Biography
Janet Holloway Africa joined MOVE in the 1970s and became part of the group’s public-facing activism in Philadelphia, where MOVE’s “back-to-nature” communal politics—combined with outspoken resistance to police and other government authority—repeatedly drew intense conflict with officials. In later decades, she was also publicly identified with the broader campaign (by MOVE and supporters) to challenge the convictions and seek parole for imprisoned MOVE members.
Her arrest stems from the Aug. 8, 1978 confrontation at MOVE’s Powelton Village compound, which ended with the death of Officer Ramp; Holloway Africa and eight other MOVE members were convicted of third-degree murder and sentenced to decades in prison. After more than 40 years incarcerated, she was granted parole and released on May 25, 2019.
