Description: Mayor Kevin White honors seven distinguished Bostonians at a gala reception at the Parkman House. Women's rights advocate Florence Luscombe, community activist Melnea Cass, former senator and governor Leverett Saltonstall, former senator and ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, theater critic Elliot Norton, historian Walter Muir Whitehill, entrepreneur Sidney Rabb (of Stop & Shop). Personal narratives of the honorees with archival stills of their lives.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/06/1977
Description: Press conference with Ella Fitzgerald after receiving the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Award. She answers questions from reporters. Sharon Stevens does several takes of reporter standup.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/22/1982
Description: Final stretch and finish line of the Boston Marathon. Wheelchair competitors crossing finish line. Blimps in above the crowd. Announcer makes comments on how closer the leading runners are to each other. Runners cross finish line. Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley finish very close together, running the marathon faster than anyone had in the history of the race. Kevin White awards winner Alberto Salazar with medal and laurel wreath. Third place runner, John Lodwick, crosses finish line. Fourth place runner, Bill Rodgers, crosses finish line. Other runner cross finish line. Charlotte Teske, winner of the women's race of the Boston Marathon, awarded medal and laurel wreath. Women's second place runner, Jacqueline Gareau, crosses finish line. Glenda Manzi does several takes of reporter standup. Interview with Charlotte Teske.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/19/1982
Description: Interview with Judith Jamison previously of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. She talks about her current career on Broadway, and what it feels like not to be part of a company anymore. She gives advice for aspiring dancers. They shoot cutaways. Closeup on award presented to Jamison by the Harvard Foundation. Interview with Dr. Allen Counter of Harvard Foundation on the founding of the Harvard Foundation, which tries to improve on problems of racial discord. He also explains why Jamison was chosen for its first cultural award. They shoot cutaways.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/26/1982
Description: Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Brown says that Lukas' novel brings perspective to the busing crisis. Brown commends Lukas on his exhaustive research into the history of each family portrayed in the novel. Brown talks briefly about the history of each family. He notes that Lukas's novel depicts the richness and struggle of everyday life. Marie Clark (parent and member of the Home and School Association) addresses the panel. Clark says that she speaks from the perspective of a parent who lived through the busing crisis. Clark says that she supports school integration, but opposed the court order. She adds that the court order was disruptive and too broad in scope. She urges audience members to support the Boston Public School system. She notes that the school system has improved as a result of desegregation. Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist) addresses the meeting. Gillen says that he remains opposed to busing. He adds that the federal court usurped the rights of the parents of Boston's schoolchildren. Gillen notes that the anti-busing movement was committed to protesting by legal and moral means. He says that he is glad to live in a society where protest and opposition to the law is allowed. Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston) addresses the audience. Groden says that the court orders did not allow for genuine input from parents. He says that a parents' movement could have overcome issues of race and class during the busing crisis. Groden talks about the need for grassroots leadership within the city and the need for a network of human connections across the city's neighborhoods. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Brown, Clarke, Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Groden, Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 3 of 8
1:00:01: Visual: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Nolan speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, The Boston Globe). Nolan introduces Thomas Brown. Brown says that he is a historian; that many of the other panelists were participants in the busing crisis. Brown says that comments that Lukas focused on the history of the McGoff, Twymon, and Diver families, which were each portrayed in the book. Brown commends Lukas for his exhaustive research into the history of each family. Brown notes that Lukas probably uncovered facts which were previously unknown to each family. Brown talks about the way in whick Lukas shows how past history affects the contemporary events portrayed in the book. Brown says that Lukas's book brings needed perspective to the busing crisis. Brown says that the Diver family emerges from the violence of the colonial struggle in Boston; that the McGoff family is informed by the violent past of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Ireland; that the Twymon family emerges from the violent past of slavery. Brown says that the recent struggles of each family pale in comparison to the hardships and struggles of their past family histories. Brown notes that the trouble endured by the families during the busing crisis has been accompanied by social progress and change. Brown says that previous speakers have suggested that a common ground existed in the coalition which was formed around John F. Kennedy (former US President) in 1960. Brown suggests that Lukas' book is also "common ground." Brown says that Common Ground is a "loving" book which moves readers to tears; that it details the richness and struggles of everyday life. Brown says that readers can take away the love put into the book by Lukas; that the readers of the book can find "common ground." The audience applauds. 1:08:30: V: Nolan introduces Marie Clark. Clark says that she brings the perspective of a parent who lived through the busing crisis. Clark says that she was one among many parents who supported integration, but opposed the plan put forth by Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Clark says that the plan was disruptive and too broad in scope. Clark says that she objected to the disruption of schools which were already integrated; that she objected to African American students being bused to a new school at the start of each year; that she objected to students being denied access to programs because of racial quotas. Clarke says that wrongs were committed by people on both sides of the issue; that Boston has emerged from the busing crisis as a stronger city. Clarke says that the Boston Public Schools have improved as a result of desegregation; that "common ground" can be found in the children of Boston who attend the public schools. Clarke adds that the Boston Public School System needs the support of parents, the business community and suburbanites. Clarke says that the future of the city depends upon a strong school system. The audience applauds. 1:11:42: V: Nolan introduces Moe Gillen. Gillen says that many in the audience are familiar with his opinions on the busing crisis. Gillen says that "common ground" can be found in Lukas' book; that the book brings people together; that the book shows the "common heritage" of Boston residents. Gillen notes that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and Dennis Kearney (Suffolk County Sheriff) are in the audience; that Flynn and Kearney were representatives of the anti-busing movement. Gillen says that many in the anti-busing movement were committed to protesting the court orders in a "legal, moral way." Gillen praises anti-busing mothers for their commitment to their families; that many anti-busing parents set a good example for their children. Gillen says that he remains "adamently opposed to a government that takes and usurps the rights of parents." Gillen says that hindsight shows that the court orders were not successful. Gillen says that the busing crisis showed the strength of US society; that opponents to busing did not resort to "violence and anarchy," even though their "personal values" were at stake. Gillen says that he is thankful to live in the US instead of "some banana republic." Gillen invites audience members to address the issues during the discussion. The audience applauds. 1:16:08: V: Nolan introduces Father Michael Groden. Nolan talks about Groden's work as an advocate for the city's working lobstermen and his work on school issues during the busing crisis. Groden says that he wrote a letter to Garrity as he was completing his first term as director of the Citywide Coordinating Council (CCC); that he wrote to Garrity about the "parent movement" withing the city schools. Groden says that he did not think the system allowed for genuine and enduring input from parents. Groden notes that a "common ground" presented itself through the opportunity for parents to come together and effect changes in the schools. Groden says that the opportunity to bring parents together was not fully exploited; that a parents' movement would have overcome issues of race and class. Groden says that a parents' movement needs to be organized in order to build connections in and across the neighborhoods of the city. Groden says that the roles of civic and religious leaders are discussed in Lukas's book. Groden says that the city was focused on "elitist" leadership instead of grassroots leadership. Groden notes that grassroots political and religious leadership is much more effective than "moral imperatives." Groden says that moral courage is born of faith and of a healthy set of relationships with others. Groden adds that Lukas' book benefits from Lukas' ability to communicate effectively with others. Groden says that Ray Flynn (mayor of Boston) has set the right tone for the city since his inauguration; that Flynn has "lived across the lines of color and, to some extent, class." Groden adds that "moral imperatives and gospel mandates" are clear in their message. Groden concludes by saying that "common ground" can only be found in a new "set of human connections." The audience applauds.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985
Description: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas' novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Pearlstein sums up the issues discusses at the forum. Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) addresses the audience. Wilson says that issues of race and class can be mediated through the public schools. He adds that public education is a means of upward mobility for poor students. Wilson says that the city of Boston must commit itself to providing quality education in the schools. He says that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join him in the effort to improve the Boston Public Schools. John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation) gives closing remarks and ends the meeting. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 8 of 8
1:00:03: Visual: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Pearlstein speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former Editor, The Boston Globe). Pearlstein says that he is honored to be at the gathering with an audience of great intelligence and experience. Pearlstein sums up the issues discussed at the gathering. Pearlstein says that class issues were not given consideration during the busing crisis; that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) made the city of Boston face up to race issues; that many suffered during the busing crisis. Pearlstein refers to audience comments about dialogue between the opposing sides and the role of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston). Pearlstein refers to Lynch's presentation. Pearlstein notes that Lynch's role as an attorney in the case was to deny that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had any responsibility in the city of Boston's segregated school. Pearlstein notes that the Twymon children are very well behaved. Visual: Shots of the Twymon family in the audience. Pearlstein refers to comments by Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground) and Elvira Pixie Palladino (member of the Boston School Committee). Pearlstein notes that the gathering disagreed on the role of Arthur Garrity (federal judge) and on changes in the city's racial climate. Pearlstein refers to comments by Gerard Doherty (Charlestown resident) and Lukas. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Pearlstein talks about the viability of a metropolitan busing solution. Pearlstein says that suburbanites do not seem concerned about the state of Boston's schools. The audience applauds. Shots of the podium and the panelists from the back of the room. 1:06:42: V: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) introduces Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). Wilson approaches the podium. Wilson says that he is pleased to be in Boston. Wilson reads a quote from Isaiah. Wilson says that the past must inform the future; that Boston residents must accept their differences and move forward. Wilson says that he would like to work with diverse groups from the community to benefit Boston's schoolchildren. Wilson quotes Jack Beatty, who writes about class and race issues in his review of Common Ground. Wilson says that class and race issues can be mediated through the public schools; that quality education can provide upward mobility for poor youngsters. Wilson says that the city's public policy must reflect its commitment to quality education for schoolchildren. Wilson says that he wants to focus the city's attention on education. Wilson says that society must take responsibility for its schools and for the education of its children. Wilson notes that students are graduating from US high schools with poor literacy skills. Wilson quotes from the study, "A Nation at Risk," which reports on the state of education in the US. The report warns of "a rising tide of mediocrity" in US schools. Wilson says that society must demand quality education for the students; that the students are the future leaders of the society. Wilson compares hiring practices by the Boston business community to a "donut." Wilson says that corporations hire workers from the communities outside of Boston, instead of from within the city. Wilson says that he wants to improve the education in Boston Public Schools; that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join in that effort. Wilson says that the school system must help students to learn. Wilson asks for the cooperation of the audience in this effort. The audience applauds. 1:17:26: V: Shots of audience members including Eric Van Loon (attorney for the plaintiffs, Morgan v. Hennigan) and Jim Conway (Charlestown resident). Nolan addresses the audience. He thanks the John F. Kennedy Library and introduces John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation). Shots of the panelists. Cullinane thanks Mark Roosevelt (Executive Director, John F. Kennedy Library) for organizing the evening's events. Cullinane compliments Lukas on his book. Cullinane says that he is the son of poor Irish immigrants; that all parents want their children to succeed in life. Cullinane talks about how education is the first priority for many parents. Cullinane says that he wishes the book had talked more about each parent's commitment to education above all else. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Cullinane talks about how race and class are issues all over the world. Cullinane thanks the audience and invites them for cocktails and refreshments afterwards. The audience applauds. Audience members rise and prepare to exit the auditorium.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985
Description: Larry Bird wins MVP award for the third year in a row. NBA commissioner David Stern announces the award. Bird gives comments upon receiving it. Interviews with Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon and Tommy Heinsohn. Montage of Celtics game play featuring Bird.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/28/1986
Description: Callie Crossley reports on three local recipients of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Fellowships. Crossley notes that mathematician David Mumford, community organizer Muriel Snowden, and MIT professor Eric Lander are three of the thirty-two national winners of the Fellowships. Interview with Mumford about his work in mathematics. Crossley reviews Snowden's community activism. Interview with Snowden about her community work and her future plans. Crossley's interview includes photos of Snowden and footage of Snowden with colleagues. Interview with Lander about his work. mapping the generic patterns of certain hereditary diseases. Crossley's report includes footage of Lander and MIT graduate students in his laboratory.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of David Mumford (mathematician) solving a problem on a blackboard in a classroom. Callie Crossley reports that Mumford uses mathematics and computers to explain vision. V: Footage of Mumford being interviewed by Crossley in his office. Mumford talks about the complex calculations which underly vision. Mumford says that computers can be used to advance scientific understanding of the role of these calculations. Shot of a print of an abstract design, held of Mumford's lap; of Mumford speaking to Crossley. Crossley reports that Mumford is one of 32 national and 3 local winners of a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship; that recipients s are chosen by an anonymous committee. V: Shot of another print of an abstract design held by Mumford. Footage of Mumford saying that he received the news of the Fellowship on his birthday. Footage of Mumford sitting in front of a computer. He talks about the abstract design which is taking shape on the screen. Shot of the design on screen. Crossley reports that MacArthur Fellows receive a monetary grant over a five-year period; that Mumford won $305,000. V: Footage of Mumford saying that the money from the Fellowship will allow him the flexibility to explore new areas in his work. Footage of Muriel Snowden (community organizer) talking about her work with young people. Snowden sits at a table with a small group. Crossley reports that Snowden has been a community organizer in Boston for 35 years. V: Footage of Snowden saying that she does not like to think of herself as retired; that the money from the MacArthur award will give her a "new beginning." Shots of black and white photos of Muriel and Otto Snowden; of Muriel Snowden with city officials; of Snowden with John F. Kennedy (former US President). Crossley reports that Muriel Snowden founded Freedom House in Roxbury with her husband Otto in 1949; that Snowden has advocated city programs to eradicate racial bias; that Snowden has pushed for greater educational opportunities for minority youth. V: Footage of Snowden saying that her husband and colleagues share much of the credit for her work; that she wants those people to share in the honor of being awarded the MacArthur Fellowship. Shots of Snowden sitting at a table with a small group of people. Crossley reports that Snowden will use her $375,000 award to travel and to write a book about desegregation in Boston. Crossley reports that there was an air of subdued excitement at the Whitehead Institute at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); that Eric Lander (MIT) is the fourth Whitehead Institute employee to win a MacArthur Fellowship. Crossley notes that Lander and his team of MIT graduate students have created a computer program to map the genetic patterns of certain hereditary diseases. V: Shot of the Whitehead Institute; of Eric Lander in his laboratory; of two MIT graduate students who work with Lander. Footage of Lander working in the laboratory. Lander takes fluid from a bottle with a pipette. Crossley notes that Lander is a mathematician and an assistant professor at the Harvard Business School. V: Footage of Lander being interviewed by Crossley. Lander talks about studying families with genetic diseases to track down the causes of these diseases. Lander says that he has strayed from the study of mathematics in recent years. Lander talks about trying to track down and analyze data about genetic diseases. Crossley notes that Lander will put his award of $205,000 in the bank for future use. V: Shot of Lander talking to a graduate student. Crossley notes that MacArthur Fellowships have been called "genius awards." V: Footage of Lander saying that the awards should not be called "genius awards."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/16/1987
Description: Christopher Lydon reports that the Nieman Foundation has awarded Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) the Louis Lyons Award. Sisulu has been jailed by the South African government and has not been charged with a crime. Michael Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) and Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Pride talks about Sisulu's courage. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African journalist to win the award. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu is the son of Walter Sisulu (founder of the African National Congress), who has been jailed since 1964 and is featured prominently in a new documentary film about the life of Nelson Mandela. Lydon's report includes photos of Zwelakhe Sisulu and footage from the HBO film Mandela. Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency) speaks about Zwelakhe Sisulu.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Mike Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) at a press conference. Pride talks about Zwelakhe Sisulu's great courage in the face of adversity. Shots of photos of Sisulu. Christopher Lydon reports that Sisulu's father was the founder of the African National Congress (ANC); that Walter Sisulu and Zwelakhe Sisulu are both in jail in South Africa. V: Footage from the Home Box Office (HBO) film Mandela. Lydon reports that Walter Sisulu is a major figure in the HBO film about the life of Nelson Mandela (ANC leader). Lydon notes that Mandela has been jailed since 1962; that Walter Sisulu has been jailed since 1964; that Oliver Tambo (ANC leader) has been exiled from South Africa. Shot of a black and white photo of Zwelakhe Sisulu. Lydon reports that Zwelakhe Sisulu has been jailed; that Zwelakhe Sisulu has not been charged with any crime. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu will be honored by the Neiman Foundation. V: Footage of Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African to have won the award. Max says that he hopes that Sisulu will be the last South African to win the award while in in prison. Footage of Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency). Lima speaks for Zwelakhe Sisulu, saying that apartheid is the cause of the trouble and disturbances in South Africa.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/18/1987
Description: Fritz Wetherbee reports that Annie Johnson, a Boston resident, will receive the Living Legacy Award in Washington DC. Johnson grew up in Boston and organized domestic workers through the Women's Service Clubs of Boston in the 1960s. She led the workers on a campaign for benefits. Interview with Johnson in her home. She talks about the importance of helping others. Johnson discusses her aunt, Eleanor Graves Chandler, who was an early community activist. Johnson preparing chicken in her kitchen and visiting a senior citizen meal program at the Grace Baptist Church.
1:00:12: Visual: Footage of Annie Johnson (Living Legacy Award winner) saying that a person can be poor and "colored" and still help everybody. Fritz Wetherbee reports that Johnson is 83 years old; that Johnson will fly to Washington DC to receive her Living Legacy Award. V: Footage of Johnson preparing chicken in her kitchen at home. Wetherbee reports that Johnson is preparing the food for Project Soup; that Project Soup is a senior citizen meal program at Grace Baptist Church. V: Footage of Johnson saying that people have called her for help when she is sick in bed; that she will get up to try to help them, before going back to bed to lie down. Wetherbee reports that Johnson grew up in Boston; that she has lived in the same house on Elmwood Street for 46 years; that she raised seven children in the house. V: Shots of Elmwood Street in Boston; of the exterior of Johnson's house on Elmwood Street. Footage of Johnson preparing chicken in her kitchen. Wetherbee reports that Johnson organized domestic workers in the 1960s, through the Women's Service Clubs of Boston. Wetherbee notes that Johnson succeeded in winning minimum wage, worker's compensation, social security, and regular days off for the workers. Wetherbee adds that Johnson organized a job training program for the workers. V: Shot of the prepared chicken in a foil dish. Wetherbee reports that Johnson is the niece of Eleanor Graves Chandler. V: Shot of an African American woman serving chicken to elderly women at Project Soup. Footage of Johnson saying that Chandler was a politician; that Chandler believed that African American women should be active in politics and civic life. Johnson says that she can remember taking people to register to vote when she was younger. Johnson talks about another one of her relatives who was "an advocate for her race." Shot of Johnson leaving the Grace Baptist Church, carrying some flowers. Wetherbee reports that Martin Luther King Sr., Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, A. Philip Randolph, and Roy Wilkins have all been awarded the Living Legacy Award; that Johnson will receive the award this evening. V: Footage of Johnson saying that many other racial groups have followed the lead of African Americans in their struggle for civil rights.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/20/1987