MOVE (Organization), bulk: 1975 - 1985

MOVE is a communal organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that emphasizes Black power and the rights of African Americans while advocating for a back-to-nature lifestyle. It was founded in 1972 by John Africa (born Vincent Leaphart). MOVE has clashed with the Philadelphia Police Department many times over its history, and is known for two major incidents that resulted in the deaths of police and MOVE members. In 1978, police blocaded the street in the Powelton neighborhood of West Philadelphia where MOVE members lived, leading to a deadly standoff. In 1985, a police helicopter dropped two bombs onto the roof of the MOVE compound at 6221 Osage Avenue. MOVE survivors filed a civil suit against the City of Philadelphia and the PPD and were awarded $1.5 million in a 1996 settlement.

Quakers, particularly the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Friends Peace Committee, have had multiple contacts with MOVE over time. In particular, following the police blockade of MOVE in the spring of 1978, the Friendly Presence Working Group asked Yearly Meeting to be further empowered to organize a set of initiatives regarding the impasse. Their proposals included a vigil outside of the blockade and consultation with community groups.