Title
Formally apologizing on behalf of the Council of the City of Philadelphia for the decisions and events preceding and leading to the devastation that occurred on May 13, 1985, and establishing an annual day of observation, reflection and recommitment on May 13th, in the spirit of moving forward, reconciliation, justice, and harmony for all people of the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia acknowledges the immeasurable and enduring harm caused to citizens across our City, region and country as a result of officially sanctioned actions by the City of Philadelphia at 6221 Osage Avenue on May 13, 1985; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia acknowledges recklessness in communication, negotiation and conflict resolution management on the part of City of Philadelphia officials in crucial matters related to the MOVE Family, their neighbors, friends and the first responders leading up to, on the date of, and following the tragic events on May 13, 1985 in the 6200 block of Osage Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The leadership of the City of Philadelphia failed to use the best judgment and strategies to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering to the MOVE Family, their neighbors, friends and first responders; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia is committed to not supporting the use of excessive force against the citizens of Philadelphia that mirrors the force used at 6221 Osage Avenue on May 13, 1985; and
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia acknowledges the enduring pain caused by the unfortunate and unnecessary eleven deaths of five children and six adults:
* Netta Africa, age 12,
* Tree Africa, age 14,
* Phil Africa, age 11,
* Delisha Africa, age 12,
* Tomaso Africa, age 9,
* John Africa,
* Conrad Africa,
* Raymond Africa,
* Frank Africa,
* Rhonda Africa, and
* Theresa Africa,
on May 13, 1985 at 6221 Osage Avenue; and
WHEREAS The Council of the City of Philadelphia acknowl...
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