Penn Museum Finds MOVE Bombing Victim's Remains

The Penn Museum has disclosed the discovery of additional human remains from the 1985 MOVE bombing, specifically those of 12-year-old Delisha Africa, during a comprehensive inventory of their Biological Anthropology Section. This revelation comes years after the museum initially returned known remains to the Africa family, highlighting ongoing issues of institutional accountability and ethical standards in handling sensitive historical artifacts. The MOVE bombing, executed by Philadelphia police, resulted in the deaths of 11 members of the Black liberation group, including children, and remains a significant and controversial event in Philadelphia's history. The museum has committed to transparency and collaboration with the Africa family and the community to address the mishandling of these remains, which were previously used for educational purposes without consent. This development adds another chapter to the complex history of the MOVE tragedy, underscoring the need for continual reassessment of ethical practices in museums. Former Health Commissioner Thomas Farley's 2020 resignation over the improper handling of MOVE remains further accentuates the systematic failures in respecting the victims and their families.