A look at MOVE: Revolutionaries or destructive cult? Part 1
This episode concludes our investigation into MOVE by examining the tragic murder of John Gilbride and the organization's systematic abuse of power. Gilbride was a former Reagan youth who became deeply involved with MOVE leader Alberta Africa after witnessing the 1985 bombing as a teenager. He eventually left the organization and fought for custody of their son, but faced an extensive harassment campaign from MOVE. On September 27, 2002—just one day before his scheduled court-ordered visitation—Gilbride was shot to death in what authorities dismissively classified as a "robbery gone wrong" despite clear motive and no evidence of theft. The episode also reveals MOVE's financial empire, showing how Alberta Africa controlled approximately $5 million in bombing settlement funds meant for victims while exploiting members who worked grueling hours.
The investigation exposes the brutal realities of life inside MOVE, including systematic child abuse, psychological torture through "meetings" designed to break members' personalities, and a rigid hierarchy that reduced most members to servants. The story culminates with the courageous 2021 escape of survivors like June "Pixie" Africa—forced into marriage and childbearing at age 12—and former supporter Kevin Price. Their coordinated public exposure through blogs and media coverage finally revealed the truth about MOVE's decades-long deception. Through interviews with these brave survivors and producer Beth McNamara's investigation, the episode demonstrates how MOVE successfully exploited legitimate grievances about police brutality to mask their true nature, offering crucial lessons about the dangers of prioritizing ideological solidarity over human welfare.
For more information, check out Kevin Price's Leaving MOVE 2021 blog: https://leavingmove2021.blogspot.com/
Be sure to listen to the Murder at Ryan’s Run podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murder-at-ryans-run-exposing-the-cult-of-john-africa/id1561552064