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: Interview with St. Lucian poet Derek Walcott and Irish poet Seamus Heaney about the poetry of American poet Robert Penn Warren. Lydon, Walcott, and Heaney discuss the best format for the interview. Walcott and Heany comment on Penn Warren's appointment as US Poet Laureate. Walcott comments on the excellence of Penn Warren's recent work. Heaney talks about the significance of US history in Penn Warren's work. Walcott and Heaney discuss regionalism in Penn Warren's work, and the appropriateness of appointing a poet laureate. Walcott reads from Penn Warren's poem, "Caribou." Tape 1 of 2.
1:00:00: Visual: Derek Walcott (West Indian poet) and Seamus Heaney (Irish poet) sit among shelves of books, along with Christopher Lydon. Walcott and Heaney are studying books. Walcott and Lydon discuss which poem he should read. Heaney studies his book. Heaney and Walcott joke about whether a poetry reading can be "hot TV." Lydon, Walcott and Heaney discuss the format of the TV segment. Lydon tells the poets to discuss the work and life of Robert Penn Warren (American poet). Walcott and Heaney talk about how they will discuss his work. Lydon asks Walcott about the appointment of Penn Warren as US Poet Laureate. Walcott says that some find the idea of a poet laureate ridiculous; that there is a very old tradition of elevating a poet to represent his people; that the nomination of Penn Warren is in no way amusing or ridiculous. Walcott says that the nomination is the crowning achievement of Penn Warren's career; that Penn Warren has written his most powerful work in his old age. Walcott says that Penn Warren's recent achievements merit recognition; that Penn Warren's work should be considered for a Nobel Prize. Lydon asks Walcott to describe Penn Warren's poetry. Walcott says that he used to be cautious in his appreciation for Penn Warren; that he used to feel that there was too much of "the novelist" in Penn Warren's poetry. Walcott says that Penn Warren has found great vigor in his old age; that his recent poetry is noteworthy. Walcott talks about the clarity and elation in Penn Warren's work. 1:05:51: V: Lydon asks Heaney about Penn Warren. Heaney says that Penn Warren has not "broken faith with the historical experience"; that the American historical experience has been central to his work. Heaney says that the US could not have chosen a better poet laureate; that Penn Warren's work produces history and is a reaction to history. Heaney refers to Penn Warren's literary ambitions. Heaney says that American history and destiny is a large part of Penn Warren's work; that Penn Warren shoulders "large poetic responsibilities" in his work. Heaney says that it is proper for Penn Warren to be honored by the US; that Penn Warren has honored the nation through his work. Lydon asks Heaney to talk about the history in Penn Warren's work. Heaney talks about the relation between poet and region in Penn Warren's work. Heaney notes that Penn Warren was one of the Fugitives (a group of Southern poets); that Penn Warren carefully the relationship between "a literary career and a communal destiny." Heaney says that Penn Warren wrote as if his poetry had a responsibility to the larger culture; that there is "roughage" and "subject matter" in the poetry of Penn Warren. Heaney refers to the recent poem, Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, which focuses on the treatment of Native Americans in the nineteenth century. Heaney says that Penn Warren does not "wilt in the face of history;" that many poets shy away from facing history. Heaney notes that Penn Warren's poetry has a "large voice;" that Penn Warren has risen to the challenge of history. 1:11:02: V: Lydon asks if there is a contradiction in appointing one poet to represent the diverse people and regions of the US. Walcott says that the image of a hawk is recurrent in Penn Warren's poetry; that Penn Warren is like an old hawk; that Penn Warren is fierce and gentle. Walcott says that Penn Warren is hawk-like in his observations of American culture; that Penn Warren writes about regions of the country which are familiar to him; that Penn Warren has observed those regions from a great distance and has contemplated their meanings. Walcott says that Penn Warren has a gift; that Penn Warren has used that gift to examine a fairly modest range of experience. Walcott says that Penn Warren is rooted in his region and personal experience; that he is able to examine the horizons of that experience. Walcott notes that Penn Warren has expressed the "guilt" and the "conscience" of the South. 1:14:27: V: Heaney notes that there is an "imperial" theme in the appointment of a poet laureate by the US government; that the government seems to be trying to "furbish its image." Heaney wonders if there is a political motive in the appointment of a poet laureate. Heaney says that a poet's power needs to be kept pure; that "the poetic intelligence of a country" needs to serve as an alternative government. Heaney wonders if the appointment is an attempt to co-opt the conscience of the "alternative government." Heaney changes the subject, saying that American poets are well-suited to be poet laureates; that American poetry has a tradition of "visionary writing"; that American poets are challenged to include the scope of the country in their writing. Heaney refers to the poetry of Walt Whitman as an example of "visionary writing" or "public poetry." He notes that the poetry of Emily Dickinson is more inward-looking. 1:17:21: V: Lydon asks each poet to read some of Penn Warren's work. Walcott chooses the poem Caribou. Walcott says that the poem exemplifies Penn Waren's clarity of vision. Walcott says that the voice in the poem describes the caribou and looks down on them from a great height. Walcott reads the poem. Walcott, Heaney and Lydon comment on the beauty of the poem when Walcott has finished reading it.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/28/1986
Description: Second half of interview with St. Lucian poet Derek Walcott and Irish poet Seamus Heaney about the poetry of American poet Robert Penn Warren. Heaney reads Penn Warren's poem, "Tell Me a Story." Walcott talks about his friendship with Penn Warren's daughter Rosanna Phelps Warren, who is also a poet, and his personal impressions of Robert Penn Warren. Walcott reads a draft of his own poem "On the Indian Trail," which he wrote about them. Walcott and Heaney joke around while shooting cutaways. Shots of Lydon (no audio) for cutaways.
1:00:08: Visual: Derek Walcott (West Indian poet) and Seamus Heaney (Irish poet) sit among shelves of books, along with Christopher Lydon. Walcott and Heaney discuss and read from the work of Robert Penn Warren (American poet). Heaney talks about Penn Warren's poem, Tell Me A Story. Heaney says that the poem touches him deeply; that the poem achieves "stillness" through language. Heaney says that the poem expresses a deep, lyric, intimate moment. Heaney reads the poem, Tell Me A Story. Lydon thanks Heaney. 1:01:58: V: Lydon and Heaney encourage Walcott to read another poem. Walcott says that he is friendly with Rosanna Warren (Penn Warren's daughter); that Rosanna Warren is a poet. Walcott says that he has met Penn Warren and his family through Rosanna Warren. Walcott says that Penn Warren has great strength and kindness; that there is a nobility in Penn Warren. Walcott says that he has written a draft of a poem called, On the Indian Trail. Walcott says that he did not write this poem because of Penn Warren's appointment as Poet Laureate. Walcott says that he did not know that the poem would be about Penn Warren when he started writing; that he imagined an old man in the middle of a stream with someone watching him. Walcott says that he realized that the figures in the poem corresponded to Penn Warren and Rosanna Warren; that the poem is a tribute to them both. Walcott notes that the poem was written for Eleanor Clark (novelist and Penn Warren's wife). Walcott reads his poem, On the Indian Trail. Lydon and Heaney compliment Walcott on his poem. Walcott and Heaney share a joke. Heaney asks if taping session is over and prepares to take off his microphone. 1:06:14: The crew takes cutaway shots of Walcott, Heaney and Lydon.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/28/1986
Description: James Roosevelt, Jr. announces his campaign for the 8th District congressional seat. He is running against Joseph P. Kennedy. He holds a rally to announce his campaign. Interview with Jim Roosevelt's uncle, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr. on the strength of his nephew's campaign. Jim Roosevelt addresses crowd, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt. He also talks about refusing to accept money from political action committees (PACs). Joseph P. Kennedy at a press conference. Roosevelt shakes hands with constituents. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt previously worked on Senator Ted Kennedy's campaigns and questions whether Kennedy will support Roosevelt considering his nephew is also in the race.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/04/1986
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Mel King and Jim Roosevelt are among those running to succeed Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill (Speaker of the House) in Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District. Vaillancourt compares the upbringing and careers of both King and Roosevelt, noting that they are not at all alike and that neither has anything in common with O'Neill. Vaillancourt talks about King's political experience and Roosevelt's public service experience and notes that the two candidates, along with Joseph P. Kennedy and George Bachrach are the frontrunners in the race. The report includes footage from interviews with both candidates and with Jim Roosevelt's sister, Anne Roosevelt Johnson. The report also features photographs of the two candidates throughout their careers and footage of both candidates campaigning.
1:00:26: Visual: Footage of Tip O'Neill (Speaker of the US House of Representatives) speaking to veterans at a VFW post in North Cambridge. The veterans applaud O'Neill. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Mel King (community activist) and Jim Roosevelt (candidate for US Congress) are among those running to succeed O'Neill in the 8th Congressional District. Vaillancourt notes that King and O'Neill are not alike; that neither have anything in common with O'Neill. V: Footage of Roosevelt talking about his candidacy at a campaign rally. Footage of King at a campaign rally, saying that he is "a candidate for the people." Vaillancourt says that neither King nor Roosevelt fit into O'Neill's tradition of "clubhouse" politics; that King is courting minority voters and the left; that Roosevelt is campaigning for the votes of affluent professionals. V: Shots of a King campaign sign; of two older white women applauding Roosevelt at a campaign rally. Shots of Roosevelt, King, Joseph Kennedy (candidate for US Congress) and George Bachrach (State Senator) campaigning. Vaillancourt reports that King, Kennedy, Bachrach and Roosevelt are the frontrunners in the race. V: Shot of a black and white photograph of King sitting at a desk. Footage of King talking about his modest family background. He says that his parents were hard workers; that his mother taught him to make clothes; that he sometimes makes the bow ties that he wears today. Shot of a black and white photo of Roosevelt as a boy. Footage of Roosevelt talking about the legacy of his grandfather, Franklin D. Roosevelt (former US President). Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt has never run for political office; that King is a "perennial candidate." Vaillancourt says that Roosevelt comes from a patrician family with a long political tradition; that King is the son of West Indian immigrants. V: Footage of King campaigning on the street; of Roosevelt campaigning on the street. Shots of black and white photographs of Roosevelt and King as young men; of Roosevelt in a school photo; of King in his high school yearbook. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt lives in Cambridge and graduated from Harvard Law School; that King lives in the South End and graduated from all-black Claflin College in South Carolina. V: Shots of Roosevelt's house in Cambridge; of King's home in the South End. Shots of black and white photographs of Roosevelt as a student at Harvard; of King in a group photo at Claflin College. Footage of King greeting a voter at a campaign rally; of Roosevelt shaking hands with voters on the street. Footage of King talking about how his father taught him to share with those who are less fortunate. Shots of black and white photographs of King as a member of a youth basketball team; of King coaching basketball. Vaillancourt reports that King's father was a longshoreman; that his mother was active in the church; that King has held jobs working with youth gangs and as a director of a Settlement House in the South End. V: Footage of King saying talking about working with people. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt lived in a monastery for a year after graduating from high school. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Roosevelt as a member of the Order. Footage of Roosevelt saying that he felt a spiritual calling to serve people; that he serves people in a different way now. Roosevelt says that he had difficulty following the vow of obedience. Shot of a black and white photograph of Roosevelt serving in the Navy. Shots of color photographs of Roosevelt in his naval uniform; of Roosevelt campaigning for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Vaillancourt talks about Roosevelt's career in public service. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt has served on the boards of the Mt. Auburn Hospital and the Cambridge Public Library; that Roosevelt has campaigned for numerous Democratic candidates; that Roosevelt's name garners him a lot of attention. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Roosevelt and O'Neill. Footage of Anne Roosevelt Johnson (Roosevelt's sister) talking about how Roosevelt read the Congressional Record as a boy. Footage of Roosevelt campaigning among the elderly. Footage of King greeting three women at a campaign rally. Vaillancourt talks about King's political experience. Vaillancourt reports that King was a state representative for ten years; that King is a two-time mayoral candidate. V: Footage of Vaillancourt interviewing King. King talks about his record of strong political leadership. King says that he has a stronger record than any of the other candidates. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt is using his famous name to take on Joseph Kennedy. V: Footage of Roosevelt signing autographs for children. Shot of a radio engineer. Audio of a Roosevelt campaign radio advertisement. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt has been criticized for "Kennedy-bashing." V: Footage of Roosevelt saying that he has been trying to engage Kennedy in a debate on the issues. Vaillancourt reports that Roosevelt has spent $65,000 on radio ads; that King has spent no money on advertising. V: Footage of King campaigning in Roxbury. Shots of a black and white photo of King meeting with white leaders in the 1960s; of King being arrested by police at Tent City in the 1970s. Vaillancourt reports that 90% of voters in the eighth district recognize King's name. Vaillancourt talks about King's involvement in the protest politics of the 1960s and 1970s. V: Footage of Roosevelt saying that King does not represent the viewpoint of most voters in the district. Footage of King saying that his politics are inclusive. Vaillancourt stands on a streetcorner. Vaillancourt reports that King's Rainbow Coalition is well known; that the Rainbow Coalition has not produced any winning candidates; that Roosevelt has support from Cambridge civic activists; that the district includes other areas besides Cambridge. Vaillancourt reports that Kennedy is leading in the polls.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/01/1986
Description: Marcus Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson, Superintendent of Boston Public Schools, has announced cuts to the school budget. Jones outlines the nature of the cost-saving measures and reports that additional cuts may be necessary. Wilson talks about the budget at a press conference. Interview with John Nucci, President of Boston School Committee, about Wilson's attempt to cut costs in the budget. Jones notes that the Boston School Committee has rejected Wilson's proposal to consolidate eight schools. School Committee meeting. This tape includes additional footage from the end of a news story on mental illness.
1:01:08: Marcus Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has announced cuts to the school budget. Visual: Shots of Wilson at a press conference; of an audience member looking at a handout of the budget. Footage of Wilson saying that he was faced with difficult decisions when he made the budget cuts. Shots of a list of names of school administrators targeted for layoffs. Jones reports that the superintendent submitted a $292 million budget last month; that the mayor had allotted $288 million for the school budget. Jones notes that the total for the new budget is $289.3 million; that more budget cuts may be necessary. V: Footage of Wilson saying that he has tried not to cut programs; that he has made minimal cuts in the school support staff. Shot of the printed cover of Wilson's preliminary budget. Jones reports that Wilson has recommended layoffs for 90 teachers, administrators and office workers; that Wilson has cut chosen not to implement a $2 million program geared toward reducing the school dropout rate; that Wilson had eliminated a $6 million request for repairs to aging school facilities. V: Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson has made a good effort to preserve educational programs while staying within the budget. Jones reports that the School Committee vetoed Wilson's proposal to cut costs by closing or consolidating eight schools. Jones notes that Wilson has made cuts elsewhere in the budget. V: Shots of audience members at a School Committee meeting. The audience members hold up signs protesting school closings. Shot of a sign reading, "JP is a pleasure because JP is a treasure." Shots of Wilson at the meeting. Footage of Nucci saying that the School Committee will not cut educational programs for at-risk youth; that the Boston Public Schools have an "astronomical dropout rate." Marcus Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones reports that the School Committee will discuss the new budget proposal next Tuesday; that members of the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed budget.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/14/1986
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: Christopher Lydon reports that Mayor Ray Flynn is requesting the creation of a Boston Employment Commission in order to boost the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs. The Flynn administration would like the Boston work force to be 10% female, 25% minority and 50% Boston residents. Interview with Flynn about employment in Boston. Interview with City Councilor James Kelly, who says that sanctions will be imposed unfairly on the construction industry. Interviews with Mel King and City Councilor Thomas Menino. Lydon notes that critics believe that compliance with the ordinance would cost jobs. Brief interviews with construction workers and white-collar workers about the proposed ordinance. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Minister Don Mohammad speaks out against drug traffic in Roxbury
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed on the street. The man says that he is from Boston. Hope Kelly (WGBH reporter) asks him which neighborhood he is from. The man says that he is actually from Billerica. The man says that he avoids telling people that he is not from Boston. Christopher Lydon reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is requesting the creation of the Boston Employment Commission; that the Commission's goal would be to boost the number of Boston residents working on Boston jobs. V: Footage of Flynn being interviewed. Flynn says that Boston is experiencing a significant growth period; that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone. Flynn says that people are not fighting over crumbs. Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed on the street. The man says that Flynn wants to put the "outsiders" out of work; that the "outsiders" are the true professionals who have been in the union for over ten years. Footage of another white male construction worker being interviewed. The man asks where he is supposed to go to work. The man says that the work is in the city of Boston; that he should be allowed to work there. Lydon reports that many construction workers fear displacement by the goals set by the Flynn administration. Lydon reports that the Flynn administration would like the Boston work force to be 10% female, 25% minority and 50% Boston residents. V: Shot of Boston City Hall. Lydon says that the present work force does not resemble Flynn's proposed work force. V: Footage of Hope Kelly interviewing construction workers at International Place. Two white male construction workers say that they are from North Attleborough. Another white male construction worker says that he is from Canton; that ninety percent of the workers on his job are not living in the city. Footage of Hope Kelly interviewing white-collar workers in Post Office Square. A white male says that he is a commuter. Another white male says that he is from Walpole. A white female says that she is from Newton. Another white female says that she is from Brookline. A third white female says that she is from Quincy. Lydon reports that Flynn's proposed ordinance would change the demographics of the work force in the public and private sectors. Lydon says that the greatest opposition so far comes from the unions; that the construction unions say that their field is being singled out. V: Shots of corporate workers crossing the street near Government Center; of a man carrying a brief case as he crosses the street. Shot of two white corporate workers conversing on the sidewalk. Shot of an African American construction worker talking to white colleagues. Shot of the State Street Bank building. Lydon reports that the unions have a political ally in James Kelly (Boston City Council and Sheet Metalworkers Union). V: Footage of James Kelly being interviewed. Kelly says that Flynn's ordinance talks about good faith efforts and voluntary agreements between the city and major corporations. Kelly says that sanctions will be imposed on construction companies. Lydon reports that the sanctions include potential fines against developers whose hiring practices do not meet the standards of the ordinance. Lydon notes that the mayor has issues two previous ordinances with similar goals. V: Shot of a backhoe excavating dirt at a construction site. Footage of Mel King (candidate for US Representative) being interviewed outside of his campaign offices. King says that the mayor has been unable to put "teeth" in the ordinance. Lydon reports that Flynn supporters point to progress. V: Footage of Thomas Menino (Boston City Council) being interviewed. Menino says that some trades are up to 20% and higher. Menino says that progress is being made. Menino says that the city has not yet imposed any sanctions on the construction trades. Lydon reports that King believes that sanctions are necessary. V: Footage of King being interviewed. King says that the ordinance needs "teeth." King says that there is no real monitoring process. Lydon reports that critics believe that compliance with the ordinance could cost jobs. Flynn disagrees with critics. Flynn says that at least six major public works projects are imminent. V: Shot of Flynn. Lydon reports that many workers do not believe Flynn. V: Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed by Hope Kelly. The construction worker says that he does not believe Flynn. He asks Hope Kelly if she believes Flynn.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/24/1986
Description: David Boeri reports on a demonstration by members of ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), outside of the offices of Mayor Ray Flynn. Demonstrators advocate for more affordable housing in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Footage of Peggy Jackson (ACORN demonstrator) and Neil Sullivan (Director of housing policy for the Flynn administration) debating the administration's affordable housing policy. Boeri notes that the demonstrators demanded the deed to a vacant lot in order to develop affordable housing themselves.
1:00:03: Visual: Shot of a multi-colored, hand-drawn sign reading, "Welcome to the mayor's office." A group of demonstrators stand outside of the mayor's office chanting, "Mayor Flynn, come on out." One of the demonstrators holds a sign reading, "ACORN: Housing Now." The demonstrators are affiliated with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). V: Shot of an office telephone; of the demonstrators. Shot of a sign reading, "Shelter is our need. Give us the deed." David Boeri reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) refused to meet with the demonstrators; that the demonstrators are fighting for affordable housing in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. V: Footage of Peggy Jackson (ACORN demonstrator) saying that her organization can build affordable housing if they are given one lot to build on. Boeri reports that the demonstrators say that the housing that the city calls "affordable" is not affordable for Roxbury residents; that the median income in Roxbury is $13,000. V: Footage of Jackson talking to Neil Sullivan (Director of housing policy for Flynn). Jackson says that fewer than 500 units of the city's affordable housing are affordable for Roxbury residents. Sullivan says that fewer than 500 housing units were built by the White administration between 1981 and 1983. Boeri reports that Sullivan blames the housing crisis on Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and a lack of federal money. Boeri reports that the Flynn adminstration is bundling low-income units with high-income units; that the Flynn administration is using the high-income units to subsidize the low-income units. V: Shots of Jackson; of the demonstrators. Footage of Sullivan saying that the Flynn administration has built over 500 low-income and moderate-income units in the first 6 months of 1986. The demonstrators respond that they cannot afford these units. Boeri reports that the demonstrators will have to incorporate themselves as non-profit developers before they can bid on a vacant lot. V: Footage of Sullivan telling the demonstrators that other groups have incorporated themselves and are bidding on land. Jackson tells Sullivan that the demonstrators do not have time to incorporate themselves; that another 3,000 people will be homeless before they are able to complete the legal paperwork. Shot of Sullivan. Boeri reports that the ACORN demonstrators ended up walking out; that the demonstrators say that they will take over the land next week. V: Footage of the demonstrators leaving the mayor's office.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/14/1986