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by Noelle Hanrahan, Prison Radio
The wheels of justice often move very slowly in our country, but we are picking up speed. Chuck Africa is now free! He was the youngest of the MOVE 9 to be arrested after the horrific events of Aug. 8, 1978. The groundswell of grassroots activity in Philly has brought MOVE members home starting with the release of Debbie Africa in June 2018 to Chuck Africa, the morning of Friday, Feb. 7, 2020. Two of the nine members, Merle and Phil Africa, passed away in prison, but the remaining seven are now free.
We are overjoyed to celebrate the liberation of the MOVE members. Never again do we have to chant “Free the Move 9!”
Mike Africa Jr. describes his elation: “I’ve been working my whole life to bring my family members home: my mom, dad and uncle. But I had no idea that when they came home, I would feel free. Now next up is bringing Mumia home. He was there for us and we will be there for him.”
We are overjoyed to celebrate the liberation of the MOVE members. Never again do we have to chant “Free the Move 9!” But this is the result of decades of struggle and resistance. Years of learning how to work the bureaucratic system in our favor.
And yet, our work is not done. We are working hard to bring Philadelphia’s native son Mumia home. Working to bring the voices of dozens of other incarcerated individuals to you. Working to bring awareness to pressing issues of unjust mass imprisonment. Chuck’s freedom is one joyful step towards this future.
We thank you for being here, for listening and celebrating with us. Thank you.
When we fight, we win.
Noelle Hanrahan and Prison Radio
P.S. Help Chuck Africa rebuild the life that was stolen from him on Aug. 8, 1978, by contributing to his GoFundMe.
Noelle Hanrahan and Prison Radio can be reached at info@prisonradio.org. This story first appeared on Prison Radio.
