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.

history that needs to be known

I remember the bombing that killed both adults and children and burned down a city block. people need to hear the story. the narrator is *excellent*.

How Did this Happen in the U.S.?

The only thing I knew about MOVE before the start of this story was that the mayor of Philadelphia had given the go ahead to bomb the organization as part of his effort to have them arrested. This is a detailed account of what the MOVE movement was all about—empowerment of African Americans. It is told almost completely from the perspective of surviving MOVE members and therefore it may not be balanced in its presentation. But it does show a horrifying account of police brutality and callous disregard for children that made me think of all the poor little ones who died in Waco, Texas. I must admit that I still don't really understand why the police wanted to crush MOVE. The only crimes that really get talked about are ones that the reader is convinced the group had no part in. (Such as being accused of murdering a police officer who was apparently shot in the back (probably by friendly fire) during the first attempt to arrest MOVE which the author reports involved the police shooting thousands of rounds of ammunition at a house that MOVE was in with their small children).

One of the difficulties in analyzing the book is that you never get an objective account about what happened in court when the MOVE 9 were originally arrested. They talk about how brilliantly they represented themselves and cross-examined witnesses and blame their convictions on corruption and racism. Maybe that is why they were convicted, but the lack of objectivity in the book makes it hard to have confidence that the reader is learning the full story.

In the second campaign against MOVE, the city dropped a bomb on their house—the only time the U.S. has ever done that to its own citizens. Then, even worse, the resulting fire was allowed to burn to encourage MOVE to vacate the house. When the fire got out of control, lots of people died and an entire city block burned down but no one was held accountable. It’s a very interesting history.

Shocking to have never known the history but also not shocking

Amazingly well done. Great compilation of interviews, historic audio reels and news reels with seamless narration. This audio-documentary ends with an example of how kids really do have the power to elevate the truth, bring our shared histories to light, and demand acknowledgement and honesty from those who hold power. One of the most impactful stories to which I’ve had the honor of listening.

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.

Balanced Examination of History

A well balanced presentation of the verifiable facts, memories, and opinions surrounding an important historical event. Care was taken to minimize hyperbole and emotion laden terms. A must readr for anyone wishing to make our government better for all the people it serves.

Move

The different voices telling the story
The telling of these 2 events should be like Ruby Ridge never forget what the government is capable of. Very sad and tragic I hope Philadelphia never lets this happen again. I can’t wrap my head around what happened to Move.

Engaging listen

I generally knew about the MOVE organization and the tragedy that happened in 1985, but I didn’t know their full history. To hear it told in the voices of the actual family members was excellent. Everyone should know this story and how these people were mistreated and murdered by the city of Philadelphia.

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.

Wow

Loved it i was engaged the whole book and the Information was unforgettable… do i need to say anymore.