In the early hours of May 13, 1985, police direct residents of Osage Avenue in West Philadelphia to leave their homes, and not return for 24 hours. It’s Mother’s Day, and authorities have come to resolve a years-long conflict with a family of local revolutionaries — the Africas, collectively known as MOVE. There are 13 people in the Africa home that morning. Six of them are children. By the end of the day, most will be dead, and a neighbourhood will lie in ruins.
The Africas VS. America is nominated for a Webby! Vote for the series here.
Binge all episodes of The Africas VS. America ad-free by subscribing to CBC True Crime Premium.
Artwork by Yannick Lowery.