Decades on, Delbert Africa’s surrender still provides powerful image of US racism and Black victimhood

Delbert Africa surrenders to Philadelphia police shortly before they brutally arrest him. Jim Domke/Philadelphia Inquirer by Nicole Maurantonio, University of Richmond Forty-six years ago, on Aug. 8, 1978, Philadelphia police surrounded the house occupied by the controversial MOVE organization in Powelton Village with the intent to evict the predominantly Black group. The result was a shootout that left police Officer James Ramp dead and 18 people wounded. During the deadly confrontation, MOVE spokesman Delbert Africa was dragged, beaten and kicked by three White police officers. Just prior to the violent attack, Philadelphia Inquirer photographer Jim Domke captured a photograph of the MOVE member. His arms were outstretched as he attempted to surrender. Africa served 42 years for the murder of Ramp and was released from prison in January 2020. He died six months later. He was 74 years old. With the exception of news reports of Africa’s release from prison and subsequent death, Domke’s photograph has largely been sidelined to a mere footnote in American history. A controversial group Described in the media alternately as a “back-to-nature” group and a “terrorist” cult, MOVE defied simple explanation. Members of the group all assumed the last name Africa. They eschewed modern technology,...