Debbie Africa
Debbie Africa has been a MOVE member for almost 50 years. In 1978 she was separated from her husband and 2-year-old baby girl. She was 8 months pregnant at the time and gave birth to her son in prison. In 2018 Debbie was reunited with her husband and children after 40 years of separation. Debbie spent her time over the years involved in teaching, gardening, and puppy raising, Since being released, Debbie does public speaking and is working with the Seed of Wisdom foundation to give children physical activity and historical awareness. The SOW Foundation is directed by Mike Africa Jr. Debbie is now interested in filming her story with Mike Africa Sr. who also did 40 years.
Awarded Grants
2020
Art and Change Grant (ACG)
Related grantees
Overview
Debbie will create a short documentary film that gives a personal account of the 1978 confrontation between Move and Philadelphia officials. In this short film, the first two members of the Move 9 released after serving 40-years of their 30 to 100-year sentences, Debbie and Michael Davis Sr. also known as Debbie and Mike Africa share their truth about the MOVE legacy.
