Description: Meg Vaillancourt interviews Sterling Anderson of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) outside of the Dudley Branch Library about the lack of affordable housing in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas. Anderson says that the city is not doing enough to provide affordable housing for low-income residents. Anderson questions the city's definition of low-income. He adds that most residents do not make enough money to meet the city's definition of low-income. Anderson and a group of ACORN protesters march to the offices of the Boston Redevelopment Authority on Washington Street in Dudley Square. Anderson and the protesters enter the office and confront Ricardo Millet of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) about the city's affordable housing policies. The protesters read a list of demands including that 70% of all new developments in the area must target low and moderate-income residents. The protesters demand information on all new planned developments in the Roxbury/Dorchester/Mattapan neighborhoods. Millet discusses the city's affordable housing policy with the protesters. He gives them handouts including a list of planned developments in the area. Millet says that the BRA is trying to provide affordable housing despite a lack of subsidies from the federal government.
1:00:14: Visual: A fire engine pulls out onto Washington Street. Elevated train tracks are visible. An African American firefighter operates the rear of the truck. Cars pull to the side of a congested street to let another fire engine pass. 1:01:22: V: Meg Vaillancourt sets up an interview with Sterling Anderson (ACORN). Vaillancourt asks about the march organized by ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) to protest the affordable housing policies of the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Anderson says that redevelopment in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan is not geared toward the current residents of those areas; that ACORN is trying to put pressure on the mayor and the BRA to include housing for current residents. Anderson says that most of the residents of those areas do not make more than $13,000 per year; that one-bedroom apartments are selling for $18,000 in one of the new developments. Anderson says that Ray Flynn (mayor of Boston) deserves credit for developing housing; that these efforts are insignificant if the residents of these areas cannot live in the new housing. Anderson talks about how poor people have been thrown out of areas like the South End. Anderson says that the residents need housing, not shelters; that the city needs to commit itself to affordable housing. Anderson says that the city defines low income as a salary of $18,000 to $23,000 per year; that the city defines a moderate income as an income of $23,000 per year. Anderson says that he defines low income as under $13,000; that he defines moderate income as $13,000 to $24,000 per year. Vaillancourt asks if the city is really serving its lower income residents. Anderson says that the city is not serving those residents; that a lot of people cannot afford housing; that the city is pushing low-income residents out of the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Vaillancourt asks if race is the issue. Anderson says that it is an economic issue; that the low-income residents of Roxbury are African American; that there are low-income whites with the same problems in South Boston, Chelsea, and East Boston. Vaillancourt asks if Anderson doubts Flynn's commitment to the neighborhoods. Anderson says that he respects Flynn; that Flynn needs to understand that low-income residents are committed to fighting for affordable housing; that he needs to help these people. Anderson says that he cannot afford to give up on the fight for affordable housing; that he will have no place to live in five years if he does not put up a struggle. Anderson says that shelters are not the answer to the housing problem; that poor people do not want to live in shelters. Anderson says that there are some people who benefit from shelters; that the majority of people with low incomes are intelligent and hard-working. Anderson says that he hears the same statistics from the city at every meeting on affordable housing; that the city needs to make a commitment because working people cannot afford housing right now. The crew takes cutaway shots of Vaillancourt and Anderson. Anderson says that the BRA says the same thing at every meeting; that public housing advocates are always pushing for more low-income housing. Anderson says that 70% of the housing in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan needs to be for low- and moderate-income people. Anderson says that people in these areas have no place to live, despite the BRA's commitment to affordable housing; that developments in these areas should be priced at $35,000 instead of $65,000. 1:08:18: V: Housing protesters gather on the sidewalk on Washington Street, outside of the BRA's Dudley Office. The elevated train tracks are visible. The protesters chant, "We want housing. We won't wait. 2, 4, 6, 8." The protesters gather behind a banner reading, "ACORN." Shot of the BRA sign above the entrance to the office. The protesters march slowly into the BRA offices. The protesters chant, "What do we want? Housing. When do we want it? Now." The majority of the protesters are African American. The protesters file into the building. 1:10:48: V: The housing protesters enter a large room swith chairs set up for a meeting. The protesters chant, "2, 4, 6, 8. We want housing. We won't wait." The protesters stand at the side of the room, holding protest signs and chanting. Shot of a sign reading, "Third notice: Please be advised that you are required to build affordable housing." Shots of individual protesters. Ricardo Millet (BRA) sits in one of the chairs in the meeting room. He watches the protesters with interest. Millet invites the protesters to sit down. Anderson says that the protesters will remain standing. Anderson addresses Millet. Anderson says that there is a housing shortage in the areas of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan; that the BRA housing policy is ineffective; that residents of these areas need housing that they can afford. Anderson says that the newly developed housing target people with incomes of at least $23,000 per year; that most residents make less than $13,000 per year. Anderson says that the BRA and the city of Boston need to make a commitment to low-income housing; that 70% of the new development needs to target low-income residents. Anderson demands information on new developments planned for the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas. Anderson says that the BRA has not been forthcoming with that information; that the BRA needs to work with developers work with developers who have committed to building low-income housing. 1:14:34: V: An African American woman addresses Millet. She reads a list of ACORN demands: the cessation of development on Fountain Hill by June 15 unless the development is 70% affordable to those with low- and moderate-incomes; 70% of all new housing must target low- and moderate-income residents; that ACORN wants information on plans for new development in the area. Another protester says that the 70% quota applies to housing in the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan areas; that many residents of these areas make less than $13,000 per year; that an average income is more than $26,000 per year. The protester says that the voices of the poor must be heard. The protesters applaud. Anderson asks for a map of planned developments in the Roxbury/Mattapan area. Anderson says that the protesters will not allow new developments to be built if they cannot live in them. Millet stands to face the protesters. He listens as Anderson speaks. 1:16:10: V: Millet addresses the protesters. He invites the protesters to sit down and to discuss the issues with him. Anderson says that the protesters have been sitting in meetings for months; that the protesters want a list of the planned developments in the area. Millet says that he has never been asked for a list of the planned developments before now. Millet offers to provide the protesters with a list of projects currently undertaken by the BRA. Millet gives copies of a handout to the protesters. Millet notes that the BRA, under the Flynn administration, has approved 912 units of housing. Millet adds that the handout includes a list of approved projects as well as their locations, developers and affordablility. Shot of the printed handout. Millet says that 60% of the units in the approved developments are affordable to low- and moderate-income people. Shot of statistic on the handout reading, "60.4% of units below market rate." Anderson asks Millet to define low- and moderate-income. Millet says that the BRA will work with the protesters on the issue of low-income housing; that the BRA and the city want to respond to the needs of low-income people. Millet notes that it is hard to achieve these goals because the federal government has stopped subsidizing housing. Millet adds that the city has done well to achieve a 60% affordability rate in its new projects. Millet gives out copies of another handout. Millet explains that the handout covers the BRA's and the city's positions on affordable housing; that the handout describes the problem of affordable housing. Millet notes that the city is aware of the housing shortage. Anderson says that he gets the same responses every time he meets with the city and the BRA about housing; that no one is responding to their concerns. Shot of the crowd of protesters. Millet says that he has met with ACORN representatives in the past; that the BRA agrees with ACORN on the need to provide affordable housing; that the BRA is trying to achieve these goals without subsidies from the federal government. Millet stresses the fact that the BRA is committed to achieving these goals; that the BRA is trying their best to build affordable housing; that the BRA's achievement of a 60% affordabliltiy rate is remarkable.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/28/1986
Description: David Boeri reports on drug traffic in the Franklin Development Project. William Sommers, the Boston Inspectional Services Commissioner tours a condemned building on Homestead Street. Interviews with Sommers and Pat Farreta about the problems in the building. Ferrata talks about drug dealers who sell drugs from their apartments. Boeri talks to a tenant, who refuses to comment on the drug traffic in the building. Boeri reports on a plan for increased police presence in the community to combat drug and footage of police making a drug arrest. Interview with Roxbury community leader Don Muhammad about how to solve the drug problem in the community. Following the edited story is b-roll of the Roxbury neighborhood around the Franklin Development Project. Also, additional footage from the tour of condemned buildings with Commissioner Sommers and Pat Ferrata. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Ray Flynn proposes to increase the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs
1:00:08: Visual: Footage William Sommers (Inspectional Services Commissioner, Boston) touring a condemned building on 157 Homestead Street in Roxbury. Shots of a rotted stairway; of a the structural beams showing through a wall. Footage of Sommers pointing to a rotted ceiling in an apartment. Shots of Sommers standing in the stairwell of the building. David Boeri reports that Sommers condemned the building at 157 Homestead Street on the previous day; that the tenants will be relocated while the building is repaired. V: Footage of Sommers saying that he has written up thousands of housing violations for the Franklin Development Project. Footage of African American tenants moving furniture from the decrepit building. Boeri reports that Sommers blames the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for neglecting this building and others. V: Shot of a cockroach crawling along a dirty wall. Shots of African American tenants in the lobby of the building. The lobby walls are covered with graffiti. Footage of Sommers saying that there needs to be continuous support for urban housing; that he does not want to repair this building only to see it fall apart again. Boeri stands in front of the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that the city will have to fight the drug pushers in the building. V: Footage of Pat Farreta (Housing Inspector) saying that drug buyers will smash down the front doors of buildings in order to reach the apartment of a drug dealer. Shot of a door covered in graffiti. Shots of an African American man removing cabinet doors from the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that tenants of these buildings are terrorized by drug dealers. V: Footage of Ferreta saying that tenants report that drugs are being dealt through a hole in the door of one of the apartments. Shot of Boeri, Sommers and Ferreta standing together. Ferreta says that drugs will be dealt in the building that evening if he does have the building secured. Boeri reports that Mrs. Walker (tenant) will be moved to a hotel or shelter while her apartment is fixed. V: Footage of Mrs. Walker looking away from the camera. She says that she does not want to talk about it. Boeri stands in front of the building on Homestead Street. Boeri reports that tenants are afraid of reprisals if they talk about the drug problem; that tenants have told him off-camera that drug dealing occurs day and night in the building. V: Footage of a handcuffed woman getting into a police cruiser. A white police officer closes the cruiser door. Shots of police officers standing on the sidewalks in Roxbury. Boeri reports that the court-appointed trustee for the Franklin Development Project used $300,000 of federal money to hire Boston Police officers to remove drug dealers. Boeri notes that Boston Police officers will be continually present on the streets of Roxbury for 30 days. V: Shot from a moving vehicle of police officers standing on a sidewalk. Boeri reports that community activists disagree about whether the police presence is a good thing. V: Shot of Boeri walking on a street with Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader}. Footage of Muhammad saying that the community needs leadership more than it needs police; that absentee landlords and irresponsible tenants are part of the problem. Muhammad says that residents would drive out the drug pushers if they owned the buildings. Muhammad urges the courts to punish drug dealers to the full extent of the law. Muhammad compares a drug pusher to "someone who is driving an automobile at 150 mph in a 30 mph zone when children are crossing the street."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/24/1986
Description: Mayor Ray Flynn holds a press conference in Roxbury to unveil plans for a new housing and commercial development to be built on a vacant lot in Douglass Square. The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) cleared the land in the 1960s and never rebuilt on the lot. The owners and developers of the new project are African American. Flynn and City Councilor Bruce Bolling talk about the new development. Flynn says that all neighborhoods and all residents must share in the growth of the city. Bolling says that the proposal for the creation of Mandela, Massachusetts is a no longer an issue. Bolling and other Mandela opponents believe that the new development signifies a renewed commitment to the Roxbury neighborhood by the city of Boston.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at an outdoor gathering in Roxbury. Flynn stands under a tent, addressing a crowd. Flynn talks about the vote against the proposal for the creation of Mandela, Massachusetts. Flynn says that the vote shows that the racial polarization of the city is in the past. Shot of the gathering from the back of the tent; of an architectural model. David Boeri reports that Flynn is advocating affordable housing and economic opportunity in every neighborhood. Boeri notes that Flynn unveiled a plan for a project in Douglass Square; that the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) cleared a two-acre plot of land in Douglass Square in the 1960s; that the lot has been abandoned since then. V: Shot of a mural on the wall of a building in Douglass Square in Roxbury; of buildings in Douglass Square; of a vacant lot in Douglass Square; of architectural plans and an architectural model. Boeri reports that a housing and commercial complex is slated to be built on the vacant lot; that one-quarter of the units will be set aside for low-income housing. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) saying that the project addresses the need for economic re-investment in Roxbury. Boeri reports that the developers and owners of the project will be African American; that Bolling noted that Roxbury is becoming a full and equal partner in the city of Boston. V: Shots of African American crowd members; of an African American man standing beside an architectural drawing of the project. Footage of Bolling saying that the incorporation of minority neighborhoods into a new city is a dead issue. Boeri reports that Flynn had a unity breakfast with Roxbury leaders this morning; that Flynn pledged to make the city of opportunity for all. V: Shots of the crowd at the gathering. Footage of Flynn saying that all residents need to share in the city's growth and prosperity; that development of the downtown must be accompanied by development of the neighborhoods. Boeri stands in the vacant lot in Douglass Square. Boeri says that the lot has represented an empty promise by the city of Boston to the people of Roxbury. Boeri says that Bolling and other leaders fought the idea of secession from the city. Boeri adds that these leaders say that the plans for the new project are a signal that "their time has come."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/05/1986
Description: Marcus Jones reports on a referendum question concerning the incorporation of a new city made up of Boston's minority neighborhoods, which would be called Mandela, Massachusetts. Interview with Andrew Jones of the Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project about the proposal. Jones reports on the local and national controversy generated by the referendum question. Footage from a press conference with Mandela supporters and officials from East Palo Alto, California. Jones' report also features footage from an episode of the Phil Donahue Show. African American community leaders Andrew Jones, Mel King, Bruce Bolling, and Charles Stith debate the question with Donahue. Jones reports that the referendum is not expected to pass. Chuck Turner, a teacher, and Nathan Allen, the Executive Director of Lena Park Community Development, debate the question at tan Urban League Forum.
1:00:07: Visual: Shot of the referendum question concerning the incorporation of Mandela, Massachusetts on the 1986 election ballot. Marcus Jones reports that the referendum question on Mandela, Massachusetts has generated much publicity. V: Footage of Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) saying that minority neighborhoods have a "colonial relationship with the city of Boston;" that the city of Boston has treated minority residents like "second-class citizens." Jones explains that the ballot question asks whether minority neighborhoods should break ties with the city of Boston in order to incorporate a new city. V: Shot of African American residents crossing under the elevated train tracks on Washington Street; of a map of the proposed border of the new city. Jones notes that the new city would encompass Roxbury, Mattapan, and parts of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the Fenway, South End and Columbia Point; that proposal supporters have chosen Mandela as the name for the new city. V: Shots of young African American men standing in front of Joe's Sub Shop; of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Flynn says Roxbury secession would halt progress." The article includes a photo of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) with Reverend Michael Thomas (Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church). Jones reports that Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is urging residents to vote against the proposal; that supporters of the proposal have brought in officials from East Palo Alto, California. Jones notes that East Palo Alto was formed by seceding from Palo Alto. V: Shot of proposal supporters at a press conference with officials from East Palo Alto. Campaign signs supporting the proposal read, "Vote yes on question 9. Land control, A new city. Mandela, Mass." Jones notes that the referendum is getting national exposure; that Phil Donahue (talk show host) broadcast his show live from WCVB today. V: Shot of the front page of The New York Times; of an article in The New York Times. Footage of the Phil Donahue Show (national TV talk show) from October 30, 1986. Donahue challenges supporters of the proposal, saying that the racial problems will worsen if minority neighborhoods secede from the city. African American community leaders Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project), Mel King (community activist), Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council), and Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) are guests on the show. Jones says that the issue behind the proposal is land control, not race. Bolling says that African American leaders and other leaders are poised to take control of city government; that the new leaders need to take advantage of the opportunity to bring the city of Boston together. Jones reports that African American community leaders debated the question at a Urban League Forum. V: Footage of Chuck Turner (teacher and community activist) saying that a victory for the referendum will force the Flynn administration to "open the books of the city." Turner talks about the large amount of land to be developed in minority neighborhoods. Footage of Nathan Allen (Executive Director, Lena Park Community Development) saying that the proposal for a new city is not financially feasible; that the new city would be incorporated with a deficit of $100 million; that community residents would be jeopordized by a large deficit. Jones stands at the back of the Urban League Forum. Jones reports that 71% of voters oppose the referendum, according to a poll.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/30/1986
Description: Marcus Jones reports that a group of minority developers will work with Mayor Ray Flynn and the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) to develop a multi-million dollar complex including office, retail, and residential space in downtown Boston. The complex will replace a downtown parking garage. Jones reports that Flynn's "parcel to parcel linkage program" will link downtown development to development in minority neighborhoods. Jones adds that this project will be linked to a parcel of land in Roxbury. Flynn and the developers, called the Columbia Plaza Associates, hold a press conference to announce plans for the development. Interviews with President of City Council Bruce Bolling and Davis Woo of the Chinese Investment Group about the need for development in minority neighborhoods. Interview with Stephen Coyle, the BRA Commissioner, about opportunities for minority involvement in development. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Community leaders talk about the significance of the African Meeting House and Renovation of the African Meeting House
1:00:30: Visual: Shots of downtown Boston; of construction in downtown Boston. Marcus Jones reports that $7 billion has been invested in construction in dowtown Boston over the past nine years. V: Shot of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and a group of minority developers. Jones reports that a group of minority developers are working with Flynn through his "parcel to parcel linkage program"; that the developers will work with the Flynn administraton on a multi-million dollar development which will replace a downtown parking garage. V: Shot of the downtown parking garage. Footage of Flynn saying that a united partnership has been created with members of the Asian, African American, and Hispanic communities. Jones reports that the developers have called themselves the Columbia Plaza Associates; that the developers have raised $2.5 million of their $5.7 million goal. V: Shot of an African American developer standing among the group. Jones notes that the developers represent an important part of Flynn's plan to link downtown development to development in minority neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Roxbury. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council) saying that "those who have been factored out will now be factored in." Footage of Davis Woo (Chinese Investment Group) saying that the developers will work toward buiding new housing in Chinatown; that there is not enough housing in Chinatown. Jones reports that city officials expect to see a development with office, retail, and housing space built to replace the parking garage; that the project is valued at $400 million; that $100 million is earmarked for the minority developers who have won the right to co-develop the project. V: Shot of the parking garage; of a relief of the seal of the city of Boston set into the wall of the garage. Footage of Stephen Coyle (Commissioner, Boston Redevelopment Authority) saying that the minority developers have the "inside track" to develop the project; that this project marks the beginning of a "new era" in the city. Jones reports that up to $15 million spent to purchase the land from the city will be spent by the minority developers to create jobs and to build offices, stores and housing on a 5-acre parcel of land near the Ruggles MBTA Station in Roxbury. V: Overhead shot of the parcel of land in Roxbury. Footage of Coyle saying that the Boston economy will remain strong for the next decade; that teams of minority developers will be able to take advantage of new economic opportunities. Footage of Bolling saying that the work of minority developers will ensure future minority participation in the city. Jones reports that city officials will designate a formal development team for the linkage project in the winter; that construction is slated to start in the spring of 1988. V: Shot of the parking garage.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/19/1986
Description: Francis "Mickey" Roache (Boston Police Commissioner), Minister Don Muhammed (Roxbury community leader), Superintendent Albert Sweeney (Chief of the Bureau of Professional Standards), and Deputy Arthur Morgan (Bureau of Professional Standard) are present at a press conference to announce the results of the internal police investigation of the Silver Shield Club rape case. Roache reviews the details of the case. Roache says that Sweeney conducted a thorough investigation which turned up no witnesses or victim. Roache says that there is no evidence that a sexual assault ever took place at the Silver Shield Club. Roache adds that police have identified a suspect in the murder of Lucia Kai. Sweeney talks about the investigation. Sweeney says that all of the officers involved in the case passed a polygraph examination. He adds that the investigation is closed. The panelists answer questions from the media. Muhammad says that he is satisfied with the police investigation. He adds that Kai's murderer must be found. Roache says that the investigation will be reopened if compelling evidence is found. Roache will not comment on Kai's murder except to say that police have not found probable cause to link their suspect to the murder. Sweeney notes that Richard Armstead (Boston Police Department) was not asked to take a polygraph test because he was not a witness to the alleged sexual assault. He adds that the officers involved have been cleared of all accusations. Sweeney says that Armstead and William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) have both conducted themselves in a professional manner. Sweeney notes that no victims or witnesses have come forward. Sweeney continues to talk about details of the case. He says that it is difficult to trace the origins of the rumors that sparked the allegations.
1:00:00: Visual: Francis "Mickey" Roache (Police Commissioner, City of Boston), Minister Don Muhammed (Roxbury community leader), Albert Sweeney (Boston Police Department), and Arthur Morgan (Boston Police Department) seat themselves at a press conference to announce the results of an internal police investigation of the Silver Shield Club rape case. Nancy Sterling Gleason (spokeswoman for Roache) introduces each of the men at the table. Roache summarizes the allegations in the Silver Shield case. Roache says that rumors have surfaced that an African American female was sexually assaulted at the Silver Shield Club in 1982. Roache reviews the details of the case. He reports that an African American female was found murdered in the Franklin Park section of Roxbury; that rumors suggested a connection between that homicide and the sexual assault at the Silver Shield Club. Roache says that he has conducted a thorough internal investigation of the matter; that there is no evidence of a sexual assault ever having taken place at the Silver Shield Club. Roache says that Sweeney spent many months investigating the matter; that the investigation has produced no victim or no witnesses. Roache reports that Lucia Kai (Roxbury resident) was murdered in August, 1982; that police have not yet solved the case; that there is a suspect, but no probable cause. Roache says that he is pleased to have worked with community leaders on this investigation; that the Silver Shield Club investigation is closed. Roache compliments Sweeney on his thorough investigation. 1:05:32: V: Shot of Muhammed; of Sweeney. Sweeney says that the investigation has led to the conclusion that there was no sexual assault at the Silver Shield Club in 1982. Sweeney reports that there are no witnesses, victim, or evidence to support the allegations. Sweeney says that the officers involved in the case voluntarily submitted to a polygraph examination; that the results were confirmed by the Massachusetts State Police Department. Sweeney says that the officers were asked if they had any knowledge of the sexual assault, if they participated in the sexual assault, and if they had any knowledge of any sexual assaults at the Silver Shield Club at any time. Sweeney reports that the officers denied any knowledge or participation in the sexual assaults; that the polygraph examination confirmed the truth of those answers. Sweeney says that the investigation is closed. Roache says that all of the officers in the department were invited to come forward with information on the case. Shot of Morgan. 1:07:49: V: The panel takes questions from the media. A reporter asks Muhammed if he is satisfied with the investigation. Muhammed says that he will not be satisfied until the Kai's murderer is found; that there is no evidence to support the sexual assault allegations at the club. Muhammed says that he would push for further investigation of the sexual assault allegations if compelling evidence were found; that Roache and the Boston Police Department have done an "admirable" job of reopening the case and pursuing the investigation. A reporter notes that Detective Richard Armstead (Boston Police Department) has accused the officers involved in the case of lying about the alleged sexual assault; that Armstead is not satisfied with the investigation. The reporter asks if action will be taken against Armstead. Roache says that disciplinary action is taken against an officer only if he or she violates given rules and regulations. Roache says that further investigation of the allegations will take place if compelling evidence is found. A reporter asks why the media had not been informed that there was a suspect in the investigation of Kai's murder. Roache reminds the reporter that the case is four years old. Roache says that the police have not found a probable cause which will link the suspect to the murder. Roache says that the police will work with the community to uncover evidence to solve the crime. Shots of the assembled media. Roache says that he will provide copies of the investigation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the office of the US Attorney. 1:12:57: V: Shots of individual reporters and audience members. Roache tells a reporter that he will not comment on specific aspects of Kai's murder. Shot of the panel from the back of the room. A reporter asks if an apology will be offered to the officers accused of the sexual assault. Roache says that rumors can be very damaging. Jump cut on videotape. Shot of the panel from the side of the table; of individual reporters. A reporter asks about the status of the suspect. Roache says that he will not comment except that the suspect resides out of state. A reporter asks why Armstead was not required to take a polygraph examination. Sweeney says that Armstead was never a first-hand witness of the alleged sexual assault; that the officers who took the polygraph test were named as witnesses to the alleged sexual assault. Sweeney notes that Boston Police officers Jose Garcia, William Dunn, and William Kennefick took the polygraph test. A reporter asks if there was an officer named as the perpetrator of the alleged sexual assault. Sweeney says that Dunn was the principal suspect; that Dunn has been cleared of the accusations. A reporter asks if Armstead's allegations were handled properly by his superior officers. Roache says that he cannot speak for Armstead; that he is proud of Armstead for coming forward; that he is sure Armstead will act professionally as the investigation comes to a close. Roache adds that William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) also conducted himself professionally at the time of the initial investigation; that the case is closed. A reporter asks how many officers came under investigation as suspects. Sweeney says that Garcia was named as the principal witness; that Garcia was alleged to have rescued the victim; that Dunn and Kennefick were named as suspects in the alleged assault. Sweeney notes that Garcia, Dunn, and Kennefick say that there was no sexual assault at the club. Sweeney adds that no victims or witnesses have come forward. Sweeney continues to explain details of the case. Shot of a female reporter. A reporter asks if there have been any attempts to trace the origins of the rumor. Sweeney says that it is difficult to trace the origins of a rumor from 1982; that the allegations were made at a time of great tension and difficulty within the police department. Sweeney says that the rumor was fed by an investigation by William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) in 1982. Sweeney says that Celester's investigation brought Armstead into the case; that the current investigation has proceeded from Armstead's accusations.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/10/1986
Description: David Boeri reports on the Silver Shield case. Interview with Richard Armstead of the Boston Police Department, who gives his version of the events in the case. Boeri reviews the facts about the case and the people involved. Boeri's reports includes footage of William Celester (Boston Police Department) and photographs of Lucia Kai (Roxbury resident) and police officers Jose Garcia, William Dunn and William Kennefick. Boeri notes that an investigation has cleared the officers of all allegations. Press conference with Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department), Albert Sweeney (Boston Police Department), Arthur Morgan (Boston Police Department), and Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader). Nancy Gleason (spokesperson, Boston Police Department) says that there is no evidence of a crime being committed at the Silver Shield Club. Boeri notes that one of the officers may have told Bruce Wall (Twelfth Baptist Church) about the alleged rape at the club. Interview with Wall, who says that he will not comment on what he was told.
1:00:11: Visual: Footage of Richard Armstead (Detective, Boston Police Department) walking down a street in Roxbury. Armstead unlocks the door to a house. David Boeri says that Armstead has been ordered to appear before a grand jury on December 3; that Armstead is the source of the allegations in the Silver Shield rape case. Boeri reports that Armstead has insisted that an African American girl was raped by white police officers; that the girl was murdered to ensure her silence. V: Shots of police officers in the lobby of a Boston Police Department building. Boeri notes that Armstead was not a witness to the rape; that Armstead heard the story from William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) in July, 1982. V: Shot of Celester in uniform, speaking to a reporter. Footage of Armstead being interviewed by Boeri in his home. Armstead describes the circumstances surrounding his conversation with Celester about the rape. Boeri reports that Celester told Armstead that Jose Garcia (Boston Police Department) was sleeping in the backroom of the Club; that Garcia was awoken by screams. V: Shots of the exterior of the Silver Shield Club in Roxbury. Shot of a color photo of Garcia. Footage of Armstead saying that Celester told him that Garcia witnessed a white police officer forcing an African American teenage girl to perform oral sex at gunpoint. Boeri reports that Celester told Armstead that William Dunn (Boston Police Department was the perpetrator; that William Kennefick (Boston Police Department) was one of six or seven officers who witnessed the rape. V: Shots of black and white photos of Dunn and Kennefick. Boeri reports that Celester told Armstead that the Garcia rescued the girl; that the girl ran from the car near the Orchard Street Housing Project. V: Shot of the Orchard Street Housing Project at night from a moving car. Armstead says that Garcia told Celester about the rape. Boeri says that all of the officers involved have denied Armstead's allegations. V: Shots of photographs of Celester, Garcia, Kennefick, and Dunn. Boeri reports that the officers were cleared of the allegations by the most recent investigation by the Boston Police Department in January, 1986. V: Shot of Francis "Mickey" Roache (Police Commissioner, City of Boston), Minister Don Muhammed (Roxbury community leader), Albert Sweeney (Boston Police Department), and Arthur Morgan (Boston Police Department) at a press conference. Shot of Roache speaking at the press conference. Boeri notes that the investigation found no evidence of a crime. Boeri adds that the investigation concluded that Celester acted responsibly by attempting to verify the rumors about a rape at the club. V: Footage of Boeri commenting on a Police Department internal report. Boeri notes that the report says that Celester informed Armstead of the rumor. Armstead says that the report is not true. Armstead adds that Celester never told him that the account of the rape was a rumor. Boeri reports that Celester may have told the same story to a civilian. V: Shot of a photo of Celester; of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Youth, 17, on danger list after shooting by a policeman." Boeri says that Reverend Bruce Wall (Twelfth Baptist Church) spoke with Celester in August of 1982, after the shooting of an African American youth by a police officer. V: Footage of Wall being interviewed by Boeri. Wall says that he will not comment on whether Celester told him about the rape. Boeri notes that Wall does not deny being told about the rape. Boeri reports that six weeks after the alleged rape, the body of Lucia Kai (murdered Roxbury resident) was found in Franklin Park. V: Shots of the exterior of the Silver Shield Club; of the woods in Franklin Park; of a color photo of Kai. Footage of Armstead saying that Kai was the girl who was raped at the Silver Shield Club. Boeri reports that police officials says that there is no evidence that Kai was raped at the club. V: Footage of Nancy Gleason (Boston Police Department spokesperson) saying that there is no evidence of a crime being committed at the Silver Shield Club.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/18/1986