There are three legal mechanisms for Edward’s release:
Option #1: Parole
Process:
- Parole hearing scheduled (typically every 1-2 years)
- Edward appears before board
- Board reviews case, hears testimony
- Board votes to grant or deny parole
Why This Hasn’t Worked:
- 10+ denials already
- Board cites “lack of remorse” and “MOVE affiliation”
- Political pressure from police unions
- No indication board will change position
Next Hearing: 2026
Likelihood: Low, unless political pressure changes
Option #2: Compassionate Release
Process:
- Prison medical staff petition for release based on age/health
- Secretary of Corrections reviews
- Can recommend release to parole board
- Board makes final decision
Why This Hasn’t Worked:
- Requires prison medical staff to advocate (they haven’t)
- Still goes through parole board (same political pressure)
- Rarely granted in Pennsylvania
Likelihood: Low, unless sustained advocacy
Option #3: Gubernatorial Clemency
Process:
- Governor can commute sentence or grant pardon
- Requires petition from Edward or advocates
- Governor has absolute discretion
- No legal requirement to explain decision
Types of Clemency:
- Commutation: Reduce sentence (e.g., to time served)
- Pardon: Forgive conviction entirely
Current Governor: Josh Shapiro (Democrat, elected 2023)
Why This Could Work:
- Doesn’t require parole board approval
- Single decision-maker with political cover
- Can act based on mercy/justice, not just “rehabilitation”
- Shapiro has granted clemency in other cases
Likelihood: Moderate, if sufficient public pressure
What You Can Do
Edward Africa is 72 years old. He’s been in prison 47 years. He may not have much time left.
If you believe 47 years is enough, if you believe elderly sick inmates deserve mercy, if you believe the system should prioritize humanity over politics—there are actions you can take.
Contact Pennsylvania Officials
Governor Josh Shapiro:
- Phone: (717) 787-2500
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Office of the Governor, 508 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120
- Message: “I urge you to grant clemency to Edward Goodman Africa. He’s 72, has served 47 years for third-degree murder, and meets all criteria for compassionate release. Please let him die free.”
Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole:
- Phone: (717) 787-5699
- Email: [email protected]
- Message: “I urge you to grant parole to Edward Goodman Africa at his next hearing. He’s 72, has served 47 years, and poses no public safety risk.”
Your State Representative/Senator:
- Find yours at: www.legis.state.pa.us
- Ask them to advocate for Edward’s release
Support Organizations Working on This
MOVE Organization:
- Website: www.onamove.com
- Working directly on Edward’s release
Decarcerate PA:
- Advocates for ending mass incarceration in Pennsylvania
- Includes Edward’s case in campaigns
Human Rights Coalition:
- Prison advocacy organization
- Supports MOVE 9 release efforts
Share Edward’s Story
- Social media campaigns using #FreeEdwardAfrica
- Write letters to editors of Pennsylvania newspapers
- Contact journalists covering criminal justice
- Educate others about excessive sentencing
Attend Parole Hearings (If Possible)
- Next hearing: 2026 (exact date TBD)
- Public can attend and testify
- Shows parole board there’s support for release