On August 8, 1978, Philadelphia police surrounded a house occupied by the MOVE organization, a controversial and predominantly Black group, with the intention of evicting them. The standoff resulted in a shootout that left police Officer James Ramp dead and 18 others wounded. During the confrontation, MOVE spokesman Delbert Africa attempted to surrender, but instead of being taken peacefully, he was brutally beaten, dragged, and kicked by three white police officers. This violent scene was captured by Philadelphia Inquirer photographer Jim Domke, who took a powerful photograph of Africa with his arms outstretched in surrender.
Delbert Africa served 42 years in prison for the murder of Officer Ramp and was released in January 2020. He died six months later at the age of 74. Despite the significance of the events, Domke's photograph has largely been relegated to a footnote in American history, overshadowed by other incidents, such as the 1985 police bombing of another MOVE house, which killed 11 people and destroyed 60 homes.
MOVE, described by the media as both a "back-to-nature" group and a "terrorist" cult, was known for its polarizing beliefs and practices. Members of the group, all of whom adopted the last name Africa, rejected modern technology, consumed raw foods, and advocated for animal rights. They also loudly condemned police brutality and other abuses of authority, often through the use of loudspeakers.
In Domke's photograph, Africa's shirtless, hair-covered figure is evocative of a crucifixion, portraying him as a victim of police brutality. However, this image conflicts with the narrative of Officer Ramp's death, which many saw as the ultimate sacrifice, challenging the social fabric. As noted by scholars, such as the author of this analysis, the death of a police officer is often seen as a challenge to society, demanding that it not be in vain. This view overshadowed Africa's victimhood in the public memory.
Link: The Conversation
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