News
Michael Ward (Birdie Africa): The lone child survivor of the 1985 MOVE bombing, Dies at 41
Michael Ward, known as Birdie Africa when he survived the 1985 MOVE bombings in Philadelphia, died Friday Sept. 20th abroad a cruise ship, officials say.
Michael Ward, known as Birdie Africa when he survived the 1985 MOVE bombings in Philadelphia, has died Friday Sept. 20th abroad a cruise ship, officials say. He was 41.
Passing details of Michael Ward
Ward was found unconscious in a hot tub on the Carnival Dream. His death appeared to be an accidental drowing, however toxicology reports will take about six weeks said Craig Engleson, who is an investigator from the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Ward’s father said they were vacationing with relatives for various family celebrations. The cruise had made stops in Mexico, Belize, and the Dominican Republic.
MOVE Bombing
Here’s some history for those who do not know about the MOVE bombing. The MOVE bombing took place in 1985 in Philadelphia. After a day long confrontation with MOVE members, police dropped several explosives on the group’s fortified row houses in West Philadelphia.
The explosives sparked a blaze which the city allowed to burn. Michael Ward was the only child survivor, and Ramona Africa the only adult. His mother Rhonda Africa, was among those killed.
The picture of Michael Ward (Birdie Africa), a 13-year-old severely burned boy being removed to safety became an iconic picture and symbol of what happened during the MOVE bombings for nearly 30 years.
The horrific event left Ward with lifelong scars on the arms, abdomen, and face and the reputation that Philadelphia bombed its own people.
He had no contact with MOVE from then on.
Michael Ward was born on Dec. 19, 1971, to Rhonda Cheryl Harris and Andino Ward, who had been together since they were teens and had recently married in a Baptist ceremony in Nicetown. The couple, who shared a passion for civil rights, named him Olewolffe (Arabic for “prince”) Momer Puim Ward.
He became Birdie Africa two years later, after his parents had separated and his mother had joined MOVE, taken on a new surname, and moved into the compound at 6221 Osage.
Source : Philly.com
News
5-year-old helps save his family from house fire
5-year-old Juwan Perry Jr. is being held a hero after saving his family from a house fire. Juwan’s mom says if it wasn’t for her son they likely wouldn’t have survived.
5-year-old Juwan Perry Jr is being held a hero after alerting his mother to a house fire, saving his family lives.
5-year-old saves family
On Apr. 5th around 4:40 am, Juwan woke up to the smell of smoke in his home in Warren, Michigan.
He said he saw flames and called for his mother.
His screams came just in time, and his mom Brittany was able to get all seven of the children in the home outside to safety.
Juwan’s mom says if it wasn’t for her son they likely wouldn’t have survived.
As for Juwan, he told WXYZ-TV his motivation for helping save his family despite the fear. “Because I love everybody,” he said.
The Warren Fire Department got the fire under control but the home is a total loss.
To help in recovering from this devastating loss, a GoFundMe has been launched to support them during this challenging time.
News
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes northeastern United States
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake in Lebanon, New Jersey shook the northeastern United States on Friday morning.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake shook the northeastern United States on Friday morning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 4.8-magnitude earthquake was detected near Lebanon, New Jersey, at 10:23 a.m. Friday.
The earthquake was felt in New Hampshire down to Maryland.
According to the Richter scale, which is used to measure earthquake magnitude, they considered the event a “light” earthquake. Still, the geological survey posted on X that it was “notable.” They went on further to say earthquakes are “uncommon but not unheard of along the Atlantic Coast”.
It’s not yet clear if anyone was hurt in Friday’s quake.
News
9-year-old cancer survivor killed in tragic school bus accident
A family is in mourning after a 9-year-old cancer survivor was tragically killed in an accident in Orlando.
A family is in mourning after a 9-year-old cancer survivor was tragically killed in an accident in Orlando, Florida.
9-year-old cancer survivor tragically killed
Elyas Amyr Marshall-Rodriguez got off the bus Tuesday afternoon and, as he was walking away from the bus, he dropped his football when he crawled under the bus to get it and the vehicle began moving.
Marshall-Rodriguez was in remission for leukemia when he was killed on Tuesday after being diagnosed at 2-years-old, according to his family who spoke at his vigil.
He loved life
“He was the life of the party,” said Trenae Gayle, Marshall-Rodriguez’ cousin. “He loved football; he loved basketball. He loved all sports.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and the investigation is currently ongoing.
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