Target: Philadelphia

Target: Philadelphia is a thought-provoking documentary from 2019 directed by Sean Slater. The film features interviews and appearances from notable figures such as Jannie Blackwell, Mike Africa Jr., and Ramona Africa to name a few. The documentary shines a light on an often overlooked episode in American history, offering a deep dive into the events leading up to a devastating bombing orchestrated by the city's law enforcement over 35 years ago. It is a gritty and often emotionally harrowing exploration of collective memory, social platforms, and power imbalances.

Target: Philadelphia begins by establishing the socio-political climate of the era. With the civil rights movement at its high and racial tensions escalating, a new organization was born: MOVE, a black liberation group that championed for animal rights, environmental protection, and societal revolution, constantly clashing with law enforcement. The documentary paints a vivid picture of the heated confrontations, escalating tension, and tragically violent culmination of this conflict.

Following Mike Africa Jr., one of the survivors and also the son of the group's members, we delve into the narrative of the MOVE group. With unique access to his perspective, the documentary exposes the raw story behind a family torn apart by a catastrophic clash between MOVE and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Jannie Blackwell, a former Philadelphia City Councilwoman, adds another perspective to the story of MOVE, providing a viewpoint from within the political circles of Philadelphia during the events. Her candid insights enable audiences to grasp a sense of the turmoil and political pressure that marked that era.

Since the infamous bombing incident, Philadelphia has tried in many ways to reconcile its collective conscience. However, the scars left behind are deep, as the documentary vividly showcases. As the story unfolds, the viewers are led on an emotional journey that demands them to question the justification of any authority that resorts to such drastic measures against its citizens.

The documentary does not shy away from revealing the racial and socio-economic disparities present in the city of Philadelphia during that time. It investigates the corruption within the local law enforcement during the period of the late 20th century. Moreover, it also probes into the state's challenging relationship with its African-American communities, exploring how the effects of racial prejudice and institutionalized racism have continued to dictate the living conditions of black residents.

The narrative is driven by a sympathetic portrayal of the members of the MOVE organization, offering first-hand testimonies from several survivors and supporters of the group. Through spellbinding archival footage intertwined with thoughtful commentary from professors, lawyers, activists, and journalists, the documentary paints a broad image of the systemic inequality that led to such a tragic event.

Target: Philadelphia is an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the MOVE bombing incident, the racial tensions of late 20th-century America, and the lengths to which authoritative powers can go to silence dissension. It promotes discourse about the role of law enforcement, the lasting effects of systemic racism, and the importance of remembering and learning from history.

The documentary raises many overdue discussions about unchecked state power and racial prejudice. Through its meticulous examination of the MOVE bombing incident, Target: Philadelphia is a testament to the power of memory and the importance of illuminating obscured narratives.

While it recounts a deeply unsettling instance of brutality carried out by those meant to enforce safety, the film serves not as an attempt to answer the many questions arising from the incident but to start conversations around it. Ultimately, Target: Philadelphia imparts a significant story that serves as a lesson of our past, a sobering reflection of the present, and a warning for the future. It serves as a reminder that history, no matter how disturbing, should not be forgotten but instead studied, understood, and learned from to avoid repetition.