BIRDIE AFRICA, SURVIVOR (1985)

MICHAEL MOSES WARD (1986-2013)

Michael Moses Ward, formerly known as Birdie Africa, one of two survivors of the 1985 MOVE bombing in Philadelphia, died Sept. 20 [2013] aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean, officials said. He was 41.

Michael Ward was born Dec. 19, 1971. His original name was Olewolffe (Arabic for Prince) Ward. He became Birdie Africa after his parents split up and his mother joined MOVE. It was only after the disaster, when he went to live with his father in 1986, that he became Michael Moses Ward. 

Source: Obituaries, Washington Post 9/27/13