Never Give Up!
It took forty years for my parents to get out of prison, if I had given up, they would still be in prison!
Mike, Delbert and Yvonne
On January 10th, 2015 Phil Africa took his last breath. Seven MOVE members remained behind bars at that time including my parents and my uncle Chuck.
Although getting the prisoners home has always been important, watching the passing of Phil increased the urgency and accelerated my activity around working for the MOVE 9’s freedom.
On June 15th, 2020 Delbert Africa took his last breath. Fortunately because of the pressure from the people Delbert was home with his family.
When I called Chuck yesterday and informed him of Del’s passing, I listened to him cry like a baby. He struggled to get the words out. Over a trembling voice came “Del is gone Mike?! This shit hurt so fucking bad.”
Listening to Chuck sob in pain brought back that same feeling of urgency that I got when Phil passed. Our people that are locked away are passing away. We are losing them. I was with Delbert within a few hours of his passing, and as I watched him in the transitional process I could only think to myself that with all the knowledge that Delbert had, losing him was like a historic library burning down.
Russell Shoats has endless knowledge, as does Mutulu Shakur, as does Joseph Bowen, Fred Burton, Mumia...
We must work harder. We must protect our elders. We must find more ways to support them. We must use the grief we feel as fuel to intensify our efforts. We must free our people.
Debbie Africa
Debbie Africa, member of The MOVE Organization was arrested in 1978 for a crime that she did not commit. At the time of her arrest she was 8 months pregnant with her son Mike Africa Jr. who she secretly gave birth to in her prison cell. After serving 40 years in prison, Debbie's son Mike takes his mother home.
Michael Africa
Michael Africa, member of The MOVE Organization was arrested in 1978 for a crime that he did not commit. After serving 40 years in prison, Michael's son Mike Africa Jr. takes his father home.
TeleSur Enlish https://youtu.be/7k4N41cWj88
Mike & Debbie Africa Reunited!
first Hug in 40 years
Separated for 40 years due to an unjust prison sentence. Through prison, they stayed connected by writing letters, and passing messages through their kids and family’s. These childhood sweethearts remained together throughout 40 years of harsh prison conditions and upon released from prison, fell back into each other’s arms again.
They Got Married
Mike Jr.: “Dad, you’re home now. You’ve been in prison and restricted from things you've wanted for 40 years. now that you’re home, you can have anything in the world that you want, what do you want?”
Mike Sr.: “All I want, son, is to marry your mom.”
Together After 40 Years
