The first Day of Remembrance of the MOVE bombing, including a march to Malcolm X. Park, will be held on Thursday, May 13. The march marks the 36th anniversary of the bombing, which killed 11 people, including five children, and burned dozens of homes in West Philadelphia.

The MOVE house at 6221 Osage Ave. was the target of the city-sanctioned bombing in 1985. Surviving members and relatives will participate in a MOVE bombing victims commemoration event, which will begin at 5 p.m. at Osage Ave. and Cobbs Creek Parkway. Community members are invited (see the flyer below for more details). Continue Reading

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion will be auctioning off rare wood from the Grove of Seven Giants – the historic English Elm trees that had stood there for over 200 years, but had to be cut down after succumbing to Dutch Elm disease a few years ago.

The wood from the Grove of Seven Giants was milled in 2017, and has been carefully drying ever since. This rare wood is now ready to be used in restoration projects at The Woodlands, and in your own home! The Woodlands is auctioning off live edge, raw slabs in a variety of sizes to be used for woodworking projects, furniture, and more. Continue Reading

The Philadelphia City Council has unanimously passed a resolution to establish the MOVE bombing day, May 13, as an annual day of “observation, reflection and recommitment.” The resolution formally apologizes on behalf of the City Council for the 1985 city-sanctioned bombing of the MOVE home at 6221 Osage Ave. that killed 11 people, including five children, and burned dozens of neighborhood homes.

The resolution was introduced by City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) in connection to last month’s police killing of Walter Wallace Jr. in the Cobb’s Creek neighborhood.  Continue Reading

West Philly City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier yesterday joined a dozen others on the City Council in formal apologizing for the 1985 MOVE bombing and called on the city to declare May 13th an annual day of “reflection, observation, and recommitment to the principle that all people are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Wednesday, May 13th, marked the 35th anniversary of the city-sanctioned police attack on the MOVE home at 6221 Osage Ave. Police fired thousands of rounds into the building in a siege that culminated in the dropping of two bombs on the building. Eleven MOVE members died, including children and dozens of homes were destroyed in an ensuing fire that consumed dozens of nearby homes.  Continue Reading

Free Library of Philadelphia branches are hosting special events next month in celebration of Black History Month, including a cultural fair, film screenings, workshops, community forums and discussions, and events and activities for children and families (see list below).

You can also explore the Free Library’s resources on African American history and culture, including famous African Americans from Philadelphia, poets and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, children’s books, politics and more Black History Month events throughout Philadelphia area by visiting this page.  Continue Reading

Mural Arts Philadelphia, one of the nation’s largest public art programs, is offering special tours in February featuring LOVE and African American-themed murals. Here are the details:

Mural Arts Philadelphia’s African American Iconic Images Collection Mural Trolley Tour 

Sundays, Feb. 9 and 23, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Cost: $32 for adults and $28 for students and kids under 12. Sign up here.

Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad Street (Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building).

In honor of Black History Month, Mural Arts is offering a special mural trolley tour that explores civil rights, freedom, and equality. This rich collection of images highlights iconic African American figures within Philadelphia’s visual autobiography. An experienced tour guide will discuss each mural, the artists, and the mural-making process.  Continue Reading