Throwback Thursday is a social media content hook usually reserved for nostalgia posts. I have decided to utilize it for this Substack as another feature, alongside 'This Day in MOVE History' — a way to share MOVE research with photos, dates, and context that counters myths with facts.
So to kick it off the MOVE TBT feature, I am going to take you to Clark Park in West Philadelphia - MOVE’s park for 30 years.
MOVE has always understood the power of an image—and the power of controlling it. They stage locations, handpick interviewers, and never let a camera near them unless they’re sure they can shape the narrative. For three decades, MOVE has led camera crews to Clark Park because it is just down the street from their headquarters on Kingsessing Avenue.
I obtained a photo of MOVE in Clark Park doing an interview shortly after leader Alberta purchased their Kingsessing twin Victorian headquarters for all cash - which came from the $2.5 million settlement paid to MOVE by the City of Philadelphia for the death of the children in 1985.
Based on the fashion, the camera gear, and the post-fall trees and grass, I am dating this photo as November 1992.
I can’t confirm whether this video crew was from Philadelphia or abroad, but I am guessing they were an indie documentary team or film students, very friendly to MOVE’s press goals.
Seated on the park bench for the interview:
Pam Africa (formerly Jeanette Knighton), recently back in Philadelphia and heading up International Concerned Friends and Family of Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Sue LeVino (aka Sue Africa, aka Ria), freshly out of prison with no parole restrictions—having served her full 12-year sentence by choice so she could remain a MOVE member, be released without any parole restrictions so that she can become Alberta’s #2.
Gloria Cheeks—a name MOVE has never wanted the public to know. She joined after 1978, was present at Mumia’s 1982 trial, and took part in “activities” on Osage Avenue right up until May 12, 1985.
Sue was likely talking to this video crew about her recent release from Muncy Prison and the death of her 9-year-old son, Tomaso, on May 13, 1985, while she was incarcerated.
After the interview, Pam, Sue, and Gloria would have walked back up to MOVE headquarters to recap with leader Alberta —and possibly Alberta’s 24-year-old MOVE member husband, John Gilbride.
Six years after this photo was taken, in 1998, John Gilbride would escape MOVE, file for divorce, and seek shared custody of his son with Alberta.
Four years after that, in 2002, John Gilbride would be murdered.
Fourteen years after that, in 2016, Gloria Cheeks would die, and Mumia Abu Jamal, recorded a memorial tribute to her for Prison Radio (just like he did for MOVE member Michael Jones aka Abdul).
📢 If you recognize the video crew, I’d be interested in speaking with them and seeing the footage. You can reach me via free subscriber direct chat or podcast email: murderatryansrun@gmail.com.
I love 90's MOVE! Sue's rocking that hipster lumberjack look decades before it hit Bushwick. I can't remember the last time I've seen her in any interviews, i.e. Scars podcast, etc. Maybe she's doing a social media fast? TIL about Gloria Cheeks. Why don't they want us to know about her?