The MOVE Bombing
1985 Philadelphia MOVE Bombing | Black History, State Power & Civil Rights Educational Workbook
On May 13, 1985, Philadelphia police dropped an explosive device on a rowhouse occupied by members of MOVE, a Black-led organization whose longstanding conflict with city authorities had escalated into a violent confrontation. The resulting fire killed 11 people, including five children, and destroyed 61 homes in a predominantly Black residential neighborhood.
The MOVE bombing remains one of the most disturbing examples of government violence against civilians in modern American history. Understanding what happened requires examining the events leading up to the bombing, the decisions made by public officials, the role of law enforcement, and the narratives that shaped public understanding of the tragedy.
The MOVE Bombing Educational Guide is a 19-page digital workbook that examines this history through historical context, chronological analysis, and critical-thinking activities. Rather than focusing exclusively on the events of May 13, the guide encourages readers to investigate how institutional authority operates, how government actions are justified, and why certain events receive limited attention in mainstream historical education.
What's Inside
This educational workbook includes:
Understanding MOVE: Historical background on the organization, its beliefs, its relationship with Philadelphia authorities, and the conflicts preceding the bombing.
Timeline of Events: A chronological examination of the decisions, confrontations, and actions that culminated in the May 13, 1985 bombing.
Government Power and Accountability: An exploration of the responsibilities of public officials, law enforcement decisions, and the consequences for Philadelphia residents.
Media Framing and Public Narratives: Activities examining how language, reporting, and institutional perspectives influence public understanding of controversial events.
Historical Pattern Recognition: A structured analytical framework for evaluating government authority, escalation, institutional responses, and public accountability.
Critical-Thinking and Discussion Questions: Guided prompts encouraging readers to examine historical evidence, consider competing narratives, and develop informed conclusions.
Real-World Application Activities: Exercises connecting historical analysis to broader questions about civil liberties, public policy, and institutional decision-making.
Who Is This Workbook For?
This resource is designed for high school and college students, homeschool educators, classroom teachers, independent learners, book clubs, and community discussion groups interested in Black history, American government, civil rights, and institutional accountability.
The material addresses violence, death, and the destruction of a residential community. Educators and caregivers should review the content before using it with younger students.
What You'll Learn
Readers will develop a deeper understanding of the MOVE organization, the historical circumstances surrounding the 1985 bombing, and the decisions that contributed to its devastating consequences.
Through guided activities and historical analysis, learners will practice evaluating institutional responsibility, recognizing how public narratives influence historical memory, and examining the relationship between government authority and civil liberties.
The workbook also introduces analytical tools that can be applied to other historical events, supporting continued research, classroom discussions, and informed civic learning.
Product Details
Format: Digital PDF download
Length: 19 pages
Delivery: Instant digital download
Use: Printable and suitable for digital reading
Subject Areas: Black History, U.S. History, Civil Rights, Civics, Government Accountability, and Media Literacy
Learning Format: Classroom instruction, homeschool, independent study, or group discussion
Publisher: Smart Brown Girl
Please Note: This is a digital educational product. No physical item will be shipped.
Important Content Information
This workbook examines a documented historical tragedy involving government violence, fatalities, and the destruction of homes. It is intended to encourage thoughtful, evidence-based discussion and critical historical analysis. The material does not minimize the experiences of victims or the broader impact on the surrounding community.
About Smart Brown Girl
Smart Brown Girl creates research-based educational resources exploring Black history, American institutions, civic literacy, and the historical decisions that continue to shape society. Our work helps learners examine historical evidence, recognize recurring patterns, and develop a more informed understanding of the relationship between history and the present.
Study the history of the 1985 MOVE bombing and explore the questions of government power, accountability, and historical memory that continue to surround it.
