Philadelphia history and the resistance of Black political prisoners

The observance of Black August highlights the history of Black political prisoners, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked experiences of Black women.

In Philadelphia, the history of Black political struggle is deeply tied to the era of former police commissioner Frank Rizzo, whose administration was marked by the targeting of Black neighborhoods. Notable figures in this struggle include journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal and activist Ramona Africa. Africa was a member of the MOVE family, a communal group that resisted state intervention. The group faced significant state action following a 1978 police siege of their Powelton Village home, an event that resulted in the death of a police officer during a shootout.