The disclosure that the remains of children who were victims of the 1985 MOVE bombing in Philadelphia were being used for research at the Penn Museum is fueling the demands of satisfactory answers from family members and supporters of the anti-government group.
As reported by 6 ABC Action News, hundreds of supporters gathered Wednesday outside the museum to demand answers for this event that has reopened a bitter memory.
Family members are requesting answers after the remains of children killed during the 1985 bombing in Philadelphia reportedly cannot be located.
Almost 36 years after the city’s bombing of the MOVE headquarters on Osage Avenue, which left 11 people killed, it has been revealed that the remains of 14-year-old Tree Africa and her 12-year-old sister Delisha, were being used as material for research and teaching at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Museum.
Pamela Africa, who is the head of International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal pointed out an intentional motivation in the situation. “This was intentional, it was deliberate and we are not accepting it,” she said.
“It is impossible to call these monsters people or women or men because they are monsters,” said Mike Africa, Jr.
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Meanwhile, Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber says he’s “concerned” over reports that the remains were used for instruction on campus.
“I have accordingly authorized a fact-finding effort, to be conducted by outside counsel, to help us gain a complete understanding of the scope and nature of Princeton’s role in the handling of the remains and related issues.”
University apologies
“The University will share its findings and use them to help shape the steps we can take moving forward for our community,” added Eisgruber.
The University of Pennsylvania, who also hired outside counsel, issued a statement apologizing to the Africa family and community members for “allowing human remains recovered from the MOVE house to be used for research and teaching.”
However, But Pamela Africa says no one from the universities has talked to them. “What kind of apology is that? Talk to us, we’re here,” she said.
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