Description: Christopher Lydon reports that the Nieman Foundation has awarded Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) the Louis Lyons Award. Sisulu has been jailed by the South African government and has not been charged with a crime. Michael Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) and Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Pride talks about Sisulu's courage. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African journalist to win the award. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu is the son of Walter Sisulu (founder of the African National Congress), who has been jailed since 1964 and is featured prominently in a new documentary film about the life of Nelson Mandela. Lydon's report includes photos of Zwelakhe Sisulu and footage from the HBO film Mandela. Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency) speaks about Zwelakhe Sisulu.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Mike Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) at a press conference. Pride talks about Zwelakhe Sisulu's great courage in the face of adversity. Shots of photos of Sisulu. Christopher Lydon reports that Sisulu's father was the founder of the African National Congress (ANC); that Walter Sisulu and Zwelakhe Sisulu are both in jail in South Africa. V: Footage from the Home Box Office (HBO) film Mandela. Lydon reports that Walter Sisulu is a major figure in the HBO film about the life of Nelson Mandela (ANC leader). Lydon notes that Mandela has been jailed since 1962; that Walter Sisulu has been jailed since 1964; that Oliver Tambo (ANC leader) has been exiled from South Africa. Shot of a black and white photo of Zwelakhe Sisulu. Lydon reports that Zwelakhe Sisulu has been jailed; that Zwelakhe Sisulu has not been charged with any crime. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu will be honored by the Neiman Foundation. V: Footage of Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African to have won the award. Max says that he hopes that Sisulu will be the last South African to win the award while in in prison. Footage of Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency). Lima speaks for Zwelakhe Sisulu, saying that apartheid is the cause of the trouble and disturbances in South Africa.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/18/1987
Description: David Boeri reports that the US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Boston Public School System is desegregated. Boeri reports that the Marshall Elementary School is less racially integrated now than it was before court-ordered desegregation began in 1974. He notes that the school population was 50% white when the school opened in the 1970s; he adds that the school population is now 8% white. Boeri interviews Jack Wyatt (Teacher, Marshall Elementary School), Elaine Rundle (teacher, Marshall Elementary School) and Lou Tobaski (Principal, Marshall Elementary School) about school desegregation at the Marshall Elementary School. Boeri notes that there are no educational problems at the school. He adds that the school faculty has been successfully integrated. Boeri interviews Jane Bowden (parent). Bowden says that the school is excellent. Boeri notes that the school is not racially balanced but that it is in compliance with the court order. Boeri's report is accompanied by footage of students and teachers in classrooms at the Marshall Elementary School. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on integration at the Lee Elementary School Lee School is a successful integrated school
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of a white teacher singing a song with elementary school students in a classroom at the John Marshall Elementary School. Most of the students in the class are African American. Shot of a white male student in the classroom. David Boeri reports that the Marshall Elementary School opened 17 years ago as a neighborhood school; that 50% of the students were African American and 50% of the students were white when the school opened. Boeri notes that 8% of the school population is white in 1987. Boeri adds that the US Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Marshall School is desegregated. V: Footage of Jack Wyatt (teacher, Marshall Elementary School) saying that the school is not racially balanced; that the school was racially balanced when it opened. Shot of a white male student standing at the front of the classroom. Footage of Elaine Rundle (teacher, Marshall Elementary School) saying that many of the bright African American students are bused to the suburbs through METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity). Shots of an African American teacher teaching to a classroom of African American students. Boeri reports that two buses transport children to and from the school; that one of the buses brings African American students to the school; that African Americans comprise 61% of the school's enrollment. V: Footage of Rundle saying that she does not know why African American students are bused to the school. Shot of African American students walking away from the school. Boeri says that there do not seem to be educational problems at the school. V: Footage of Boeri interviewing Jane Bowden (Marshall School parent). Bowden says that she did opposed busing at first; that she refused the opportunity to put her children in a different school. Bowden notes that the Marshall School is "excellent." Shot of Bowden's children getting into her car. Footage of Boeri interviewing Lou Tobaski (Principal, Marshall Elementary School). Tobaski says that the school has been able to convince the white parents to keep their children in the school; that the children are receiving a good education. Tobaski says that the school is mostly African American because the surrounding neighborhood has mostly African American residents. Boeri notes that African American and Hispanic residents have moved into the neighborhood surrounding the school. V: Footage of an African American teacher in a classroom with mostly African American students. Shots of individual students. Boeri notes that the school has received more money from the School Department because of desegregation; that the staff at the Marshall School is integrated. Boeri adds that the school is not racially balanced; that the school is in compliance with the court order. V: Footage of Tobaski saying that the Boston School Committee has done its best to integrate the public schools; that not much more can be done.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/29/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports that the Boston School Department has called the Lee Elementary School a model of a successfully integrated elementary school. Jones notes that test scores are improving at the school. He adds that there is a good relationship between school faculty and parents. Jones reviews the racial breakdown of the student population. Jones interviews Arthur Foster (Acting Principal, Lee School) and Jack Flynn (Lee School official) about the success at the school. Jones' report includes footage of students in racially integrated classrooms at the school. Jones interviews students and teachers at the school about school desegregation. Jones reports that the US Circuit Court of Appeals has declared that school integration is complete in Boston. He adds that the Lee School is an exception and that some schools have not been successfully integrated. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: David Boeri reports on integration at the Marshall Elementary School Marshall Elementary School is still segregated
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of a white teacher doing a lesson with a racially integrated class at the Joseph Lee School in Dorchester. Shots of individual students in the classroom. Marcus Jones reports that the Boston School Department calls the Lee School a "model" of how school desegregation should work. Jones notes that the US Circuit Court of Appeals has declared yesterday that school integration is complete in Boston. Jones notes that the population of the Lee School is 60% African American, 28% white and 12% other minorities. V: Shots of an African American female student; of a white male student; of an African American male student; of a white teacher at the chalkboard. Footage of Jones asking a white male student if he knows what desegregation is. The student says no. Footage of an African American female student saying she does not really know why some students are bused in from other parts of the city. Footage of Arthur Foster (Acting Principal, Joseph Lee School) saying that the students are learning and that the students get along well. Footage of a white teacher teaching to a racially integrated class. Jones reports that test scores are improving at the school; that there is a good relationship between the faculty and parents; that white parents are eager to send their children to the Lee School. V: Footage of a white male student saying that he likes the school; that there are students of all races in the school. Footage of Jack Flynn (Lee School official) saying that white parents are willing to have their children bused to the Lee School. Jones notes that school officials hope that yesterday's court decision will not bring changes for the school. V: Footage of a white female teacher saying that she hopes the city has matured; that she hopes the city can move beyond the court order. Footage of Flynn saying that the Lee School is an exception; that the School Department needs to make desegregation work better across the city. Jones notes that the court decided that the Boston Public Schools were as desegrated as possible; that some schools are more segregated now than they were before the court order. V: Shots of a classroom at the Lee School.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/29/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports that a sculpture by John Wilson will be installed on the lawn of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury. Wilson created seven-feet high sculpture name Eternal Presence to mark the 350th anniversary of the black presence in Boston. Interview with Wilson and Elma Lewis (Artistic Director, National Center of Afro-American Artists) about the sculpture. Wilson says that the sculpture is evocative and confrontational. He adds that he is interested in hearing feedback about the sculpture. Jones notes that Wilson grew up in Roxbury. Shots of the sculpture and footage of Lewis addressing spectators in a gallery of the Center. Exteriors of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
0:59:57: Visual: Footage of John Wilson (sculptor) saying that he has always expressed himself through art. Marcus Jones reports that Wilson grew up in Roxbury, not far from the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA). V: Shot of the exterior of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. Part of the yard is cordoned off. Jones notes that a collection of his work is being featured at the Center. V: Shot of Jones and Wilson walking through the Center. Shot of the foundation for Wilson's sculpture, outside of the Center. The area is cordoned off. Jones notes that Wilson has created a sculpture called Eternal Presence; that the sculpture will stand outside of the Center. V: Shots of the sculpture. Audio of Wilson describing it as a seven-foot high head of a black person. Footage of Wilson talking about the sculpture. Wilson says that he wants the sculpture to be evocative and confrontational. Footage of Elma Lewis (Artistic Director, NCAAA) saying that a man's culture must be understood by himself and others. Footage of Lewis addressing spectators in the gallery featuring Wilson's work. Lewis says that the sculpture will be installed on the lawn of the museum on October 4, 1987. Lewis tells a story about how she told a neighborhood boy that the museum was putting a sculpture of a boy like him on the lawn of the museum. Shots of the sculpture. Footage of Wilson saying that he is happy with the sculpture; that he will be interested in the response to the sculpture. Shot of Jones and Wilson talking. Wilson stands on one side of the sculpture. Jones stands on the other. Jones examines the sculpture.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/01/1987
Description: Carmen Fields reports on the restoration of the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill. The Meeting House is the oldest African American church in the nation and it was gutted by fire in 1973. Interview with Philip Hart (Board of Directors, African Meeting House) and Ruth Batson (Director, African Meeting House). Hart talks about the significance of the Meeting House. Batson talks about plans for music, scholarly debate, and religious services at the Meeting House. Fields notes that a series of rededication programs will begin soon. Footage of construction workers and staff at the Meeting House and photographs documenting the history of African Americans in Boston.
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of woodworkers and construction workers doing restoration work at the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill. Carmen Fields reports that the African Meeting House is being restored; that the African Meeting House is the oldest African American church in the nation. V: Shots of the exterior of the Meeting House; of a commemorative stone reading, "A gift to Cato Gardner. First promoter of this building, 1806." Footage of Fields interviewing Philip Hart (Board of Directors, African Meeting House). Hart says that Frederick Douglass (abolitionist) spoke at the Meeting House; that the Meeting House was important to the Underground Railroad. Hart talks about the history of the Meeting House. Hart says that the Meeting House hosted notable figures and the average citizens. Shots black and white images of Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison (abolitionist). Fields reports that the Meeting House was gutted by fire in 1973; that a series of rededication programs begin on Sunday. V: Shots of the interior of the Meeting House with scaffolding; of white and African American workers involved in the rededication programs. Shots of Ruth Batson (Director, African Meeting House); of a black and white image of the Meeting House; of a 19th century photograph of a group of African Americans. Footage of Batson saying that she would like to have music, scholarly debate, and special religious services in the Meeting House. Batson says that the building will serve multiple purposes; that she hopes it will unite the people of Boston. Shots of photographs by Hamilton Smith, documenting the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century African American community. Fields notes that photographs by Hamilton Smith will be part of a permanent exhibit at the Meeting House. Field adds that the nineteenth-century African American community was centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill. V: Shot of a black and white photo of three African American women; of a black and white image of the Meeting House. Footage of Batson saying that the African American community began on Beacon Hill; that the African American community must celebrate their heritage. Footage of Hart saying that the building is a reminder of the role of the African American community in the history of Boston. Shots of black and white images of African Americans in the nineteenth century. Shot of the exterior of the Meeting House. Footage of Batson saying that she can hear the voices of past generations when she stands in the building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/09/1987
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: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the city of Boston is experimenting with a parcel-to-parcel linkage program to promote development in both the downtown area and in the outlying neighborhoods of the city. A new development project has linked a development in Chinatown to the development of Parcel 18 near the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury; the developers had to agree to develop both parcels of land. Vaillancourt reviews the details of the proposed development in each neighborhood. Interview with Stephen Coyle of the Boston Redevelopment Authority about the linkage project. Coyle says that the city is linking desirable downtown sites to sites in other neighborhoods in an attempt to bring jobs and services to the neighborhoods. Mayor Ray Flynn, Governor Michael Dukakis, and City Councilor Bruce Bolling at a press conference in Roxbury talk about the benefits of the linkage project. The Columbia Plaza Associates are a group of minority developers who will most likely develop the sites in Chinatown and Roxbury. Vaillancourt reviews the city's criteria for the development project. The project may bring more jobs and better housing to the Roxbury neighborhood. Following the edited story is b-roll of the area near the Ruggles MBTA station. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jesse Jackson campaigns for president in New Hampshire
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of Stephen Coyle (Boston Redevelopment Authority) saying that public land is being used to create "community equity." Shots of a street in Chinatown.<br /><br />Meg Vaillancourt reports that a new development project will affect two communities; that a parking garage and another lot on Essex Street will be developed into office space, retail space, a hotel, and moderate-income housing. Vaillancourt adds that land near the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury will be developed into a commercial center with two office buildings, a cultural center, and mixed-income housing for over 150 families. <br /><br />: V: Shots of a parking garage in Chinatown; of the area near the Ruggles Street MBTA station in Roxbury.<br /><br />Vaillancourt notes that developers who wanted the land in Chinatown had to agree to develop the land in Roxbury. <br /><br />: V: Shot of shoppers on a street in Chinatown; of African American commuters entering the Ruggles MBTA station. Shot of a sign reading, "Parcel-to-parcel linkage program project #1. Kingston-Bedford/Parcel 18."<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that the parcel-to-parcel linkage program is the first program of its kind in the nation. <br /><br />V: Footage of Coyle saying that the downtown sites are desirable to developers; that the city is linking downtown sites with sites in other neighborhoods; that the city would like to bring the service economy into other neighborhoods. Coyle says that Roxbury can benefit from a service economy, especially with the new MBTA orange line trains. Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) addressing a crowd seated outside of the Ruggles MBTA station. Flynn talks about the necessity of good jobs, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization. The crowd applauds. The crowd is mostly African American. Shots of an older African American woman in the crowd.<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that the $400 million project will provide benefits to both communities; that the projects will create more than 2,000 jobs in construction; that the projects will provide more than 8,000 permanent jobs when complete. <br /><br />V: Shots of construction workers working on building sites. Footage of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) saying that these projects will prove to students that there are opportunities for them if they stay in school to be trained. Shot of the audience members. Footage of Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council) says that the projects are about the "economic mainstreaming" of those who had been factored out of the process. Shots of an African American woman and her child in the audience; of an African American man at the podium.<br /><br />Vaillancourt reports that Roxbury and Chinatown residents met with the Columbia Plaza Associates; that Columbia Plaza Associates are the minority developers of the projects. Vaillancourt notes that the Columbia group must satisfy five criteria before being officially designated as the developer of the projects. Vaillancourt reports that the group must expand minority and community participation in the project beyond 30%; that the group must develop a plan with clear community benefits; that the plan must get maximum benefit from the $6.6 million in linkage funds; that the project plans must be sensitive in scale and design; that the group must find private investors who promote community ownership and who will insure the projects. <br /><br />V: Shot of the Boston skyline from area near the Ruggles MBTA station. Text on screen lists the city's criteria for development. Footage of Coyle being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Coyle says that the plan requires that the land be put to use for the community. Shot of an African American woman holding her child.<br /><br />Vaillancourt stands in front of the Ruggles MBTA station. Vaillancourt reports that Roxbury community activists blocked a 1970 plan to extend an interstate highway; that the plan would have destroyed several area neighborhoods; that the activists argued for more jobs, more housing and better transportation. Vaillancourt notes that the project looks like it will fulfill the wishes of those community activists.:
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: Hope Kelly reports on school desegregation in Lowell. Kelly notes that the minority student population in the Lowell Public Schools has doubled over the past ten years. She adds that Lowell has become a magnet for immigrants from Southeast Asia. Kelly interviews students in the Lowell public schools about school desegregation. Kelly interviews Jane Mullen (guidance counselor) about the diversity of the school population. Kelly notes that students are currently bused in order to achieve racial balance in the schools. She reports that opponents of school desegregation are fighting for neighborhood schools. Kelly reviews the racial breakdown of the student population at the Bartlett School in Lowell. Kelly's report is accompanied by footage of ethnically diverse students in a classroom and school cafeteria. Kelly's report also includes footage of a bilingual class and footage of the Merrimac River. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on school desegregation in Lynn, Massachusetts
1:00:07: Visual: Shots of industrial machinery in operation; of children playing at a playground; of industrial buildings; of two women sitting on a park bench; of historic buildings in Lowell; of a child looking out from a window of an apartment building; of the Merrimac River running through Lowell. Hope Kelly reports that tension in the city of Lowell stems from school desegregation. V: Shots of a bird on the shore of the Merrimac River; of an old brick building; of the water of the Merrimac River. Footage of a white female student saying that adults want students to be able to choose which schools to attend. Footage of a white male student sitting with an Asian American female student. The white male student says that adults are arguing about politics and where kids of different races should go to school. Shots of a students getting lunch in a school cafeteria. Footage of a Latino male student saying that it is good for students to meet different people from different backgrounds. Shots of students boarding a school bus. Kelly reports that opponents of school desegregation in Lowell are arguing for neighborhood schools. V: Shots of an African American female student in the cafeteria; of Asian American students in the school cafeteria. Footage of students in a classroom in the Bartlett School in Lowell. Shots of individual students. Most of the students are Asian American. Kelly reports that the student population of the Bartlett School in Lowell is 20% Latino and 25% Asian American. Kelly notes that the minority population in Lowell Public Schools has doubled in the past ten years; that the schools enroll 450 new bilingual students each year; that 100 new Southeast Asian immigrants come to Lowell every week. V: Shot of an Asian teacher in a third- and fourth-grade Cambodian bilingual classroom. The teacher teaches a lesson to the students. Footage of Mary Jane Mullen (guidance counselor) giving Kelly a tour of the school. Mullen says that there was a large Latino population in the school ten years ago; that there is still a significant Latino population; that there were many Greek-speaking students at the school ten years ago; that there are no longer many Greek-speaking students at the school. Footage of an Asian male student named Paul, who says that he is not very good at reading books; that homework is hard. Kelly reports that Paul is one of 160 Southeast Asian students at the Bartlett School. Footage of Kelly interviewing a group of students sitting at a table. A white male student talks about how people used to come to Lowell to work in the mills. Shots of a mill building with broken windows; of a renovated mill building. Kelly reports that Lowell has always had a significant immigrant population; that buses bring children to schools across the city in order to achieve a racial balance. Shots of students standing outside of a school building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/23/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports on school desegregation in Lynn, Massachusetts. Jones notes that an influx of immigrants and a change in housing patterns have tipped the racial balance in the public schools. Jones adds that Lynn made an attempt at school desegregation in the early 1980s by designating certain schools as magnet schools. Jones reviews that racial breakdown of the student population in Lynn Public Schools and in specific schools in the city. Jones interviews Clarence Jones (President, Lynn chapter of the NAACP), Albert DiVirgilio (Mayor of Lynn), Alexander Tennant (candidate for mayor of Lynn), James Leonard (Principal, Washington Community School), Robert Gerardi (Superintendent, Lynn Public Schools), and Michael Alves (Massachusetts Board of Education) about school desegregation in Lynn. Jones notes that there is some opposition from parents who want their children to attend neighborhood schools. Jones interviews parents Kathleen Sherkanowski and Rose McCusker. Jones reports that the State Board of Education has ordered the Lynn School Committee to implement a plan without delay. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Hope Kelly reports on school desegregation in Lowell
1:00:03: Visual: Shots of downtown Lynn; of shoppers in downtown Lynn; of traffic in downtown Lynn. Marcus Jones reports that Lynn has a population of 78,000; that housing patterns and an influx of immigrants have tipped the racial balance in public schools; that school desegregation has become an issue in the city. V: Shots of Boston Harbor; of Harvard Square; of students in Lowell; of a condominium building; of children boarding a school bus. Footage of Kathleen Sherkanowski (Lynn parent) saying that she wants her son to attend his neighborhood school. Footage of Clarence Jones (President, Lynn chapter of the NAACP) saying that the courts will need to take over the school system if the city of Lynn does not desegregate its schools. Footage of Alexander Tennant (candidate for mayor of Lynn) saying that Lynn is "one step away from receivership." Footage of Jones interviewing Albert DiVirgilio (Mayor of Lynn). DiVirgilio says that he will not let the desegregation issue tear apart the community; that he will work closely with all members of the community. Jones reports that DiVirgilio serves as Mayor of Lynn and as Chairman of the Lynn School Committee; that DiVirgilio taught in the Lynn School System for fourteen years. Jones notes that DiVirgilio was his student government advisor during Jones' own high school years. V: Shots of African American students exiting a bus in front of South Boston High School. Jones stands among a group of schoolchildren in the schoolyard of the Washington Community School. Jones notes that he was a student at the Washington Community School; that there were more white students than African American students when he attended the school. Jones adds that the student population at the Washington Community School in 1987 is 51% non-white; that the school has been classified as "racially isolated." V: Shots of students in a classroom at the Washington Community School. Jones reports that the Washington Community School has been racially imbalanced for almost ten years. Jones notes that James Leonard (Principal, Washington Community School) helped to coordinate Lynn's first attempt at school desegregation in the early 1980s. Jones adds that the Washington Community School was made into a magnet school in the early 1980s; that white students were to be bused voluntarily to the school. V: Shots of Tony Marino (former Mayor of Lynn) addressing a crowd; of the exterior of the Washington Community School. Footage of Jones interviewing Leonard. Leonard says that it is important to improve the quality of education in Lynn Public Schools. Footage of Marcus Jones interviewing Clarence Jones. Clarence Jones says that many minority parents are sending their children to private schools. Clarence Jones says that the Washington Community School is underfunded; that the school is a "disaster." Marcus Jones notes that Clarence Jones is his father. V: Shot of children playing outside of a school in Lynn. Jones notes that minority enrollment in Lynn Public Schools has doubled since 1981; that the population of Lynn Public Schools is currently 26% non-white. Jones notes that white enrollment has declined by 3,000 students. V: Shots of minority students in a classroom; of the exterior of the Washington Community School; of the exterior of the Ingalls Elementary School; of the exterior of the Connery Elementary School; of the exterior of the Harrington Elementary School. Jones notes that minority enrollment is over 50% in four elementary schools; that minority enrollment is 57% at the Harrington Elementary School. V: Shots of the exterior of Cobbet Elementary School; of the exterior of Eastern Junior High School; of students outside of Lynn Classical High School. Jones notes that Cobbet Elementary School, Eastern Junior High School and Lynn Classical High School have student populations which nearly qualify as racially imbalanced. Jones notes that a minority population above 36% classifies a school as racially imbalanced. Jones reports that eight of the city's schools are "majority isolated"; that the Sisson Elementary School had a 3% minority population last year; that the school has a minority population of 8% this year. V: Shots of mostly white students in a classroom at the Sisson Elementary School; of the students listening to a record on a turntable. Footage of Robert Gerardi (Superintendent, Lynn Public Schools) saying that most Lynn parents do not have a problem with school desegregation; that the parents want to maintain neighborhood schools. Footage of Rose McCusker (Lynn parent) saying that she does not want her children bused from their neighborhood. Shots of a racially integrated classroom in Lynn. Jones reports that the Lynn School Committee has issued its second desegregation plan in two years; that the State Board of Education has ordered the city of Lynn to implement its plan without delay. V: Shots of a white teacher in a Lynn classroom; of students in a school hallway; of students exiting a schoolbus. Footage of Michael Alves (Massachusetts Board of Education) saying that school desegregation should be resolved on the local level; that Boston spent fifteen years dealing with federal court orders on school desegregation. Footage of Clarence Jones saying that quality education is more important than racial confrontation.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/23/1987