Africa, a minister of communication of the MOVE Organization, was the sole adult survivor of the bombing. Five children and six other adults were killed, and about 62 Philadelphia homes were destroyed as the fire spread.
Africa spoke to the crowd about what MOVE hoped to accomplish.
"The MOVE Organization will side with what is right every time, and to hell with what is legal," Africa said, adding that she felt the MOVE Organization was bombed because they had told the truth about sensitive issues. "Anybody who can do something like that has got to be stopped," she said.
Africa said the bombing did not stop MOVE at all.
"The only thing threatening to MOVE Organization is the thought of losing the fire and energy to make things right," she said. Audience members called out encouragement.
Africa went on to say that the government had double standards when it came to many issues, such as freedom of speech. She said people were foolish when they thought that they could turn to the government for help when it came to situations like the MOVE Organization bombing and Mumia Abu-Jamal's case.
"Don't expect your oppressor to tell you how to stop the oppression," Africa said. "You can't let your enemy dictate your procedure or you've lost before you even started."
Toward the end of her speech, Africa talked about Abu-Jamal and other prisoners.
"They are determined to kill Mumia," Africa said. "The man is innocent. There is overwhelming proof that he is innocent."
Africa reminded listeners that while groups were using typical legal processes to get Abu-Jamal freed, she had little faith in such methods.
"The court system isn't going to save Mumia," she said. "People demanding justice will bring Mumia home."
Above all, Africa said, individuals were the most important things to defend.
"I'm not telling you to fight for MOVE," she said. "I'm telling you to fight for your own damn self."
Audience members had come to see Africa for many different reasons. Many were directly interested in her and in MOVE's work.
"It was Africa herself who brought me out tonight," said Angelo Lo Piccolo (freshman-business administration). "I did a report about her in high school so I was aware of the movement."
Abu-Jamal and anti-death penalty movements had brought others out despite the snow.
"It was hearing Mumia's name that made me want to come," said Aria Galletti (senior-media studies).
Audience members were reminded of the graveness of the situation as Africa closed her speech.
"This ain't no game," Africa said. "People better wake up. Ain't nobody immune."
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