that. The only flaw in the book is I would have liked a little more insight as to what the actual complaints were from the neighbors and what exactly was taught that had everyone so upset.

Real voices

i was maybe 7 months pregnant and sprawled on the front steps in West Philly on a nice warm day hearing gunfire, then smelling smoke, then horrified to learn it was the MOVE family burning. Not being tv watchers, we got information in bits and pieces. This report gathers it up wisely and calmly, interviewing the important people in the tragedy. We have so much to learn in this society about preventing violent conflict. Let's learn now and stop wasting time!

Captivating Storytelling

Growing up in Philly, I’ve heard about the MOVE bombing and the devastation it caused in our city. I’ve read articles and listened to my elders. This docu-series provided insight from multiple angles and gave the complete truth on this historical tragedy. I enjoyed listening and learning. This is a MUST LISTEN!

On the edge of my seat the whole way through

The narration is great! Many parts made me laugh, cry, and scream at the characters!

This historical account

This documentary is a recording of a little known account of a broke system. By listening to this, you learn about love and forgiveness, persecution and hatred. It’s hard to fathom the pain and destruction allowed in this democratic society through police brutality. History continues to repeat itself.

Well done!

I remember when this happened… Now I know much more of the story and I really liked how they told it. It was a very objective work. And yeah, it was full of the passion that was part of the move family. And I like the summary about the consequences and how things can change Overtime and become something that was not to be but it is. And I think it’s also about community not a racial aspect but a respect and dignity aspect for one another. The neighbors, the closest members of the community to the family, had issues and they were never addressed in the story. I would like to know about that.

Brace yourself

For the person who wants to know about a series of events and an organization not included in mainstream Black History lessons, this is a necessary, difficult and oh-too-believable listen. Move, despite the horrors described in this work, continues to spread a message of conscious living. We have MLK and Malcolm X but nobody knows about John Africa. Here's where you can learn about another brother who spoke a message all of humanity can benefit from. Of course, he was resisted and killed for it but his message continues. The story is enraging and sadly unsurprising and resonant with current events but as I said, it is a necessary piece of our history for us to know. Teenagers and adults are best suited for this read. Lots of discussion will ensure. I'd teach it in high school or college or with advanced middle school readers. Allow time to process the events and keep open for discussions. Humanity is not kind to each other. This story showcases the depth of our depravity while it clearly displays our ability to do better and not cause more harm.

Well done, if a little biased, but in spite of the rage that I felt at times I felt MOVE was balanced

Difficult to listen to. I know stories like Waco and Ruby Ridge, but I knew very little about MOVE.

Knowing the truth is mind blowing !

This is a great story and it kept me engaged the entire time. I lived in philly when happened and knew what really happened other than what was told on TV. It kinda like faded away and nobody talked about it although we all knew about it. Crazy right! I love the fact some are alive to tell their side regarding what really happened, This is history for the City of Philadelphia.