Philadelphia Schools to Teach About 1985 MOVE Bombing

New curriculum developed by MOVE activist aims to educate students on the history and context of the tragic event.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The city of Philadelphia is implementing a new four-week curriculum in 59 classrooms across the city to educate students about the 1985 MOVE bombing. The curriculum, developed by MOVE activist Mike Africa Jr., will cover the history of the MOVE organization and the events leading up to the bombing, but will not address any current controversies surrounding the group.

Why it matters

The MOVE bombing was a tragic and historically significant event in Philadelphia's history, with the police dropping a bomb on the MOVE compound and killing 11 people. Educating the city's youth about this event and its context is important for understanding the city's past and the complex dynamics between law enforcement and activist groups.

The details

The MOVE Curriculum was developed by Mike Africa Jr., the legacy director of the MOVE Activist Archive and son of original MOVE members. The four-week program will be implemented in 59 classrooms across Philadelphia and will cover the history of the MOVE organization, its ideologies, and the events leading up to the 1985 bombing. However, the lessons will not address any current controversies surrounding MOVE.

  • The MOVE Curriculum will be implemented in Philadelphia classrooms starting in February 2026.
  • The 1985 MOVE bombing occurred on May 12, 1985 after a daylong standoff between police and MOVE members.

The players

Mike Africa Jr.

The legacy director of the MOVE Activist Archive and son of original MOVE members, who helped design the MOVE Curriculum.

John Africa

The founder of the MOVE organization in Philadelphia in 1972, which leaned on Black revolutionary and environmentalist ideologies.

Frank Rizzo

The former mayor of Philadelphia who opposed the MOVE organization.

Wilson Goode

The former mayor of Philadelphia who was in office during the 1985 MOVE bombing.

Timothy Welbeck

The director of the Center for Anti-Racism at Temple University and professor of Africology and African-American studies, who commented on the importance of discussing historical events like the MOVE bombing.

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What they’re saying

“There's no time in the history of America, even with all the challenges that Americans have dealt with, that a bomb was dropped on one singular group. It was important for us to create a curriculum that to tell that history.”

— Mike Africa Jr., Legacy Director, MOVE Activist Archive

“I think there is a strong benefit from those who directly experienced it to help teach and shape the understanding of an experience like the MOVE bombing and why it still matters today.”

— Timothy Welbeck, Director, Center for Anti-Racism at Temple University

What’s next

The MOVE Curriculum will be implemented in 59 classrooms across Philadelphia starting in February 2026.

The takeaway

By educating Philadelphia's youth about the history and context of the 1985 MOVE bombing, the city can help ensure this tragic event is not forgotten and that the complex dynamics between law enforcement and activist groups are better understood.