This preface is from me, Kevin Price: In the late 90s and early 2000s, the leadership of MOVE turned all of their force on the Gilbride family in order to intimidate Alberta Africa's ex-husband, John into abandoning his effort to gain custody of his son, Zack. As more people who were born into MOVE are coming forward to speak about the abuse that they have suffered the righteousness of John's fight becomes more clear. John and the Gilbride family were victims of an unimaginable campaign of harassment, which unfortunately I and many other MOVE and Mumia supporters took part in. MOVE members and supporters (myself included) put hundreds of fliers in every mailbox in their neighborhood making some very serious and false claims. The Gilbride family was subject to having dozens of MOVE supporters picket the entrance to their neighborhood claiming they were the worst types of people you can imagine. John was harassed at work and there were multiple phone campaigns to have him fired from his job at US Air. John was followed by MOVE members, and his own apartment complex was similarly fliered one week before he was murdered. On September 26th, 2002 he pulled into the parking spot in front of his apartment in Maple Shade, New Jersey, and was shot multiple times in the head and chest. He was murdered one night before a court-ordered unsupervised visit with his son.
Many who were around supporting MOVE at that time may have already been prejudiced against the Gilbride family. You were likely told that John was a government agent sent into MOVE to destroy the Organization and thus to harm the movement for Mumia. As more is coming to light about the realities of life inside MOVE please try to read this statement from the Gilbride family with an open mind and an open heart. Thank you.
A Statement from the Gilbride Family
As a family, we are happy to see the positive response to Beth and Kevin’s efforts in the fight to gain justice for John. We also admire the courage of Whit, Josh, and Pixie in coming forward and speaking on the podcast and telling their story while also being able to give John a voice. We want you to know that we support you to the fullest, and we encourage any others in your position to come forward and reach out to Beth and Kevin to tell your story and to get the support you need to move forward. Our goal continues to be seeking justice for John and to encourage anyone with knowledge regarding the murder to please come forward and help us continue the fight for justice for John.
Thank You,
The Gilbride Family
John Gilbride with his son, Zack
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