Description: Bernadette Devlin McAliskey (Irish Republican activist) holds a press conference in Boston as part of a 13-city tour of the United States. Devlin speaks about her recent candidacy for the European parliament and says that her speaking tour is intended to help defray debts incurred during her campaign. Devlin's campaign was organized around a human rights platform. Devlin notes that international organizations have condemned the human rights abuses in Northern Ireland but that the United Nations and western countries will not speak out against Great Britain. Devlin expresses cynicism towards politicians and doubts about an American political response to the situation in Northern Ireland. She equates the oppression in Northern Ireland to the inequalities that exist in the United States and notes that Irish Americans engage in oppression of African Americans in Boston. Devlin compares the dearth of Protestant support for her cause in Northern Ireland to the lack of white working class support for busing in Boston; recounts the history of the Irish conflict from the Irish elections in 1918; and discusses changes that must be made by Great Britain in Northern Ireland. Devlin discusses her activities in the years since she left parliament; the use of violence by Catholics in Northern Ireland; the death of Lord Louis Mountbatten (British official). She accuses the international press of hypocrisy; answers questions about her speaking schedule and her life in Ireland.
0:58:09: Visual: Bernadette Devlin McAliskey (Irish Republican activist) prepares for a press conference as part of a 13-city tour of the United States. She sits at a small table in front of a microphone and takes questions from reporters. The press conference takes place in an informally furnished room; the walls are covered with handmade political posters. A reporter asks Devlin if she is doing the speaking tour to pay off debt accumulated during her recent campaign for a seat in the European parliament. Devlin says that her candidacy focused on human rights issues; that her candidacy was announced only three weeks before the election; that she ran on behalf of the H-Block political prisoners. Devlin says that her political party still has a debt of $10,000 after the elections; that she has come to the US to raise money through speaking engagements and from contributions. Devlin says that she has raised about $3,000 so far. A reporter asks Devlin's opinion on US involvement in Northern Ireland. Devlin says that Amnesty International, the International Red Cross and the European Court of Human Rights have all condemned the human rights abuses in Northern Ireland; that Jimmy Carter (US President) condemns human rights abuses all over the world, but ignores the deprivation of human rights in Northern Ireland. Devlin questions Carter's sincerity on human rights issues. Devlin says that the United Nations and western countries will not speak out against Great Britain; that she is trying to raise awareness of the situation among the white population of the US. The reporter asks Devlin if she expects a response from Irish Americans and Irish American politicians. Devlin says that she has a cynical view of politicians; that Edward Kennedy (US Senator) and Carter might speak out against the situation in Northern Ireland if they thought it would win them some votes; that she is not sure if Irish American politicians will take any action. Devlin says that the Irish American community has been made to feel guilty about giving money to Ireland; that they are made to feel like they are supporting violence. Devlin says that US politicians do not want Irish Americans to take interest in the situation in Northern Ireland. Devlin says that there are enough Irish Americans in the US to pressure the US government to take some firm action about Northern Ireland; that Irish Americans might become aware of the inequalities in US society if they started to think about the oppression in Northern Ireland. Devlin says that it saddens her to see Irish Americans involved in the oppression of African Americans in Boston. Devlin says that Irish Americans would get themselves on the "right side" of the civil rights struggle in the US if they understood the situation in Northern Ireland. Devlin says that Catholics in Northern Ireland were inspired by the civil rights movement in the US; that they identify with the struggles of African Americans. Devlin says that Irish Americans appear to be actively involved in the oppression of African Americans. Devlin says that she could probably raise money more easily if she avoided discussing the role of Irish Americans in the oppression of African Americans; that she is not willing to keep silent for money. Devlin says that she hopes Irish Americans will become more aware of their contradictory behavior; that many fled oppression in Ireland only to become oppressors in the US. 1:07:11: V: Devlin says that there is little Protestant support for her cause in Northern Ireland. She compares the amount of Protestant support for her cause in Northern Ireland to the amount of white working class support for busing in Boston. Devlin says that Great Britain needs to withdraw the undemocratic veto given to Protestants in Northern Ireland in 1921; that Great Britain needs to support change in Northern Ireland. Devlin reviews the history of the Irish conflict from the Irish elections in 1918 to the partition of the country by Great Britain. Devlin accuses Great Britain of partitioning the country in order to create a Protestant majority where there was none before. A reporter asks Devlin what she did during the years before the most recent election. The reporter comments that Devlin had not been visible on the political scene. Devlin responds that she has never stopped working for her cause; that the media ignored her activities because she was no longer a member of the British Parliament. Devlin says that the world took no notice of the violence used by Great Britain to oppress Catholics in Northern Ireland before 1969; that the oppressed Catholics are adopting the methods of violence used by Great Britain. Devlin questions why the Catholics are condemned for using violence, when they are only reacting to the violence used to oppress them. Devlin says that the international media have portrayed Lord Louis Mountbatten (British official) as a brave soldier and an aristocrat; that the oppressed peoples of the British Empire see Lord Mountbatten as a symbol of oppression. Devlin adds that public figures who represent the oppression of the British Empire will inevitably become targets of the oppressed. Devlin questions why the life of Mountbatten is worth more than the lives of all the Irish people who have died at the hands of the British; that the Irish victims fought for their country as Mountbatten did; that they were portrayed as terrorists by the international press. Devlin accuses the international press of hypocrisy. She says that the Irish people will not be "chastened" by the press coverage of Mountbatten's death. Devlin adds that if Great Britain was not occupying Northern Ireland, Mountbatten would be alive today. A reporter asks Devlin about Princess Margaret of England's comment that the Irish are "pigs." Devlin responds with a translation of an old Irish saying that "a pig thinks the whole world is pigs." Devlin answers questions about her speaking schedule and her life in Ireland. Devlin says that she has three children; that she does not have a regular job; that she works in the resistance movement. Devlin adds that she works with Catholics whose welfare benefits have been taken away by the British government. Devlin says that the money she raises will pay off her party's campaign debt. She adds that if the debt is paid, the rest of the money will go to a fund to benefit Irish prisoners.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/19/1979
Description: Boston Garden seating plan showing ticket prices from $4 to $10 for Celtics games. Team photos from 1956-1957, 1964-1965, 1972-1973. Empty seats and concession stand. Interview with Celtics vice president Jeff Cohen.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/26/1979
Description: Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets at Boston Garden. Red Auerbach sits with Celtics owner Harry Mangurian. Quarterly statistics hoisted on cord to announcer's booth above court. Interview with Houston owner George Maloof.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/12/1979
Description: Father Michael Groden (Advisor to Humberto Cardinal Medeiros) introduces a press conference with Cardinal Medeiros (Archbishop of Boston), Bishop Edward Carroll (United Methodist Church) and Donald Luster (President, Ministerial Alliance). Medeiros denounces incidents of violence and hatred and encourages citizens to celebrate the diversity of the urban community. Medeiros says that the clergy has prepared a Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony to be signed by the citizens of Boston. Medeiros urges the clergy and every city institution to dedicate itself to working towards peace in the city. Medeiros announces a gathering of religious leaders on the Boston Common on November 19 that will initiate a movement to help the city heal its wounds. Bishop Edward Carroll (United Methodist Church) reads a letter inviting the city's clergy to gather at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross the following Friday. Carroll speaks about the clergy's responsibility to cooperate in promoting peace, justice and harmony in the city; denounces recent acts of violence and hatred; and encourages all citizens to unite. Donald Luster (President, Ministerial Alliance) reads the Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony. Groden reviews the series of events planned by the clergy to promote peace in the city. Groden and Luster respond to questions from the media about the movement for peace and the Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony.
0:22:45: Visual: Father Michael Groden (Advisor to Cardinal Medeiros) welcomes the press to a press conference. He introduces Humberto Cardinal Medeiros (Archbishop of Boston). Medeiros approaches the podium and addresses the press. Medeiros says that Boston's religious leaders are calling on citizens of all races and religions to examine the Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony." Medeiros says that incidents of violence and hatred in the city cannot be tolerated; that citizens must act together to celebrate the diversity of the urban community. Medeiros says that a spirit of religious and pastoral solidarity is growing; that all of the clergy in the city are invited to a meeting on Friday at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Shot of the front of the podium. A branch with different colored leaves is pictured on a matted print hanging from the podium. Shots of the press in the audience. Medeiros urges the clergy to join together in an effort to improve the atmosphere in the city. Medeiros says that every institution and business in the city must dedicate itself to working toward a peaceful atmosphere in the city. Medeiros says that the city's religious leader will gather on the Boston Common on November 19; that the clergy will initiate a movement to help the city heal its wounds. Shots of Donald Luster (President, Ministerial Alliance), Bishop Edward Carroll (United Methodist Church) and Groden sitting at a table beside the podium. Medeiros says that the ecumenical movement will encourage citizens to act peacefully toward one another. Medeiros quotes Pope John Paul as saying that a city needs to have a soul; that the citizens are the soul of a city. Medeiros quotes Pope John Paul as saying that Boston has always been a community in which diverse people live and work together peacefully. Medeiros says that every citizen of Boston will be asked to sign the Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony; that citizens will be expected to uphold their pledge to work toward a better atmosphere in the city. Medeiros thanks the media and retreats from the podium. 0:29:10: V: Groden introduces Bishop Carroll. Carroll reads a letter inviting the city's clergy to gather at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Friday. The letter reads that the clergy must work together to foster an atmosphere of peace, justice and harmony in the city. Shot of the matted print hanging from the podium. The letter mentions a growing spirit of pastoral and religious solidarity. The letter denounces the recent acts of violence and hatred in the city. The letter encourages all citizens to unite in a spirit of solidarity. Shots of Luster, Medeiros and Groden , sitting at the table beside the podium. The letter urges the clergy to participate in the meeting. The letter reads that the clergy have an obligation to encourage its citizens to love one another; that the clergy must join together to renew their Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony. Shots of the members of the media at the press conference. The letter is signed by Medeiros and Carroll. 0:31:59: V: Groden introduces Luster. Luster reads the Covenant of Justice, Equity and Harmony. The covenant celebrates freedom and call for the pursuit of equal rights and justice for all. The covenant calls for citizens to celebrate the diversity of the city's communities. The covenant calls for a mood of healing and forgiveness. The covenant denounces conflict and violence. The covenant denounces the atmosphere of hatred and fear in the city. The covenant rejects "special interest groups" which divide the community. Luster finishes reading and sits down at the table beside Medeiros. 0:35:16: V: Groden thanks Luster. Groden reviews the events organized by the city's religious leaders in the coming weeks. Groden mentions the meeting at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Friday. Groden says that religious leaders are working on a pastoral letter which will be read at religious services on the weekend of November 17 and 18. Shot of a nun taking a photo. Groden talks about the ecumenical gathering on the Boston Common on November 19. Groden says that civic, political, and religious leaders will be invited to the gathering on the Common; that leaders will be encouraged to examine and sign the covenant; that leaders will be encouraged to take the covenant to their constituents. Shots of the members of the press. Groden says that another ecumenical event will take place in December; that the event will celebrate the signing of the covenant. 0:38:10: V: Groden and Luster respond to questions from the audience. A reporter asks how the leaders will get signatures for the covenant. Luster says that city leaders will sign the covenant on November 19; that these leaders will take the covenant to their constituents, who may sign it. Luster notes that these leaders will be given pins to wear; that the pins will signify peace. A reporter asks which religious leaders will be involved in the movement. Luster says that clergy from all denominations and faiths will gather together on November 19; that business and political leaders will be invited as well. A reporter asks what this series of ecumenical meeting and events will accomplish. Luster says that the events will try to capitalize on the atmosphere of goodwill created by the covenant; that the religious leaders will work to strengthen this atmosphere by preaching the scripture. A reporter asks if these efforts will improve the racially charged atmosphere in the city's schools. Luster says that the religious leaders have a responsibility to set a good example for young people; that the religious leaders need to sound a warning to those who are promoting the negative atmosphere. A reporter asks how the religious leaders will reach out to those who do not attend church. Groden says that religious leaders know that they cannot reach out to all citizens through religious services; that religious leaders will reach out to schools and to the neighborhoods. A reporter asks if the efforts by religious leaders are connected to a recent neighborhood summit. Luster says that their movement has been put together by religious leaders; that religious leaders have a "higher mandate" which propels them to preach the gospel of peace. A reporter asks if the religious leaders expect political leaders to speak out on these issues. Groden says that political leaders have accused religious leaders of not doing enough; that the religious leaders are fulfilling their responsibilities with this movement; that he hopes other leaders will join in. A reporter asks a question about the reference to "special interest groups" in the covenant. Groden says that religious leaders encourage membership in and support of "positive" community groups; that religious leaders are asking people to disassociate themselves from groups whose behavior is not constructive. Groden says that they will not single out any groups.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/29/1979
Description: Astor Theatre marquee says Union Station (disco and game room). Wide shot of Combat Zone, Tremont and Washington Streets. Seedy facades with flashing lights. Pilgrim Theater marquee "first run adult films all night." Paramount Theater. Naked i "all nude strip tease." Pornography.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/07/1979
Description: Structural details and signage on combat zone architecture. E.M. Loew's Publix Theater ('vaudeville, burlesque' words on brick side). Marquees of: The Scene: Adult Movies, Center Theater, featuring Chinese martial arts movies. Paramount and State Theater signs. Pussycat Cinema next to New England Medical Center. Interiors of a theater building, in the theater district. Sign for "Modern Theatre Restoration Circus." Interview with theater manager about reopening the theater, the shows they will feature, the restoration they will do on the building, including work with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and neighborhood development.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/15/1979
Description: 'Ann Corio' on Charles Playhouse marquee. Pilgrim, Paramount, State, Savoy, E.M. Loews, Center, Star, Modern, Lyric Stage and Next Move Theater exteriors. Hotel Avery sign. Boylston building. Parking lot. “Adult films, Chinese movies, martial arts,” Combat zone, theater district.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/10/1979
Description: A pageant of Kennedy family members (including matriarch Rose and Jackie Onassis) assembles at Faneuil Hall to hear Sen. Edward Kennedy announce his presidential candidacy. Ted appears but the tape does not include the announcement itself.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/07/1979
Description: Edward Kennedy Fundraiser at Park Plaza. Exteriors of Park Plaza lit up at night. Interiors of Park Plaza ballroom. Cocktail party to raise money for Kennedy's campaign. Kennedy enters the room, and addresses the crowd about the Iran Hostage Crisis. Joan Kennedy stands on stage with him.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/12/1979
Description: Governor Edward King's first press conference in office. Lieutenant Governor Thomas O'Neill sits next to King throughout. King talks about the Cabinet meeting he just had about the administration's future plans. He takes questions from the press, mostly focused on the budget.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/24/1979