Description: This tape features Marcus Jones's first report in a three-part series on the life of Jackie Robinson (baseball player) in honor of the fortieth anniversary of Robinson's entry into major league baseball. Jones reviews the history of African Americans in professional baseball. He notes that the Negro League was successful in the 1930s and 1940s. Jones reports that Robinson was one of three African American players to try out for the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s. Jones reports that Robinson was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African American in major league baseball. Jones notes that Robinson encountered virulent racism and even received death threats. Jones reports that Robinson went on to become one of the greatest players of all time and was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Jones' report includes footage from interviews with Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter), Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger), Rachel Robinson (wife of Jackie Robinson), and Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles). Jones' report also features footage and photographs of Robinson and early African American baseball players. Jones' report is accompanied by footage from the films The Jackie Robinson Story and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars. Tape 1 of 3
1:00:17: Visual: Shots of a Red Sox baseball player signing autographs for fans at Fenway Park. Text on screen reads, "Jackie Robinson's American Dream." Marcus Jones reports that Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the major leagues. V: Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball. Jones talks about the history of African Americans in baseball. V: Black and white photographs of early African American baseball players including John "Bud" Fowler, Moses Fleetwood Walker and Wellday Walker. Jones talks about early African American players including Fowler and the Walker brothers. V: Footage of Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter) saying that racial issues in Major League Baseball reflect the racial issues in American life. Footage from the film, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars. Jones talks about the formation of the Negro Leagues. Jones reports that African American players still wanted to break into the major leagues; that some tried to pass as Latino. V: Footage of Whiteside talking about racism in early baseball. Jones talks about the success of the Negro League in the 1930s and 1940s. V: Black and white footage of Negro League baseball games. Black and white shots of players including Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson. Black and white photos of teams from the Negro League. Jones reports that three African American players were given a one-day tryout for the major leagues at Fenway Park in Boston. V: Black and white shots of African American fans; of the exterior of Fenway Park. Footage of Whiteside talking about the events leading up to the tryouts. Whiteside says that Marvin Williams, Sam Jethroe, and Robinson were given tryouts. Black and white footage of players at Fenway Park; of Jethroe; of Robinson; of the exterior of Fenway Park. Jones reports that the Red Sox did not give any of the players a spot on the team; that Branch Rickey (Owner, Brooklyn Dodgers) signed Robinson to play for the Brooklyn farm team. V: Black and white footage of Red Sox players at Fenway Park; of Rickey. Black and white footage of Robinson and Rickey signing a contract. Shot of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Dodgers purchase Robinson, first negro in modern major league baseball." Footage of Rickey talking about his efforts to warn Robinson about the abuse that Robinson would receive in the major leagues. Footage from the film, The Jackie Robinson Story. Jones reports that Rickey challenged Robinson to hold his temper in the face of racial slurs and hostility; that Robinson moved into the Dodgers' starting line-up in 1947; that Robinson played great baseball despite the racial hostility. V: Black and white footage of the press and fans at a baseball game; of Robinson playing for the Dodgers. Black and white shots of African American and white fans cheering for Robinson. Footage of Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger) saying that Robinson had no fear; that Labine had never played with a more exciting player than Robinson. Jones talks about the extreme pressure under which Robinson played. V: Shots of a newspaper headline reading, "Robinson reveals written threats;" of a hand-written letter to Robinson reading, "We are going to kill you if you attempt to enter a ballgame at Crosley Field." Footage of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife) talking about the threatening letters received by Robinson. Footage of Labine saying that he received hate mail after a photo of him and Robinson was printed in the paper. Shot of a black and white photo of Labine with his arm around Robinson. Labine says that Robinson received a lot of hate mail. Footage of Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles) saying that few people would be able to perform under pressure like Robinson did. Black and white footage of a newscaster speculating on Robinson's performance. Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball for the Dodgers. Jones reports that Robinson's first year in baseball was outstanding; that Robinson was named Rookie of the Year for the National League. V: Black and white footage of Robinson receiving the Rookie of the Year award; of the Dodgers playing in the World Series in 1947. Jones reports that Robinson's fondest memories were of playing in the World Series; that Robinson was the first African American player to play in a World Series. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Robinson. Audio of Robinson saying that his goal was to break the color barrier; that he wanted to show that African American and white players could play together. Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball. Shot of a Dodgers' team photo with Robinson. Jones reports that Robinson played for 10 years in the Major League; that Robinson was the MVP in 1949; that he appeared in the World Series six times. V: Black and white shots of fans at a stadium; of Robinson; of the Dodgers World Series victory in 1955; of Robinson being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jones reports that Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Jones stands in front of Freedom National Bank in Harlem. Jones reports that Robinson turned his attention to civil rights, business, and politics at the end of his baseball career.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/04/1987
Description: This tape features Marcus Jones' second report in a three-part series on the life of Jackie Robinson (baseball player) in honor of the fortieth anniversary of Robinson's entry into major league baseball. Jones reports on Robinson's career after baseball and his active participation in the civil rights movement. Jones notes that Robinson was the first African American to reach the level of vice-president in a major corporation when he was named to that post at the Chock Full O'Nuts company. Jones reviews Robinson's role in the civil rights movement and his political activity during the 1960 presidential elections. Jones reports that Robinson co-founded the Freedom National Bank in Harlem in 1963, which was the first bank in the US to be run by African Americans. Jones talks about Robinson's disappointment when white teammates from professional baseball refused to join him for the March on Washington in 1963. Jones' report includes footage from interviews with Rachel Robinson (wife of Jackie Robinson), Ambassador Franklin Williams (friend of Jackie Robinson), Mal Goode (journalist), and Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger). Jones' report also features footage of the civil rights movements and footage of Robinson in the 1960s. Jones' report includes footage from the film Jackie Robinson: An American Journey. Tape 2 of 3
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of Jackie Robinson walking off of a baseball field. Text on screen reads, "Jackie Robinson's American Dream." Black and white shot of an older Robinson waving goodbye; of the exterior of Ebbets Field; of a newspaper headline reading, "Giants get Robinson." Shot of a black and white photo of Robinson in a suit. Marcus Jones reports that Jackie Robinson left baseball in 1957; that Robinson chose to retire instead of be traded to the New York Giants. Jones reports that Robinson signed on as vice-president of personnel for Chock full o'Nuts company; that Robinson was the first African American to reach the level of vice-president in a major corporation. V: Black and white footage of Robinson in a baseball uniform; of Robinson in a business suit; of a sign for "Chock full o'Nuts." Black and white footage of Robinson with his employees; of Robinson meeting with a group of people. Jones reports that Robinson played an active role in the civil rights movement. V: Footage of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife) saying that Robinson wanted to be a part of the civil rights movement. Black and white footage of African American students integrating white schools; of African American picketers outside of a Woolworth lunch counter; of an African American man confronting a police officer; of Martin Luther King (civil rights leader); of an African American man being pushed by white men; of fire hoses being used on African American demonstrators; of African American picketers with protest signs. Footage of Ambassador Franklin Williams (friend of Robinson) saying that Robinson identified with the NAACP; that Robinson was an active chairman of the Freedom Fund Campaign. Jones reports that Robinson advocated equal opportunities for African Americans in all areas; that Robinson's stature drew attention to the cause. V: Footage from Jackie Robinson: An American Journey. Footage shows Robinson campaigning for civil rights. Robinson rides in a convertible through an African American neighborhood. Footage of Williams saying that Robinson drew great crowds; that women would pay to have him kiss them on the cheek. Footage of a Nelson Rockefeller presidential campaign rally in 1960. Robinson is visible in the crowd. Jones reports that Robinson supported Nelson Rockefeller (presidential candidate) in 1960; that Robinson campaigned for the Republican nominee Richard Nixon (1960 Republican presidential nominee) after Rockefeller lost the nomination. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Nixon and Robinson. Footage of Williams saying that Robinson believed that African Americans would be strengthened if they were represented by both of the major parties. Footage of a campaign debate in 1960 between Nixon and John F. Kennedy (1960 Democratic presidential nominee). Footage of Williams saying that Robinson had great respect for Nixon at the beginning of the 1960 presidential campaign; that Robinson eventually became disillusioned with the Republican Party. Shot of a black and white photo of Nixon and Robinson. Black and white footage of Kennedy's inaugural speech. Jones reports that Robinson continued to fight for equality for African Americans; that Robinson pushed for Mal Goode (journalist) to be hired as the first African American TV news correspondent. V: Shots of black and white photos of Robinson; of Robinson and Goode. Footage of Goode reflecting on the sacrifices made by the previous generation of African Americans. Jones reports that Robinson co-founded Freedom National Bank in Harlem in 1963; that the bank was the first bank to be run by African Americans. V: Shots of Freedom National Bank in Harlem. Black and white footage of Robinson talking about the importance of Freedom National Bank. Jones stands in front of Freedom National Bank. Jones reports that Robinson worked to free the African American community from the constraints of racism. V: Footage of Williams talking about the idea of a bank run by African Americans, in which whites could participate. Black and white footage of Robinson talking about the importance of registering African Americans to vote. Black and white footage of African Americans marching in the South in 1963; of whites standing behind a Confederate flag; of two white men waving a small Confederate flag. Jones reports that Robinson spent a lot of time in the South in 1963. V: Black and white footage of Robinson and King; of Robinson addressing a crowd about the need for equal rights. Shots of a black and white photo of King. Black and white shot of Robinson picking up a telephone. Black and white aerial shot of the March on Washington in 1963. Jones reports that Robinson was disappointed when his white Dodger teammates refused to join him for the March on Washington in 1963. V: Footage of Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger) saying that he regrets not joining Robinson for the March on Washington. Black and white shot of Robinson addressing a crowd. Jones reports that Robinson started a construction company in 1970; that the company was dedicated to building low-income housing. V: Shots of Robinson at a construction site; of Robinson looking at architectural plans; of Robinson throwing out a baseball at a ballgame. Jones reports that Robinson died in October of 1972. Jones stands outside of Ebbets Field Apartments. Jones says that Robinson's ideals still live on.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/05/1987
Description: Third report in Marcus Jones' three-part series on the life of Jackie Robinson in honor of the fortieth anniversary of Robinson's entry into major league baseball. Jones reports on the lack of African American managers and coaches in major league baseball. Jones notes that Robinson spoke out against discrimination in baseball during the last years of his life. Jones adds that Robinson never received an offer to manage a major league baseball team. Jones' report includes footage of Al Campanis (former Vice-President, Brooklyn Dodgers) and Lee MacPhail (General Manager, New York Yankees) making discriminatory comments about the abilities of African Americans to manage professional sports teams. Jones reports that Frank Robinson (bench coach, Baltimore Orioles) became the first African American manager in professional baseball. Jones adds that many current African American players have expressed interest in management positions. Jones interviews Frank Robinson. Jones also interviews Tommy Harper (former Boston Red Sox coach) about his experiences with the Boston Red Sox. Jones notes that Harper was fired for speaking out against the team's discriminatory practices. Jones notes that affirmative action plans are under review for major league baseball. Jones' report includes footage of Rachel Robinson (wife of Jackie Robinson), Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger), Elrod Hendricks (Baltimore Orioles), Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter), Billy Williams (Chicago Cubs), Howard Cosell (sportscaster) and Ambassador Franklin Williams (friend of Jackie Robinson) speaking about Jackie Robinson and African Americans in baseball. Jones' report includes footage of Jackie Robinson as well as footage and photographs of current baseball players and officials. Tape 3 of 3
1:00:03: Visual: Black and white shot of the exterior of Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. Text on screen reads, "Jackie Robinson's American Dream." Black and white shots of fans at the stadium. Footage of Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger) saying that the heart and soul of Brooklyn were destroyed when the Brooklyn Dodgers left town. Black and white shot of Jackie Robinson playing baseball for the Dodgers. Marcus Jones stands in front of Ebbets Field Apartment Complex in Brooklyn. Jones reports that opportunities for minorities are still lacking in one area. V: Footage of Al Campanis (former Dodgers' Vice President) on Nightline. Campanis says that African Americans do not have what it takes to manage a baseball team. Campanis says that there are not many African American quarterbacks or pitchers. Black and white shots of Robinson in a baseball uniform; of a group of Brooklyn Dodgers players. Footage of Campanis speaking to the media. Jones reports that Campanis is a former teammate of Robinson; that Campanis's remarks show that African Americans still face barriers in major league baseball. V: Shots of a major league baseball game. Footage of Robinson addressing a crowd. Footage of Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger) saying that Robinson looked forward to the day when there would be African American managers in major league baseball. Shot of Robinson throwing out a ball at a major league baseball game. Jones reports that Robinson spoke out against discrimination in baseball management during the last year's of his life. Jones notes that Lee MacPhail (General Manager, New York Yankees) claimed in 1969 that African Americans were not prepared to be managers; that Robinson publicly rebutted MacPhail's claims. Jones reports that Robinson never received an offer to manage a major league baseball team. V: Footage of MacPhail at a press conference. Black and white shot of Robinson standing with three white baseball players. Footage of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife) saying that Robinson was disappointed that he never had the opportunity to manage a baseball team. Shots of Robinson's funeral. Shots of Frank Robinson (bench coach, Baltimore Orioles) at a baseball game. Jones notes that Frank Robinson became the first African American manager of a baseball team in 1972. V: Footage of Frank Robinson being interviewed by Jones. Frank Robinson says that he wishes Jackie Robinson could have lived to see him appointed as a manager. Jones reports that Larry Doby and Maury Wills were the only two other African Americans have been field managers in professional baseball. V: Shots of Doby and Wills; of a white Chicago player. Jones notes that Don Baylor (Boston Red Sox), Reggie Jackson (Oakland Athletics) and Elrod Hendricks have expressed interest in becoming managers. V: Shots of Baylor, Jackson and Hendricks; of a white manager arguing with an umpire. Footage of Elrod Hendricks (catching coach for the Baltimore Orioles) saying that he would like to be a manager if the right opportunity presented itself. Footage of Tommy Harper (former Boston Red Sox coach) saying that African Americans want an equal opportunity to compete for jobs. Shots of Harper at a non-professional baseball field. Jones reports that Harper had hopes of moving up in the ranks of the Red Sox organization; that Harper was fired in 1975 for protesting against the team's discriminatory practices. V: Shot of a newspaper headline reading, "Harper still shut out because he spoke out." Footage of Harper saying that minorities have been shut out of management positions all over baseball; that the minority officials in baseball right now have no authority. Footage of Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter) talking about the lack of opportunities for African Americans in baseball. Jones reports that there is pressure on team owners to hire more minorities. V: Shots of a ceremony honoring Robinson at a Major League ballpark; of a newspaper headline reading, "No shortage of black candidates." ESPN footage of Billy Williams (Chicago Cubs batting coach) at a Hall of Fame Ceremony. Williams says that team owners must look beyond skin color in hiring management. Shots of an African American man talking to the press; of white team owners; of Peter Ueberroth (Baseball Commissioner). Jones says that affirmative action plans are under review for major league baseball. V: Footage of Frank Robinson saying that he hopes that African Americans will soon have the same opportunities as whites to become managers. Black and white footage of Jackie Robinson playing baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers; of fans cheering for Robinson. Jones notes that Jackie Robinson's courage inspired the nation. V: Footage of Howard Cosell (sportscaster) saying that Jackie Robinson is an important figure in American history, not just sports history. Footage of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife) saying that she had no idea that his legacy would become as important as it is. Black and white shots of Jackie and Rachel Robinson; of Jackie Robinson campaigning for civil rights. Footage of Labine saying that Robinson will be remembered for what he did for the African American race. Black and white shots of Robinson with Chock full o'Nuts company employees; of Robinson receiving an award. Footage of Ambassador Franklin Williams (Robinson's friend) saying that a lesser man would not have succeeded like Robinson did. Black and white shots of Rachel and Jackie Robinson with their child; of Robinson with a friend.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/06/1987
Description: Carmen Fields marks the death of author James Baldwin with a retrospective profile. Fields reports on Baldwin's accomplishments as an author and his social criticism. Baldwin challenged American society to deal with racism. Interview with Floyd Barbour (Professor, Simmons College) about Baldwin. Barbour says that Baldwin's voice was truthful and angry. He adds that Baldwin's work bears witness to the African American experience in the twentieth century. Fields's report includes footage of Baldwin talking about race in the United States. Fields reports that Baldwin dealt with religious themes in his later work. Fields's report is accompanied by shots of Baldwin's books and by footage from the American Playhouse production of Go Tell it on the Mountain. Fields reports that Baldwin lived in France for forty years. She notes that he returned to the US three years ago to serve as a professor at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
0:59:07: Callie Crossley reports that James Baldwin (author) was able to capture the African American experience honestly in his books. V: Shots of black and white photos of Baldwin; of Baldwin's book, The Evidence of Things Not Seen; of Baldwin's book, The Amen Corner; of a framed print of a program for the Black-Hispanic Convocation at Princeton University in 1954, which was delivered by Baldwin. Shot of a program for a musical production of Amen Corner. Crossley reports that Floyd Barbour (Professor, Simmons College) was inspired by Baldwin as an undergraduate. V: Footage of Barbour being interviewed by Crossley. Barbour says that Baldwin's voice was truthful and full of rage; that Baldwin wrote about his background and about race in society. Crossley notes that Baldwin challenged US society to deal with racism. V: Shot of a cover of Time Magazine, featuring Baldwin. Footage of Baldwin talking about racism at a public forum. Baldwin says that the US needs to face up to its racial problems; that racial violence may erupt if US society does not deal with racism. Baldwin says that African Americans have received no support from the government or most of the citizenry. Shots of Baldwin's photo and biography from the back of a book cover; of Baldwin's books, Go Tell It on the Mountain and The Fire Next Time. Crossley talks about Baldwin's first book, Go Tell It on the Mountain. Crossley notes that it was later televised on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). V: Footage from the American Playhouse televised production of Go Tell It on the Mountain. Crossley notes that Baldwin deals with religious themes in Go Tell It on the Mountain and in his later work. V: Footage of Barbour saying that Baldwin wrote about the pain endured by African Americans in the US; that Baldwin's work bears witness to the experience of African Americans in the twentieth century. Crossley reports that Baldwin lived in France for forty years; that he returned to the US occasionally; that Baldwin returned to the US three years ago to serve as a professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. V: Shot of Baldwin exiting a car and entering a building in France; of Baldwin typing at a typewriter. Footage of Baldwin saying that there is no "black problem"; that there is a "white problem." Baldwin says that he has no problem living with whites in the white world. Baldwin says that white people cannot see beyond skin color to the person underneath; that whites are threatened by African Americans.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/01/1987
Description: Sam Fleming reports that Jesse Jackson is campaigning in New Hampshire. Some consider Jackson to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, but many political observers doubt Jackson's chances of winning the nomination. Jackson addresses supporters at a campaign rally, including about his support for the gay and lesbian community. Interviews with enthusiastic Jackson supporters in New Hampshire. Jackson tells reporters that his race is not as important as his credentials. He addresses another rally on the need for national affordable health care. Interview with Joe Grandmaison the Chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, who says that it would not be wise to underestimate Jackson and his campaign. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Ray Flynn, Michael Dukakis, and Bruce Bolling discuss linkage between Chinatown development and Parcel 18 in Roxbury
1:00:54: Visual: Footage of Jesse Jackson (Democratic candidate for US President) getting his picture taken in front of the fall foliage in New Hampshire. Jackson walks into a rustic building. Sam Fleming reports that Jackson is trying to secure voter support in New Hampshire; that Jackson is considered to be the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. V: Shots of Jackson shaking hands with New Hampshire voters. Shot of Jackson addressing the crowd. The crowd applauds. Fleming reports that many political observers doubt Jackson's chances of winning the nomination; that Jackson is not paying attention to the "conventional wisdom" of the political observers. V: Footage of Jackson addressing the crowd. Shots of members of the crowd. Jackson talks about speaking at last weekend's rally for gays and lesbians in Washingon D.C. Jackson says that the voices of gays and lesbians deserve to be heard. Fleming notes that Jackson is reaching out to the dispossesed. V: Footage of Jackson talking about his efforts to build a diverse coalition of supporters. Jackson says that his leadership will put the nation on a course for jobs, peace, and justice. The crowd applauds. Shots of individual audience members. Footage of an older white female voter saying that Jackson is "energizing"; of a white female voter saying that she hopes that Jackson has a chance at the nomination. Footage of an older white male voter saying that some critics are trying to create a negative image of Jackson; that Jackson is "electable." Footage of Jackson speaking to reporters. A reporter asks Jackson if an African American can win the Democratic nomination. Jackson says that the issue of his race should be left to "God"; that the issue of his credentials should be left up to the voters. Fleming notes that Jackson has been questioned about the state of his marriage. V: Footage of Jackson telling reporters that he will not speculate about rumors; that he is fighting to win the nomination. Fleming reports that Jackson opened his campaign office in Manchester, N.H. V: Footage of a crowd gathered in front of Jackson's campaign office. Shot of a white female voter holding a hand-made Jackson campaign sign. The crowd begins to chant, "We want Jesse." Jackson shakes hands with voters outside of the office. Shots of an older white man; of a young African American boy in the crowd. Jackson addresses the crowd. Jackson talks about the need for a national health care system. Jackson says that he will provide "bold leadership." Fleming notes that Jackson did well with white Democratic voters in New Hampshire in 1984. Fleming reports that one Jackson campaign supporter said that the Jackson campaign lacked an organized structure; that fundraising so far has been minimal. Fleming adds that some voters see Jackson as a candidate supported mainly by African Americans. V: Shots of Jackson addressing a crowd; of individual members of the crowd. Footage of Joe Grandmaison (Chairman, New Hampshire Democratic Party) saying that no one underestimates the strength of Jackson and his message. Footage of Jackson addressing the crowd about the need to save jobs, schools, farms, and the environment, and to "give peace a chance." The crowd chants along with Jackson and applauds for him. Shot of an elderly woman at the Jackson campaign rally.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/12/1987
Description: Christopher Lydon interviews cultural historian Kiku Adatto (Harvard University) about Jesse Jackson as a presidential candidate. Lydon's interview with Adatto is accompanied by footage of Jackson throughout his political career. The footage illustrates Jackson's dynamic style of speaking. Adatto notes that Jackson is a religious figure in the political arena. She notes that Jackson's energy and moral fervor are more suited to a preacher than a politician. She says that Jackson's strength lies in his ability to articulate social criticism. Adatto says that many voters see Jackson as an outsider or a social critic instead of as a politician; she adds that some voters may not be able to envision him as president. Lydon's report also includes footage of Martin Luther King, Jr. (American civil rights leader) and Andrew Young (Mayor of Atlanta).
1:00:02: Christopher Lydon interviews Kiku Adatto (Harvard University) about Jesse Jackson (candidate for the Democratic nomination for US President). Adatto talks about the tradition of preachers in American history. She says that many of these preachers, including Martin Luther King (civil rights leader) and Jackson, have become political leaders. Visual: Shot of a black and white photo of Jackson on a balcony with King. Black and white footage of King giving a speech. Shot of a black and white photo of Jackson in a crowd, raising his arm in the black power salute. Adatto says that Jackson has tried to pick up the mantle of King; that Jackson has tried to be the "conscience of America" in the way that King was. V: Footage of Jackson addressing a crowd at Harvard University on April 4, 1985. Jackson talks about the evils of apartheid. Adatto says that there is a tradition in the US of the preacher staying outside of politics; that Jackson has tried to move into the political system in order to effect change. V: Footage of Jackson passing a lobby of a building. He shakes hands with African American bystanders. Jackson enters a room full of supporters. Adatto says that Jackson is concerned with equality and civil rights; that Jackson has been caught exhibiting prejudice against Jews; that Jackson was linked with Reverend Louis Farrakhan (African American Muslim leader). V: Shots of newspaper articles detailing the controversy surrounding Jackson's remarks about Jews in 1984. Adatto adds that the preacher must remain "morally sound" when entering the political arena. V: C-Span footage of Jackson addressing the Democratic Convention in 1984. Adatto says that Jackson has an "insider-outside dilemma"; that Jackson finds it difficult to make the compromises required by electoral politics. Adatto notes that Andrew Young (Mayor of Atlanta) made an easy transition into electoral politics. V: Shot of Young at a press conference in Boston in 1983. Adatto notes that Jackson has lost none of his energy or "moral fervor"; that Jackson still criticizes society from an outsider's point of view. Adatto adds that Young is an "insider." V: Shot of Young at a press conference. Adatto says that Jackson strength lies in his ability to articulate social criticism. V: C-Span footage of Jackson addressing the Democratic Convention in 1984. Shots of audience members. Adatto says that Jackson stirs the emotions of voters in his "outsider" role; that Jackson troubles many voters in his "insider" role. Adatto notes that Jackson's role as social reformer and critic undermines his strength as a presidential candidate; that many voters cannot envision Jackson as president. Adatto notes that many of the nation's great presidents have been calm and quietly strong; that some see Jackson as too much of a preacher; that Jackson's energy and moral fervor are more suited to preacher than politician. V: C-Span footage of Jackson addressing the Democratic Convention in 1984. Adatto says that some see voters as too much of an outsider, social critic or civil rights leader; that some white voters are turned off by Jackson. Adatto quotes statistics from a study which found that 23% of American voters are not ready to vote for any African American for president. V: C-Span footage of Jackson addressing the Democratic Convention in 1984. Adatto says that Jackson has the ability to stir the emotions of the American people; that he is most powerful in his role as "outsider" or critic. Adatto says that many voters are stirred by his message, but cannot envision him as president because he is an outsider. V: Footage of Jackson announcing his candidacy for president in 1988. His supporters stand behind him, cheering. Jackson promises "bold leadership."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/16/1987
Description: Candid interview with Kitty Dukakis in her home after five years of sobriety. She talks about her addiction to prescription drugs, and the potential risk associated with habit forming and mood altering drugs. She talks about her husband, Michael Dukakis, confronting her when he found her pills. She compares her personality on pills to her personality when sober. They shoot cutaways. Christopher Lydon reasks questions for editing. Editor's note: Content given off the record was edited out of this footage.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/08/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports on proposals by Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) to improve educational standards in the Boston Public School System. Jones' report includes footage of Wilson at a press conference. Wilson discusses his goals and agenda for improving the level of education in the school system. Jones reviews Wilson's proposals. Jones' report includes footage from an interview with John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee). Nucci comments on Wilson's proposals and talks about efforts by the Boston School Committee to find funding for the proposals.
0:59:59: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) at a press conference, talking about his goal to improve the level of education in the Boston Public School System. Marcus Jones reports that Wilson has proposed a comprehensive education improvement plan for the schools; that the plan is now under review by the Boston School Committee. V: Footage of Wilson saying that 20% of first graders did not pass first grade last year; that Boston students do not read well; that students do not perform well on standardized tests. Jones reports that the average senior graduating from Boston Public Schools read at a seventh grade level; that Wilson wants to raise that level. V: Shots of students in a classroom; of male high school students in the hallway of a high school. Footage of Wilson saying that graduating seniors should be able to read at the eighth grade level at least; that eighth graders should be able to read at a sixth grade level. Shot of a school hallway. On-screen text lists Wilson's proposals for stricter promotion standards, for more reading assignments, for programs to retain dropouts and for an increase in writing and math course work. Shots of a teacher teaching reading to elementary school students; of students in the classroom. Jones reports that budget cuts may force the layoff of forty teachers. V: Footage of Wilson saying that some positions and programs can be cut from the budget. Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that the School Committee needs to find ways to fund Wilson's initiatives; that the School Committee is already cutting the school budget by $10 million. Nucci says that Wilson's proposals are valuable; that the School Committee will cut the budget to fund the proposals. Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones reports that Wilson's initiatives will address sixteen areas of concern in the school system; that Wilson submitted thirteen proposals to the School Committee today.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/12/1987
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that The Boston Herald newspaper has accused Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) of misusing the credit card of the Boston School Department. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson has denied the charges and has demanded a retraction from The Boston Herald. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of Wilson at a press conference with Philip Crowe (attorney for Wilson). Wilson talks about the accusations and denies any wrongdoing. Crowe adds that Wilson may sue The Boston Herald for libel. Vaillancourt notes that Alan Eisner (Editor, The Boston Herald) has refused to print a retraction. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson may have been dropped from consideration for a position with the New York City Public School System because of the Herald article. Vaillancourt adds that Wilson is an "embattled superintendent."
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) at a press conference. Wilson sits at a round table with his lawyer at his side. Wilson says, "That's a blatant lie." Meg Vaillancourt reports that Wilson has adamently denied accusations by The Boston Herald that he has misused a credit card belonging to the Boston School Department. V: Footage of Wilson demanding a front-page retraction of the accusations and an editorial retraction. Shot of a newspaper photo of Wilson. On-screen text details the Herald's accusations against Wilson. Vaillancourt reports that The Boston Herald has accused Wilson of double-billing the city for travel expenses; of taking improper cash advances on the School Department's credit card; of being late in filing expense reports. Vaillancourt notes that the Herald says that Wilson's tardiness in filing expense reports has cost the city $589 in interest charges on the credit card. V: Footage of Wilson saying that the Herald reporter is intentionally misrepresenting the facts. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson admitted to the accrual of interest charges on the credit card due to his tardiness in filing expense reports. Vaillancourt adds that Wilson has denied all of the other charges. V: Shots of Wilson at the press conference. Wilson holds up a notebook for the reporters. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson showed reporters credit card receipts; that Wilson said that he gave those receipts to The Boston Herald to review. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson has accused the Herald of sensationalizing the story. V: Footage of Wilson saying that the story and editorial in the Herald were malicious. Vaillancourt reports that the Herald is standing by its story. V: Shot of reporters in a newsroom. A quote by Alan Eisner (Editor, The Boston Herald) appears on screen in text. Vaillancourt quotes Eisner as saying, "We have no intention of giving Wilson a retraction." Vaillancourt also quotes Eisner as saying, "The city documents we examined show a clear pattern of credit card abuse." Vaillancourt reports that Wilson was in the process of applying for a position with the New York City Public School System when the Herald story was published. V: Shot of Wilson at the press conference. Shot of the Herald article with a headline reading, "State pays for Wilson credit 'abuse'." Vaillancourt quotes sources as saying that Wilson is no longer a finalist for the job in New York. V: Footage of Wilson saying that he intends to find out if the Herald story had a negative impact on his candidacy for the job. Footage of Philip Crowe (attorney for Laval Wilson) saying that Wilson may bring a libel suit against the Herald. Shots of Wilson sitting at a meeting with members of the Boston School Committee in May of 1986; of the audience at the School Committee meeting. Vaillancourt says that it is not clear whether Wilson is innocent or guilty; that the story has created problems for Wilson, who is "an embattled superintendent."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/22/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports that superintendent Laval Wilson is frustrated because the Boston School Committee has twice rejected his proposal to consolidate Boston high schools. Interviews with School Committee members John Nucci, Joseph Casper and John O'Bryant. Nucci says that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from some members of the Committee. Casper accuses the minority members of the School Committee of causing trouble for Wilson. O'Bryant resents Casper's accusations that the minority members of the Committee vote in a bloc. Jones notes that some critics accuse the committee of focusing too much on the daily operations of the schools and not enough on educational policy. Interview with City Councilor Michael McCormack. O'Bryant and Casper differ on how much parental participation they think should be encouraged by Wilson and the School Committee. A spokesperson for Wilson says that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Footage of a Boston School Committee meeting.
1:00:08: Marcus Jones reports that school officials are are concerned that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) may leave the Boston Public Schools. Jones notes that Wilson was frustrated after the Boston School Committee's second rejection of his plan to consolidate Boston high schools. Visual: Shots of Wilson and members of the School Committee at a meeting of the Boston School Committee. Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson is committed to the Boston Public Schools; that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from certain members of the School Committee; that this lack of support needs to be addressed. Jones reports that Wilson's consolidation plan for Boston Latin Academy, Boston Technical High School and Madison Park High School initially won council approval by a margin of 5 to 4; that the four minority votes were abstentions. Jones notes that School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant voted against the plan on a second vote. V: Shots of a plaque reading "Boston Latin Academy"; of the sign reading "Boston Technical High School," hanging above the door to the school; of the exterior of Madison Park High School. Shots of McGuire and O'Bryant at a School Committee meeting. Shots of Wilson. Jones notes that the proposal was defeated; that Wilson suggested that the School Committee should begin looking for another superintendent. V: Footage of Joe Casper (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the superintendent is getting "nailed" by the minority members of the School Committee; that the white members of the school committee are not causing trouble for Wilson. Footage of John O'Bryant (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the votes of the minority members of the School Committee are often split; that no one ever accuses white members of the School Committee of voting in a bloc. Jones reports that Wilson has won more battles with the School Committee than he has lost. V: Shots of Wilson and the School Committee members in a meeting. Shots of School Committee members John Grady, Kevin McCluskey, Casper and Thomas O'Reilly. Jones says that some critics see flaws in the ways that the School Committee is administering to the schools. V: Footage of Michael McCormack (Boston City Council) saying that the School Committee needs to focus on educational policy; that the operations of the schools should be left up to the superintendent. Footage of O'Bryant saying that Wilson does not consult parents on issues affecting the schools. O'Bryant says that parental participation in the school system should be encouraged. Footage of Casper saying that parents are being encouraged to attend the meetings to push for their special interests; that Wilson cannot be expected to cater to parents while running the schools effectively. Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones quotes a spokesman for Wilson as saying that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Jones notes that Wilson will have another encounter with the School Committee at next month's meeting. V: Shot of Nucci.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/21/1987