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MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy

By: Curtis Bryant, Kevin Arbouet
Narrated by: Tariq Trotter
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Publisher's summary

In the 1970s, a man who called himself John Africa founded a controversial Black separatist group in Philadelphia called MOVE. The group lived communally and espoused a lifestyle set out by Africa that involved free thinking, a raw-food diet, and profound respect for animals, among other things. As MOVE gained momentum and attracted members, it became a source of contention in West Philly, rankling neighbors and drawing the ire of law enforcement. In 1978, a shootout between the Philadelphia police and MOVE members that resulted in the death of an officer led to nine MOVE members being sentenced to decades in prison. The conflict persisted, and on May 13, 1985, the city of Philadelphia bombed the house where MOVE members lived, killing six adults and five children–the first and only time the US government bombed its own citizens on American soil.

How did these events unfurl in a nondescript residential Philly neighborhood? Why were city officials determined to disband MOVE? What became of the MOVE members? How and why is this story largely buried in US history books?

This searing audio documentary brings listeners deep inside the unforgettable story of MOVE, gaining unprecedented access to surviving MOVE members, elected officials from the era, eyewitnesses, and historians to create an indelible portrait of an American tragedy. Narrated and executive produced by Tariq Trotter, cofounder of The Roots and Philly native, MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy urges us to think about race, liberty, and whether there can ever be justice for all.

©2024 MACRO Media (P)2024 Audible Originals, LLC.
  • Original Recording Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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About the Creator and Performer

Co-Founder of The Roots, actor, writer, producer, and creator, Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought, has affirmed himself as one of the most prolific voices in hip-hop. Winner of four Grammy Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and having delivered numerous applauded albums with The Roots, Black Thought has also gone on to launch the production company Two One Five Entertainment with The Roots co-founder Questlove. They continue to be a mainstay of late-night television as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon while simultaneously working on many creative projects.
His solo career includes the acclaimed Streams of Thought series. The latest installment debuted in 2020. Lyrically dexterous and incisive, he encourages the game to move forward yet again.

About the Producer

Charles D. King casts the overall vision, mission, and strategic goals as founder and CEO of MACRO, a multi-platform media company representing the voice and perspectives of people of color. The company’s business verticals include MACRO Film Studios and MACRO Television Studios—that finance, develop and produce theatrical and streaming features and premium television, and Brand MACRO, an in-house branding and creative agency. MACRO also has a majority interest in the company’s joint venture co-founded by King—M88, a talent management firm; and an affiliated venture capital firm, MaC Venture Capital, where King is general partner. Formerly a partner/senior agent at William Morris Endeavor, King was the first Black partner in the company’s 100+ year history and the first Black partner at any major talent agency. King made history again in 2021, when the Best Picture Oscar nomination for Judas and the Black Messiah made King, Ryan Coogler, and Shaka King the first all-Black team of nominated producers for an Academy Award. The company’s film projects have garnered fifteen Oscar nominations and three wins. Its television projects have received nominations for a Peabody Award, two Primetime Emmys, and six Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. King is a dedicated philanthropist, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and The Television Academy, and sits on the boards for The Sundance Institute, College Track, and The American Cinematheque.

About the Producer

Aisha Corpas Wynn is an Emmy-nominated executive producer and multi-platform strategist with over 10 years of experience in development, production, business, and sales. She has produced multiple TV series, films, and podcasts for premium platforms. Notable credits include Roku’s 2023 Top 10 series The Next Black Millionaires; iHeart’s true crime podcast Shattering the System, and Showtime’s Emmy-nominated Supreme Team. Aisha has held leadership roles at MACRO and Big Ant Productions as well as founded two production companies, Four Henrys Productions and A Wynn Wynn Production, with hits such as VH1’s I’m Married to a..., and HBO’s After the Thrones for the worldwide phenomenon series Game of Thrones. She has also developed content for Fox, Disney, Amazon, Audible, and The NFL Podcast Network. Recently certified in Artificial Intelligence, Aisha actively explores the dynamics of AI in entertainment and business through her 2024 Webby Honoree technology podcast The AI Chicks.

About the Executive Producer

About the Executive Producer: Sean M. Butler
Sean M. Butler, a Hofstra University graduate, has over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began his career at Scott Rudin Productions, working on films such as No Country for Old Men, The Queen, and Shaft. While at Rudin, he worked with Paramount, Disney, and Sony Pictures. He continued at Harvey Weinstein's company, working in development and serving as one of Harvey’s assistants. Sean then transitioned to being a casting producer at MTV and worked in development at Nickelodeon. At ICM Partners, Sean was on teams representing Sofia Coppola, Boaz Yakin, Tomas Alfredson, Tomas Vinterberg, Sean Ellis, Liz Garbus, and Spike Lee. He later spent time at agencies like Paradigm in the television department. In 2020, he, alongside MACRO, sold The Move to Audible. In 2018, he co-founded Cultivate Entertainment Partners, focusing on diverse voices. He has represented actors in series such as The Chi, BMF, and Westworld. Sean co-created the Showtime series All the Smoke and produced Dead Places and Snap (AMC+). Currently, he is collaborating with MACRO on The Move podcast and developing the film Killer Bee with Confluential Films. Sean studied New Media at The New School, has been an NYU Purple List judge for three years, and is a newly appointed judge for this year's Austin Film Festival.
About the Executive Producer: Patrick Strøm
Patrick Strøm is an eminent Norwegian entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Cultivate Entertainment Partners, a full-service production and management company. Strøm has made his mark as an executive producer with critically acclaimed series such as Dead Places on Netflix and AMC+, Snap on AMC+, and co-created All the Smoke on Showtime. Bringing more than two decades of rich experience in the entertainment and television industry, Strøm has expertly directed and produced over 1,500 hours of television content across a diverse range of locales, including Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, Sweden, Spain, Hong Kong, Macau, the USA, and Norway. In 2016, Patrick was instrumental in taking the first-ever film company public on the Oslo Stock Exchange, showcasing his innovative vision and leadership in the industry. His adept leadership skills were honed through his distinguished service as an Officer and Platoon Leader in the Norwegian Armed Forces, a position he assumed after graduating from the Norwegian Military Academy. Beyond his extensive career in entertainment, Patrick has also excelled as the charismatic host of Quiz Show, captivating audiences in over 500 episodes and showcasing his dynamic presence in the world of television.

About the Executive Producers

About the Producer: Kevin ArbouetKevin Arbouet is a writer, director, and producer whose career has been about expanding the idea of what diversity in filmmaking really means. Formerly the vice president of Lee Daniels Entertainment and as a Black and Latino writer/director with a penchant for classic storytelling, he was listed as Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch by MovieMaker Magazine and loves to defy stereotyped Expectations. Kevin directed Toxic Harmony for Fox Studios debuting in the fall of 2024. Previously, he directed Gridiron Grind for Fox Studios, which was voted one of the best movies of 2023 by IMDB. Additionally, Kevin is directing and co-writing Cash Money with screenwriter Terry Rossio, which is executive produced by Dr. Bernice A King. And finally, Kevin was the director for "Icelandic Glacial," a Super Bowl commercial which was featured in People magazine.
About the producerCurtis Bryant
Curtis Bryant, originally from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, made a bold move to Los Angeles in 2015. That year, his debut script, Deuces, was produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit and distributed on Netflix. In 2020, Curtis signed a development deal with MACRO to create and produce a series centered around the MOVE Family, a black liberation group unjustly treated in Philadelphia during the 1970s and ’80s. The project will begin with a true crime documentary-style podcast, leading to a limited series. In 2021, Curtis wrote and produced the indie holiday film A Holiday Chance, which was distributed in theaters and later available on BET Plus. Curtis Bryant continues to demonstrate his storytelling prowess and versatility, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

About the Producer

About the Producer Ramona Africa
Ramona Africa is the only adult survivor of the May 13, 1985, bombing of MOVE by the city of Philadelphia, which killed six adults and five children. Following years of strife between city officials and MOVE members, which culminated in the bombing, Ramona was arrested and convicted of riot and conspiracy. She served seven years in jail. In 1996, she sued the city and was awarded a settlement. In 2020, thirty-five years after the bombing, the Philadelphia City Council formally apologized for the bombing.
About the producer: Cortez Johnson
Cortez Johnson is a published author, screenwriter, and Philadelphia native who’s also known as Tez The Writer! His novel Caught in the Life, which was released in 2015, has put the world on notice about his ability to write and entertain! In 2024 he released his highly anticipated feature The Probe through his production company TTW Productions, which is currently being adapted into a series! Cortez is a writer and co-producer with MACRO Studios, Audible Studios, Cultivate Entertainment, and Tariq Trotter on a scripted podcast telling one of Philadelphia’s most horrific stories!

What listeners say about MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy

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Excellent Overview of Historical Event

When history is told by the 'Victors,' history becomes subjective, one-sided, and inaccurate. It's great to be exposed to history from ALL perspectives. Thank you for the first-hand accounts from people directly affected.

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This Is Absolutely A Story About Racism

I really enjoyed this story as I’m a history buff and didn’t know this. I just want to say that regardless of the fact that black people complained about the MOVE people doesn’t make it less about racism. After all, indoctrinated and brainwashed black people assisted slave catchers and slave drivers as well. The fact that they destroyed an entire black neighborhood with very little regard, even though those people were on the government’s side and tried to adhere to white respectability politics, proves even further that this was 100 percent about racism. So please understand that. The only flaw in the book is I would have liked a little more insight as to what the actual complaints were from the neighbors and what exactly was taught that had everyone so upset.

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Knowing the truth is mind blowing !

This is a great story and it kept me engaged the entire time. I lived in philly when happened and knew what really happened other than what was told on TV. It kinda like faded away and nobody talked about it although we all knew about it. Crazy right! I love the fact some are alive to tell their side regarding what really happened, This is history for the City of Philadelphia.

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Yet another historical event I was not aware of.

The voices, audio clips and sound effects used in telling this story basically takes you to the scene as a spectator. Immediately did a search and found there is a movie available to watch also. Very informative.... Truly very tragic.

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Wow

Loved it i was engaged the whole book and the Information was unforgettable… do i need to say anymore.

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Captivating Storytelling

Growing up in Philly, I’ve heard about the MOVE bombing and the devastation it caused in our city. I’ve read articles and listened to my elders. This docu-series provided insight from multiple angles and gave the complete truth on this historical tragedy. I enjoyed listening and learning. This is a MUST LISTEN!

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On the edge of my seat the whole way through

The narration is great! Many parts made me laugh, cry, and scream at the characters!

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Well done!

I remember when this happened… Now I know much more of the story and I really liked how they told it. It was a very objective work. And yeah, it was full of the passion that was part of the move family. And I like the summary about the consequences and how things can change Overtime and become something that was not to be but it is. And I think it’s also about community not a racial aspect but a respect and dignity aspect for one another. The neighbors, the closest members of the community to the family, had issues and they were never addressed in the story. I would like to know about that.

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Brace yourself

For the person who wants to know about a series of events and an organization not included in mainstream Black History lessons, this is a necessary, difficult and oh-too-believable listen. Move, despite the horrors described in this work, continues to spread a message of conscious living. We have MLK and Malcolm X but nobody knows about John Africa. Here's where you can learn about another brother who spoke a message all of humanity can benefit from. Of course, he was resisted and killed for it but his message continues. The story is enraging and sadly unsurprising and resonant with current events but as I said, it is a necessary piece of our history for us to know. Teenagers and adults are best suited for this read. Lots of discussion will ensure. I'd teach it in high school or college or with advanced middle school readers. Allow time to process the events and keep open for discussions. Humanity is not kind to each other. This story showcases the depth of our depravity while it clearly displays our ability to do better and not cause more harm.

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This historical account

This documentary is a recording of a little known account of a broke system. By listening to this, you learn about love and forgiveness, persecution and hatred. It’s hard to fathom the pain and destruction allowed in this democratic society through police brutality. History continues to repeat itself.

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