Description: Massachusetts has decided to allow businesses and insurance companies to test people for the AIDS antibody. Critics complain that the proposed policy favors insurance companies over patients. Paula Gold, Massachusetts Secretary of Consumer Affairs, speaks at a press conference. She says that testing will be allowed under limited circumstances and controlled conditions. The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is a strong opponent of the policy. Don Polk of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts speaks at a press conference. He condemns involuntary testing except for clear public health reasons. He believes that the policy does not contain appropriate measures to ensure patient confidentiality and is discriminatory against African American life insurance policy holders. He states that the proposed policy fails to take into account the discrepancy in life expectancy between African American AIDS victims and white AIDS victims. The Urban League believes that the new state policy de-emphasizes public health education campaigns, which are important in minority communities. Public health informational brochures and African Americans at a bus stop. Following the edited story is footage of public health education literature. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Boston City Council delays vote on school reform
1:00:01: Visual: Shots of medical laboratory workers undertaking the processes involved in testing vials of blood. Callie Crossley reports that businesses and insurance companies have been lobbying for the right to test for the AIDS antibody. Crossley reports that Paula Gold (Secretary of Consumer Affairs) and the administration of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) have decided to allow testing for life insurance. V: Footage Gold at a press conference. Gold says that testing will be allowed under limited circumstances and under controlled conditions. Crossley reports that critics complain that the proposed policy favors insurance companies; that Peter Hiam (former Insurance Commissioner) resigned in protest of the policy. Crossley reports that the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts also disagrees with the proposed policy. V: Footage of Don Polk (Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts) at a press conference. Polk says that involuntary testing of any segment of the population should only take place for clear public health reasons; that involuntary testing will have a "chilling effect" on those who have a reason to seek testing; that involuntary testing includes tests taken as a precondition for life insurance. Shot of a white audience member at the press conference. Crossley adds that Polk says that some provisions of the policy discriminate against African Americans; that African Americans are more likely to purchase life insurance policies for under $100,000. Crossley reports that the new provisions state that purchasers of life insurance policies under $100,000 will not get payment if they die of AIDS within two years of purchasing a policy. V: Shots of African Americans waiting for public transportation in Roxbury; of an African American man crossing the street; of African Americans boarding an MBTA bus. Footage of Polk at the press conference. Polk refers to evidence that African American AIDS patients have an average life expectancy of three to nine months after their initial diagnosis; that white victims have an average life expectancy of two years. Polk says that the proposed policy fails to take into account the discrepancies between African American and white life expectancies. Shot of an African American woman in the audience. Crossley reports that a spokesperson from Gold's office said that Gold "did not feel that the regulations discriminated against blacks." V: Shot of Gold speaking at a press conference. Crossley notes that Polk does not think that the proposed regulations go far enough in guaranteeing confidentiality. V: Shot of an African American man taking notes at Polk's press conference. Polk says that there are confidentiality measures in the regulations; that there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure adherence to those measures; that we live in an age of "rapid information processing." Shot of a "public health fact sheet" released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health; of public health informational brochures about the AIDS virus. Crossley says that the Urban League accuses the new regulations of taking emphasis away from public health education and initiatives. Crossley notes that Polk says that public health campaigns are important in minority communities; that African Americans make up 25% of the 25,000 current AIDS victims. Crossley reports that the Urban League will recommend at a public hearing that the new proposed policy be rejected.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/03/1987
Description: Hope Kelly reports on a dispute between the tenants and the landlords of a building in Allston on Parkvale St. Kelly notes that the tenants have brought suit against the landlords for discriminatory practices. Kelly reports that a fire damaged the building in February. She notes that the landlords have aided white tenants with temporary relocation and have assured them an eventual return to their apartments. Kelly reports that African American tenants have been ignored. Kelly reports that the tenants have been barred from the building altogether. Kelly's report includes footage of a protest outside the apartment building by tenants and city officials. Brian McLoughlin (Boston City Council), Mel King (community activist), Domenic Bozzotto (Hotel Workers Union), and David Scondras (Boston City Council) are among those present. Tenants and city officials condemn the owners of the building and demand the return of tenants to the building. Kelly reviews the status of the lawsuit and gives the names of the owners of the building. She attempts to interview David Spada (owner) when he arrives at the building. Spada refuses to be interviewed.
1:00:16: Visual: Footage of Thomas Gallagher (New England Equity Institute) addressing a group of protesters under the awning of an apartment building at 56 Parkvale Avenue in Allston. Gallagher says, "It's a sorry state of affairs." Shots of protesters standing under the awning to get out of the rain. Hope Kelly reports that workmen are working on the interior of the apartment building; that tenants cannot enter the building. V: Footage of Etta Anderson (tenant) addressing the gathered protesters. Anderson says that the building looks habitable; that the building is empty. Shot of a street sign for Parkvale Avenue in Allston. Shots of the exterior of the building on Parkvale Avenue. Kelly reports that a fire damaged parts of the sixteen-unit building on January 15. V: Footage of Brian McLoughlin (Boston City Council) addressing the gathered protesters. McLoughlin criticizes the property owners for not allowing the tenants to return to their homes. Shots of the protesters under the awning. Several protesters hold signs. One of the signs reads, "Evict racist landlords, not tenants of color." Shots of Mel King (community activist) and Domenic Bozzotto (President, Hotel Workers Union) standing among the protesters. Kelly reports that the tenants say that the landlords are racist; that the tenants say that the landlords do not want the tenants to return to the building. Kelly reports that Pat Roberts (tenant) said that the landlords told her that they didn't want "colored people" in their building. V: Footage of Roberts addressing the gathering. Roberts says that she is living with her sister and her three children in a one-room apartment. Kelly reports that white tenants have testified that the landlords have helped them find temporary housing; that white tenants say that the landlords have assured them of an eventual return to their apartments. V: Shots of the protesters under the awning. Shots of signs reading, "Burned out" and "Real people, not real estate." Kelly reports that the tenants have brought suit against the landlords. V: Footage of Marian Glaser (Greater Boston Legal Services) saying that the tenants were first in court in February. Glaser says that the landlords said in February that the tenants could return to the building. Glaser says that the landlords changed their story at a second hearing. Glaser says that the landlords told the tenants that they could return to the building only if they dropped their legal claims against the landlords. Shots of the protesters. Kelly reports that the tenants have brought suit against the landlords for racial discrimination, retaliation, code violations from before the fire, and property loss since the fire. V: Shot of a man addressing the protesters. Shots through a window of a construction worker inside of the building. A sign in the window of the building reads, "Private Property." Footage of David Scondras (Boston City Council) addressing the gathering. Scondras accuses the landlords of suspicious behavior. Scondras wonders if the landlords wanted the fire to happen. Footage of King addressing the protesters. King says that the issue is of larger importance to the city of Boston. On-screen text details specifics of the building's ownership. Kelly reports that the property is owned by the Lightfoot Realty Trust and Bay State Property Management; that the owners are identified as Robert Kingman, Roman Zar, Charles M. Bernstein, and David Spada. V: Footage of David Spada (owner) saying that he will not comment on the case. Shots of protesters standing beneath the awning; of Spada passing by the protesters as he enters the building. Kelly reports that the case returns to housing court on Monday morning.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/19/1988
Description: Interviews with Arab students at local college. They discuss the prejudice they experience and their conflicting loyalties in the Persian Gulf war. They say people should not be targeting Arabs, Muslims, or Iraqis in general, but Saddam Hussein.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/22/1991
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the slow pace of public housing integration in South Boston. Footage of Doris Bunte, the director of the BHA talking about housing integration in 1986. The waiting list for public housing is 80% minority, but that there are no African American families living in the three public housing projects in South Boston. One resident talks about her opposition to housing integration. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) says that white families were first on the waiting lists for South Boston Projects. Interview with William Wright of the BHA, who denies any discriminatory practices on the part of the BHA. Vaillancourt notes that the BHA says that the safety of African American families in all-white housing projects cannot be assured. Interview with with Alex Rodriguez of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Rodriguez accuses the BHA of practicing segregation in their housing policies. Kathy Gannett a former employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development has also accused the BHA of practicing discrimination. Interview with Gannett. Vaillancourt reports that neither Bunte nor Mayor Ray Flynn will comment on the slow pace of desegregation.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) from 1986. Bunte says that separate facilities are unequal facilities. Meg Vaillancourt reports that little has been done to desegregate public housing in Boston. V: Shot of a white woman and white children standing outside of a housing project building in South Boston. Footage of a white woman talking to a reporter from the window of her project apartment. The woman says that she would like the neighborhood to remain white. Shots of white project residents standing at the entrance to a project building; of white girl reading on the stoop of an apartment; of a white boy scrambling under a fence near a housing projects; of white children in the area surrounding the project buildings. Vaillancourt reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) hired Doris Bunte to run the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) four years ago; that Bunte is a former project resident. Vaillancourt notes that there are still no African American families living in the three public housing projects in South Boston. Vaillancourt adds that African American families are on the waiting list for public housing. V: Shots of white residents sitting on park benches outside of a project; of parochial school students walking home from school. Vaillancourt reports that the BHA says that families are placed on a first come, first served basis; that the BHA says that white families were first on the waiting list for the South Boston projects. V: Shot of an African American girl looking out of the window of a project apartment. Footage of William Wright (BHA) saying that African American families have not been passed over on the waiting list for the South Boston projects. Vaillancourt notes that non-whites comprise 80% of the BHA waiting list. V: Shots of African American children and adults outside of a housing project building. Footage of Kathy Gannett (former employee, Department of Housing and Urban Development) saying that African American families were passed over on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston public housing projects; that the BHA is denying access to public housing projects on the basis of skin color. Vaillancourt reports that Gannett has been fired from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); that Gannett says that Bunte complained about her aggressive investigation of the BHA's desegregation efforts. V: Footage of Bunte from 1986. Shot of Wright sitting behind a desk. Vaillancourt notes that the BHA has denied Gannett's accusations. V: Shots of a child being held by a woman standing in the window of a project apartment; of a woman feeding a child dinner in an apartment; of the exterior of project buildings in South Boston; of a sign reading, "Old Colony Public Housing Development." Vaillancourt reports that the BHA has an emergency list; that families on the emergency list must be placed in the first available apartment. V: Footage of Wright being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Vaillancourt asks if an African American family on the emergency list would be placed in an available South Boston apartment. Wright says that the BHA is not housing people from the emergency lists in South Boston projects at this time. Wright adds that the families did not request apartments in South Boston; that the BHA is not discriminating against those families. Wright says that the turnover rate in South Boston public housing projects is very low. Wright says that he does not know if African American families on the emergency list were turned away from South Boston apartments. Vaillancourt reports that the BHA says that the safety of African American families in the all-white South Boston projects cannot be assured. V: Shot of white residents outside of a project building. Footage of Alex Rodriguez (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) saying that families are being denied access to public housing on the basis of race; that the housing authority has engaged in "social engineering" by continuing segregation in public housing projects. Rodriguez says that the BHA must abide by the law. Vaillancourt says that neither Bunte nor Flynn will comment on the situation. V: Shot of Bunte speaking to someone at a social function; of Flynn; of a white woman and white children sitting on the steps of a housing project; of a white child running around in front of a South Boston project building; of an African American man raking leaves in front of a project building. Vaillancourt notes that Flynn has said that the South Boston public housing projects will be desegregated by 1988; that Flynn will not comment on why desegregation has taken so long.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/05/1987
Description: David Boeri reports from a press conference with Mayor Ray Flynn, Doris Bunte, of the Boston Housing Authority, Neil Sullivan, the Policy Advisor to Flynn, and Robert Laplante, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The officials attempt to explain the new rules for the Boston Housing Authority's revised public housing tenant selection policy. The policy is intended to end discrimination in the selection process, but will not result in the removal of current tenants from their apartments. Boeri reports that the explanation of the policy is very confusing, but two tenants in attendance are able to do understand the policy. Interviews with public housing tenants Jean Deaver and Marcia Langford. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Reporter Meg Vaillancourt at the Old Colony housing project
1:00:15: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) entering a press conference. Flynn approaches the podium and addresses the audience. Shots of the audience. Flynn says that he is asking for the goodwill and help of city residents. Shot of Bunte. David Boeri reports that Flynn has alienated some city residents on the issue of integration of public housing; that some white residents oppose integration; that some African American residents have been the victims of discrimination. V: Footage of Flynn addressing the audience. Flynn says that tenants will not be asked to vacate apartments in order to achieve housing integration. Shot of an African American woman in the audience. Boeri notes that Bunte and Flynn has some problems explaining the rules of the new public housing policy. V: Footage of Flynn at the press conference. Flynn shuffles through papers at the podium. Neil Sullivan (Policy Advisor to Flynn) approaches the podium to help Flynn. Sullivan addresses the audience. Sullivan tries to explain how tenants will be placed under the new policy. Shots of Flynn; of reporters at the press conference. Boeri notes that Sullivan's explanation was not very clear; that reporters at the press conference looked bored. V: Footage of Robert LaPlante (Department of Housing and Urban Development) addressing the audience. Laplante talks about the fine points of the new housing agreement. Shots of Flynn slipping out of the press conference; of Bunte. Sullivan looks for the mayor. Footage of Boeri at the press conference looking at a video monitor showing a speech by Flynn. Boeri looks at the camera and says, "I still don't understand this." Shots of audience members at the press conference. Boeri reports that several housing project tenants were at the conference; that the tenants were able to make sense of the rules of the new policy. V: Footage of Jean Deaver (tenant) saying that potential tenants will be put on one waiting list; that potential tenants will now be given equal treatment. Footage of Marcia Langford (tenant) saying that the rules are being put in place to assure South Boston white residents that they will not be moved out of their apartments for the purposes of integration.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/16/1988
Description: Christy George interviews Maria LeBron about her experiences as a tenant in Boston's public housing, specifically in the Mission Hill Housing Project. George notes that LeBron is one of 370 tenants who have been compensated for the discriminatory policies of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and a federal court found the BHA policies to be discriminatory. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit on behalf on tenants. LeBron talks about how she was placed on a waiting list for an apartment even though there were empty apartments in housing projects in South Boston and Charlestown. She talks about the discriminatory policies of the BHA. LeBron says that it is very difficult to be homeless. She adds that people of color should not be afraid to challenge government agencies. George reports that nearly 1,000 people are eligible for settlement money from the BHA.
1:00:11: Visual: Footage of Maria LeBron (public housing tenant) calling to her children in the courtyard of the Mission Hill Housing Project. LeBron takes one of her children by the hand. She walks with along with them toward one of the buildings in the development. Christy George reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) placed LeBron in the Mission Hill Public Housing Project three years ago. George notes that LeBron is Puerto Rican; that LeBron's neighbors are Puerto Rican and African American. George reports that the BHA used to assign tenants by race; that LeBron was forced to wait for a long time to be placed in an apartment. George adds that LeBron signed up for public housing after the city condemned the building in which she was living; that LeBron was six months pregnant. V: Footage of LeBron sitting in her apartment with her two sons. LeBron says that she wondered why the BHA took so long to place her in an apartment. LeBron says that she knew that there were empty apartments. LeBron says that she waited three months before being placed in an apartment. Shots of LeBron working in the kitchen of her apartment. George reports that LeBron spent three months shuttling between a homeless shelter and the Milner Hotel. George notes that BHA apartments in Charlestown and South Boston sat empty while LeBron waited for an apartment. V: Shot of one of LeBron's sons sitting on the floor of the apartment. A toy car is in the foreground of the shot. George reports that LeBron was assigned to an apartment in Mission Hill two weeks before her baby was born. V: Shot of LeBron's two sons in the kitchen with her while she works. Footage of LeBron being interviewed by George. LeBron says that she noticed that there were no white families in the housing project where she was placed. LeBron says that a neighbor told her that the BHA only places white families in Charlestown and South Boston; that there are no white people outside of those two areas. LeBron says that she thinks that is wrong. Shots of LeBron in the kitchen with her sons. LeBron gets some chocolate milk for one of her sons. Shot of the boy drinking from a small bottle of chocolate milk. George reports that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and a federal court ruled that the BHA housing policies were discriminatory. George reports that the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights filed suit on behalf of the NAACP and tenants. V: Shots of Lebron giving her other son a cup of milk. Shot of an $500 invoice made out to LeBron from the BHA. George reports that LeBron received $500 from the BHA yesterday; that LeBron will receive a total of three checks as compensation for the discriminatory practices of the BHA. George notes that she will receive two more checks for $250. V: Shot of LeBron and her two sons on the couch. Footage of LeBron being interviewed by George. LeBron says that the BHA learned an expensive lesson. LeBron says that there are many people who do not have homes. LeBron says that it is hard to be homeless; that homeless people do not know where they will go for their next meal or for shelter. LeBron says that she wanted a home. Shot of the housing development from a window in LeBron's apartment. George reports that LeBron is one of 370 people who have been compensated for the BHA's discriminatory policies. George notes that nearly 1,000 more people are eligible for settlement money. George notes that these people will be hard to find; that some do not speak English; that others may be afraid to collect. V: Shot of three people standing at the entrance to one of the development buildings. Footage of LeBron being interviewed by George. LeBron says that many people of color are intimidated by large government bureaucracies like the BHA. LeBron says that people should not be intimidated, especially if they are in the right. Shot of LeBron handing each of her sons a coin. LeBron stands near a bureau. George reports that LeBron will use her first check to bring her sons to Puerto Rico for a visit to their grandparents. George notes that LeBron would like to attend college in the future to study law. George adds that LeBron has already won her first case. V: Shot of LeBron following her sons out of a room in the apartment.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/02/1990
Description: Christy George reports that poor Boston neighborhoods lack access to banking services. Banking leaders met with community leaders today to announce an agreement that will provide better banking services to poor neighborhoods. George reviews the details of the agreement, which will provide bank branches, loans, and increased investment to poor neighborhoods. At the meeting Richard Pollard (Massachusetts Bankers Association) says that redlining did not take place in the 1980s. Charles Stith (Organization for a New Equality), Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council), Willie Jones (Community Investment Coalition), John Hamill (Shawmut Bank),Ronald Homer (Boston Bank of Commerce), and Michael Dukakis all speak out in favor of the proposal. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Julian Bond at Harvard University and Christopher Lydon interviews Sarah Small
1:00:06: Visual: Aerial shot of Somerville. Shot of residents walking on a street in Roxbury. Shots of street signs for Blue Hill Avenue and Dudley Street; of a Western Union office in Roxbury; of signs in the window of the Western Union office. Shot of a man walking into the Western Union office. Christy George reports that poor communities lack access to banking services. George reports that Boston banks have few branches in poor communities. V: Footage of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) at a gathering of Massachusetts bankers. Dukakis shakes hands with meeting attendees. George reports that Dukakis outlawed the practice of redlining in the 1970s; that bankers and business leaders were upset about the law. George says that poor communities still lack banking services in spite of the law. George reports that Dukakis has supported a program to get banks to give better service to poor communities. V: Footage of Dukakis standing with banking leaders and community leaders at the meeting. Footage of Richard Pollard (Massachusetts Bankers Association) saying that he will not admit that redlining has been taking place in the 1980s; that redlining is illegal. Shots of banking leaders and community leaders socializing. George says that banking leaders met with community leaders today. George reports that banking leaders have agreed to open 10 to 15 new branches of downtown banks in poor neighborhoods over the next five years; that banking leaders have agreed to open 20 to 35 new ATM machines in poor communities. George reports that banking leaders have agreed to restructure mortgage programs; that the new program will grant mortgages to families earning as little as $27,000 per year. George reports that the banks will participate in a $100 million affordable housing pool to finance renovation and construction of affordable housing. George reports that bank leaders will support a $10 million corporation which will direct investments to minority-owned businesses. V: On-screen text details the specifics of the agreement between bank leaders and community leaders. Footage of Charles Stith (Organization for a New Equality) at the meeting. Stith encourages the leaders to join hands and raise them in the air. The leaders raise their hands and say "Amen." Stith stands next to Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council). Shots of Dukakis and other leaders. Shots of the media; of Stith. George reports that the leaders need to decide how to monitor progress; that both sides were optimistic about the plan. V: Footage of Stith speaking at the meeting. Stith says that it has taken a long time to reach an agreement. Footage of Bolling speaking at the meeting. Bolling says that the agreement is like "a Catholic marriage"; that there is no divorce. Footage of John Hamill (Shawmut Bank) speaking at the meeting. Hamill says that the agreement is not like a new marriage; that the agreement is "a renewal of vows." Footage of Ronald Homer (Boston Bank of Commerce) speaking at the meeting. Homer says that "the only way to say 'I love you' in business is with money. Footage of Dukakis saying that the agreement is "fantastic." George says that the agreement was reached when communication between the two sides improved. V: Footage of Pollard speaking at the meeting. Pollard says that the community used to have the feeling that the banks had unlimited funds with which to provide mortgages. Pollard says that the banks needed to explain their business model to the community. Footage of Willie Jones (Community Investment Coalition) speaking at the meeting. Jones says that the banks have realized that poor communities are looking for basic services instead of "bells and whistles." George stands in a residential neighborhood. George reports that banking rules have made it difficult for poor people to qualify for loans and mortgages. George reports that banks have restructured their rules to allow access for poor people. George notes that the banks will make money in poor communities; that they will not make as much money as in wealthy communities.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/15/1990
Description: Hope Kelly reports that Barbara Arnwine, the Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, is filing a lawsuit against the city of Boston, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), and the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on behalf of public housing tenants in Boston. Mayor Ray Flynn has announced an agreement aimed at eradicating discriminatory housing practices, but Arnwine considers the agreement inadequate because it does not acknowledge that African American families were "victims" of discrimination. Arnwine says that the city of Boston and the BHA lied to African American families and that the BHA worked to keep housing projects segregated. Press conference held by Flynn, Doris Bunte (BHA), and Robert LaPlante (HUD). Interview with Arnwine in her office at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. She says that the city of Boston, the BHA, and HUD do not want to accept responsibility for the harm done to African American tenants and that, despite the difficulty of the struggle, racial equality is worth fighting for. Kelly reviews Arnwine's career as an activist and lawyer. Kelly's report also features footage of African American and white children playing outside of public housing projects and footage of African American students entering a Boston high school. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Carmen Fields reports on nomination papers for Bill Owens and Royal Bolling, Sr.
1:00:16: Visual: Shot of the exterior of the offices of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. An African American woman sits at a desk at the front of the offices. The woman answers the phone. Footage of Barbara Arnwine (Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights) being interviewed by Hope Kelly. Arnwine says that the city of Boston, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) do not want to face up to the harm they have caused to African American residents of public housing in Boston. Shot of Arnwine signing a business letter. Kelly reports that Arnwine is bringing a lawsuit against the city of Boston, the BHA, and HUD on behalf of tenants of public housing in Boston. Kelly reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has announced an agreement aimed at correcting the discriminatory housing practices of the past; that Arnwine believes the agreement to be inadequate. V: Shot of Flynn, Doris Bunte (BHA), and Robert LaPlante (HUD) entering a press conference in June of 1988. Footage of Arnwine in her office, being interviewed by Kelly. Arnwine says that the agreement does not acknowledge that African American families were the "victims" of discrimination; that the agreement calls the families "disadvantaged." Arnwine says that the African American families were injured by the discriminatory housing policy. Arnwine says that African American families were misled and lied to by the city and the BHA. Arnwine says that African American families were not placed in white housing projects because of their race. Shots of African American children outside of a housing project building; of white children playing with a garden hose outside of a housing project building in South Boston. Footage of Arnwine saying that some white families were also victims of discrimination; that white families were discouraged from living in primarily African American housing projects. Arnwine says that the BHA was engaged in an effort to keep public housing projects segregated. Shot of the name plaque on the door of Arnwine's office. Shots of Arnwine working in her office. Kelly reports that Arnwine grew up in a segregated housing project in Detroit. Kelly reports that the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights was involved in the struggles to desegregate the fire department, the police department, and the schools in Boston. V: Shots of a poster in the Lawyers' Committee offices. The poster has a caption reading, "I have a dream. . . ." Shots of Arnwine talking on the telephone in her office. Kelly notes that the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights filed the original school desegregation suit against the Boston School Committee in 1972. V: Shots of African American students entering a high school in Boston. Footage of Arnwine being interviewed by Kelly. Kelly asks if the housing discrimination suit can be compared to the school desegregation suit. Arnwine says that housing integration means that people of different races become neighbors. Arnwine says that housing integration represents change; that change is often met by resistance; that some people might get hurt in the resulting struggle. Arnwine says that it was difficult for the African Americans who first integrated the police department and the schools; that integration has a price. Arnwine says that racial equality is worth fighting for. Shots of Boston police officer taking an oath; of African American students entering Charlestown High School.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/21/1988
Description: Interview with Beverly Sills on experiencing prejudice as woman directing an opera company and how the world is changing to allow women more opportunities. She comments on opera as expensive art form and how she tried to make quality opera that all people could afford, and that if specific opera communities are catering to the elite, she thinks the consumer can "make a lot of noise" and help to change that. She also mentions censorship in the arts and Robert Mapplethorpe. Clips of Sills singing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/17/1991
Description: Thomas Saltonstall (Area Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) speaks at a press conference to mark the opening of a Boston office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Saltonstall introduces Robert Williams (regional attorney for the EEOC). Saltonstall discusses the EEOC's commitment to the elimination of race discrimination in employment and to equal opportunities for women, older workers and minorities; he announces the initiatives planned by the EEOC to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws. Saltonstall says that the EEOC will focus on voluntary compliance. Saltonstall discusses statistics illustrating the underrepresentation, or "opportunity gap," in the employment of women in management and of minorities in the city's overall work force. Saltonstall presents statistics illustrating the "opportunity gap" for minorities in the printing/publishing industry, the communications industry, investment companies, brokerage firms, and retail stores. Saltonstall talks about the concentration of Boston's minority workers in lower-paying jobs. Tape 1 of 2
1:00:05: Visual: A federal official from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the US Department of Labor stands at a podium speaking to the media at a press conference on the opening of a Boston office of the EEOC. The official commends Thomas Saltonstall (Regional Director, EEOC) and the General Services Administration (GSA) for the design and effective use of space in the new EEOC office. Shot of the EEOC seal on the front of the podium. The official says that the EEOC is committed to equal treatment and access for all citizens; that minorities and women must be given an equal opportunity to advance themselves in the workplace. The official talks about the need for society to renew its commitment to civil rights. The official thanks the audience. Shot of audience members. 1:05:16: V: Saltonstall introduces Robert Williams (regional attorney for the EEOC). Saltonstall talks about the need to redress the employment opportunity gaps which exist for minorities in Boston. Saltonstall says that he will focus on race discrimination in employment; that the EEOC is also committed to equal opportunities for women, older workers and other minorities. Saltonstall announces the initiatives which will be taken by the EEOC to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws. Saltonstall says that the EEOC will promote a program of voluntary compliance with the statutes; that the EEOC will expand its services to the public; that the EEOC will focus on eliminating broad patterns and practices of employment discrimination; that the EEOC will focus on improving the quality and impact of the lawsuits filed. Saltonstall notes that he does not want to preach or embarass anyone. 1:08:23: V: Saltonstall defines the term "opportunity gap." Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the opportunity gap existing in 1980 for women as officials and managers in the Boston area. Saltonstall says that Boston rates among the lowest of six cities in a survey measuring the percentage of women in managerial positions. Saltonstall notes that minorities make up 29% of the labor force in the city of Boston; that minorities make up only 8% of the work force in the metropolitan area; that this disparity is greater in Boston than in any other major city. Saltonstall explains that the metropolitan figure of 8% has been used to calculate opportunity gaps; that the metropolitan figure is low when applied to businesses in the city. Saltonstall defines minorities. Saltonstall explains how the statistics were compiled. 1:13:58: V: Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the opportunity gap for minorities in the business of security/commodity brokerage. Saltonstall explains that individual companies will have performances which are better or worse than the average. Saltonstall notes that an unnamed private company in the Boston area has been targeted for enforcement action by the EEOC; that the unnamed company employs between 500 and 1000 employees; that all of the employees are white and only 3 employees are women. 1:15:28: Visual: Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the underrepresentation in the printing/publishing industry. Saltonstall notes that minorities are underrepresented as office workers and sales workers. Close-up shot of chart indicating statistical representation of minorities in jobs in the printing/publishing industry. Saltonstall says that many employers have claimed that they cannot find qualified minority employees to hire. Saltonstall says that there is not a shortage of qualified minority employees for low-paying clerical and sales positions. Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap widened for minority workers in the communications industry and other industries between 1970 and 1982. Close-up shot of the chart illustrating statistical representation of minority workers in the communications industry. Saltonstall notes that minorities are underrepresented in all white collar job categories in the communications industry except for office/clerical jobs. Saltonstall adds that many major companies in the communications industry failed to report statistics to the EEOC; that private employers are required by law to report statistics to the EEOC. 1:17:13: Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap widened for minority workers in food stores between 1970 and 1982. Saltonstall says that the statistics are "appalling"; that minority workers are underrepresented in all positions except as laborors and sales workers. Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating representation of minority workers in investment companies. Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap for minorities in investment companies widened between 1970 and 1982; that hiring for managerial positions tripled, while the number of minority workers in those positions decreased. Saltonstall notes that minority workers are underrepresented in all white collar jobs except for clerical positions; that all of the laborors working for investment companies are white; that all of the companies represented by the statistics are located within the city of Boston. Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating minority worker representation in general merchandise stores. Saltonstall says that the retail industry should be hiring more minority workers because a significant share of their income comes from minority shoppers. Saltonstall notes that the opportunity gap for minority workers in general merchandise stores widened between 1970 and 1982; that the minority participation rate in the industry has declined since 1970. Saltonstall talks about the concentration of minorities in lower-paying jobs.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/19/1984
Description: Thomas Saltonstall (Regional Director, EEOC) speaks at a press conference to mark the opening of the Boston office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Saltonstall calls for an end to employment discrimination against minorities; he remarks that minorities in Boston are concentrated in low-paying jobs. Saltonstall refers to charts illustrating the under representation of minorities in office/clerical and sales positions. Saltonstall advocates affirmative action programs and discusses the EEOC's intention to pursue litigation against companies that continue to discriminate in their employment practices. Saltonstall says that minority underemployment is a problem in the Boston area. He defends and explains the intended function of affirmative action programs.Saltonstall discusses the under representation of minorities in the public sector and some pending investigations against employers in the Boston area. Saltonstall describes the realtionship between the EEOC and the Civil Rights Commission; he talks about EEOC enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. A reporter asks if employers are receiving mixed messages from a conservative federal government and a more liberal EEOC. Saltonstall says that businesses should comply voluntarily with EEOC guidelines and explains the importance of goals and timetables in a voluntary compliance program. Saltonstall says that discrimination exists in the New England region even though there are fewer minorities in northern New England. Saltonstall says that he does not know of a city with worse statistics regarding job discrimination. Tape 2 of 2.
1:00:01: Visual: Thomas Saltonstall (Regional Director, EEOC) stands at a podium speaking to the media at a press conference on the opening of a Boston office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Saltonstall notes that minorities in Boston are better educated than in other areas of the country; that minorities in Boston are more likely to be concentrated in lower-paying jobs. Saltonstall refers to charts indicating industries which underutilize minorities in office/clerical and sales positions. Saltonstall calls for an end to job discrimination and job segregation. Saltonstall says that some Boston employers may not want to hire minority workers to represent their companies in sales positions; that racial discrimination is unacceptable. Saltonstall says that the problems of job discrimination and the underemployment of minorities must be solved; that action must be taken in the face of these complex problems. Saltonstall notes that advances in the elimination of job discrimination in Boston have been made only through litigation; that the EEOC will pursue litigation to this end; that employer efforts including voluntary affirmative action programs and voluntary compliance with the law will bring about change more quickly. Saltonstall talks about the necessity and importance of affirmative action programs. Saltonstall refers to EEOC guidelines for employer affirmative action programs. Saltonstall notes that affirmative action is a "remedy" for discrimination; that affirmative action programs are not discriminatory. Saltonstall adds that the EEOC wants to work with employers to promote diversity and to end job discrimination. Saltonstall says that Clarence Thomas (Chairman, EEOC) has initiated a voluntary assistance program to help employers understand federal anti-discrimination statutes. Shots of audience members. Saltonstall announces that an EEOC symposium will be broadcast to Chambers of Commerce across the nation. Saltonstall says that he hopes that voluntary compliance will be the norm in Boston; that the EEOC will pursue litigation if necessary. 1:09:21: V: Saltonstall answers questions from the audience. Saltonstall talks about the problem of underemployment of minorities in the greater Boston area. Saltonstall says that the problem is caused by inadequate attention to the problem and by discriminatory practices; that the problem is widespread in Boston. Saltonstall says that the underrepresentation of minorities in the public sector is a problem; that the mayor and the governor are committed to redressing the problem. Saltonstall says that the EEOC is pursuing investigations of employers in the Boston area; that he will not discuss the employer(s) against whom the EEOC will file suit. Saltonstall talks about the relationship between the EEOC and the Civil Rights Commission. Saltonstall talks about the EEOC's enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Saltonstall reads a section of Title VII to the audience. 1:13:32: V: A reporter asks if employers are getting mixed messages from the EEOC and from a more conservative federal government. Saltonstall says that employers should be paying attention to the EEOC instead of other government agencies. Saltonstall says that many cases are settled before litigation is filed. Saltonstall says that voluntary compliance by private employers is important; that the EEOC does not have the resources to pursue every case. Saltonstall notes the presence in the audience of directors from several civil rights enforcement agencies from across New England. Saltonstall says that there are fewer minorities in northern New England; that discrimination exists in the region. Saltonstall does not say that Boston is the "worst city in the nation" in terms of job discrimination. Saltonstall says that he does not know of a US city with a worse problem. Saltonstall says that the 1983 mayoral elections created a dialogue about race in the city; that it is important to take action to solve the problem of job discrimination; that voluntary compliance programs are an effective in resolving the problem. Saltonstall explains the importance of goals and timetables in a voluntary compliance program. Saltonstall explains that statistics for the metropolitan area can be skewed because of the low number of minorites living in the suburbs; that he does not know if Boston is the "worst city in the nation" in terms of this problem.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/19/1984
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on controversy over the affirmative action program in the Boston Fire Department. A 1976 court ruling required the Boston Fire Department to offer equal opportunities to minorities. Interview with Kathleen Allen, of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, about the affirmative action program in the Fire Department. Vaillancourt reports on the percentages of non-white firefighters in the department. Vaillancourt notes that some white firefighters consider the affirmative action program to be unfair, while many non-white firefighters support the program. Interview with David Coritella from the Mayor's Policy Office about the affirmative action program and the civil service exam. Cortiella says that the highest-scoring applicants in each racial group are hired. Vaillancourt reviews statistics concerning the rank and salaries of non-white firefighters. There are few minorities in positions of authority within the department. White firefighters Philip Malone and Paul Malone were recently fired for having claimed to be African American on their job applications. City and state officials fully support the affirmative action program. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of white and minority firefighters on the job and in a fire station. Vaillancourt's report also features clips from Nova. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on the affirmative action program at the Bank of Boston
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of an African American firefighter and a white firefighter sitting in a fire station. Shots of the two firefighters sliding down a pole and putting on gear. Shot of a fire truck pulling out of a station with its siren blaring. Footage from Nova of flames and burning buildings. Shots of firefighters fighting fires. Meg Vaillancourt reports that a 1976 court ruling found discriminatory practices in the Boston Fire Department; that a consent order required the Boston Fire Department to offer equal opportunities to minorites. V: Shot of a siren; of a white firefighter putting on gear and climbing into a fire truck. Footage of Kathleen Allen (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) saying that firefighters used to be hired only if they knew someone on the force; that firefighters were not hired according to their qualifications before 1976. Shot of an African American firefighter and a white firefighter working with equipment in the fire station. On-screen visuals and text detail the racial breakdown of employees in the Boston Fire Department. Vaillancourt reports that there were nineteen non-white firefighters in 1976; that minority firefighters made up less than one percent of the department in 1976. Vaillancourt reports that there are 373 non-white firefighters in 1989; that minority firefighters make up 23% of the department in 1989. V: Vaillancourt stands in a fire station. Vaillancourt reports that Boston firefighters did not want to talk about affirmative action on camera because it is a touchy subject. Vaillancourt notes that some white firefighters said that the consent decree was unfair. Vaillancourt reports that some white firefighters say that the consent decree allows minorities to be hired before whites who scored higher on the civil service exam. Vaillancourt reports that some African American firefighters said that the consent decree allowed them an equal opportunity to be hired. Vaillancourt notes that David Cortiella (Mayor's Policy Office) is the former director of the city of Boston's affirmative action program. V: Footage of Cortiella being interviewed by Vaillancourt at a fire station. Cortiella says that the consent decree does not force the Fire Department to hire minorities. Vaillancourt asks if the consent decree would allow a white applicant to be passed over in favor of a minority applicant who scored lower on the civil service exam. Cortiella says that such a scenario is possible. Cortiella adds that the highest-scoring applicants in each racial group will be hired. Vaillancourt reports that white firefighters in Alabama have won the right to sue for reverse discrimination. Vaillancourt notes that the white Alabama firefighters have not yet proven their case. V: Shots of a white firefighter; of an African American firefighter; of a firefighting ladder extended toward a tall building. Shots of an African American firefighter in uniform; of a white firefighter standing on a firefighting ladder. Vaillancourt reports that it is hard to argue that affirmative action has decreased opportunities for white firefighters. Vaillancourt notes that few minorities are in positions of authority within the Boston Fire Department. V: On-screen text and visuals details statistics about the rank and salaries of minority firefighters. Vaillancourt reports that there was one African American lieutenant in the Fire Department in 1976; that there are seven African American lieutenants or captains in 1989. Vaillancourt notes that 158 firefighters earn salaries of $43,000 or more; that only one of those 158 firefighters is a minority. Vaillancourt reports that some white firefighters in Boston believe that affirmative action puts them at a disadvantage. Vaillancourt notes that two white firefighters were recently fired for having claimed to be African American on their job applications. Vaillancourt adds that the two firefighters are fighting their dismissal; that the two firefighters claim that their grandmother was African American. V: Shot of a white firefighter climbing into the driver's seat of a fire truck. Shots of black and white photos from WNEV of Philip Malone (former firefighter) and Paul Malone (former firefighter). Vaillancourt reports that two other firefighters are under review for having claimed to be Latino. V: Shots of firefighters fighting fires. Footage of Cortiello saying that he will not comment on the cases of the two firefighters who claimed to be Latino. Shots of firefighters sliding down a pole in a fire station. The firefighters climb onto a fire truck. Shot of a fire truck pulling out of a fire station. Vaillancourt reports that city and state officials say that they will not retreat from their affirmative action program.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/15/1989
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on discriminatory practices by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). African American families are passed over on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston housing projects. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has ordered the BHA to stop this policy. Interview with Doris Bunte, director of the BHA. Bunte says that the BHA is not intentionally engaged in discrimination. Bunte adds that she concentrated on maintenance and repair of units when she took office and has now turned her attention to the fair housing issue. Bunte notes that she is concerned about the safety of non-white families in South Boston housing projects. Vaillancourt reviews previous efforts to desegregate public housing projects in Charlestown. She notes that the BHA must change its policy despite public resistance in South Boston.
1:00:11: Visual: Footage of Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) in her office. Bunte says that separate facilities are unequal facilities. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has practiced discrimination against African American families; that white families are given preference over African American families for apartments in South Boston. V: Shot of a white woman and white children outside of a housing project building in South Boston; of a white woman speaking to a reporter from a window of a project apartment in South Boston. Footage of Bunte being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Bunte says that a conscious decision was made "at some point" not to send minority families to projects in South Boston. Vaillancourt asks why Bunte did not change the BHA policy. Bunte says that the BHA is moving slowly to change the policy; that the safety of non-white families in South Boston is a concern. Bunte says that the BHA has been involved in outreach and meetings to move the policy along. Vaillancourt reports that the same argument was used by Bunte's predecessors at the BHA; that white families still have more housing options than African American families in South Boston. V: Shots of a housing project; of white residents sitting outside of a housing project in South Boston; of parochial school students walking toward a housing project; of a white boy scrambling under a fence near a housing project. Vaillancourt reports that some white families in South Boston are living in apartments which are too large for their family size; that African American families in other parts of the city are living in apartments which are too small; that the BHA did not offer available apartments in white housing developments to African American families. V: Shots of an African American girl standing outside of a housing project building; of African American children playing outside of a housing project. Vaillancourt reports that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has called the BHA policy discriminatory; that the BHA must change its policy. V: Footage of Bunte saying that the BHA does not plan to discriminate against anyone; that the BHA will not steer anyone to a particular project. Vaillancourt reports that HUD has ordered the BHA to stop discriminating against non-white families; that the BHA has not been asked to integrate its housing projects. V: Shots of a white woman and children outside of a housing project building; of a young white boy running around outside of a housing project; of a group of African American schoolchildren walking on a sidewalk. Vaillancourt reports that HUD has ordered the BHA to offer available apartments in South Boston to African American families. V: Footage of a white female resident of a South Boston project. The woman saying that public housing projects decline when African American families move in. Footage of a white female project resident saying that gang fights will erupt if African American families move into the South Boston projects. Shot of a white woman walking in the snow with two white children in Charlestown. Shots of a public housing project in Charlestown. Vaillancourt reports that African American families were integrated into an all-white public housing project in Charlestown; that Harry Spence (former BHA director) organized the integration of the Charlestown projects. Vaillancourt notes that Spence carefully selected the families to move into the Charlestown projects; that the families did not include teenage boys who were likely to become involved in turf wars with other residents. V: Shots of Spence talking to a reporter; of racially diverse residents outside of a project in Charlestown. Shot of a white woman and child looking out of a window of a project apartment. Vaillancourt reports that HUD will not allow the kind of selection engaged in by Spence. V: Footage of Bunte saying that it is discriminatory to pass over families with teenagers when filling apartment in white housing projects. Vaillancourt notes that Bunte has not moved any African American families into public housing projects in South Boston. V: Footage of Bunte saying that she concentrated on making repairs to vacant units when she took over the BHA; that families are now living in units which were vacant. Bunte says that she also concentrated on maintenance; that only 20% of units were in compliance with the sanitary code in 1984. Bunte adds that 88% of units are now in compliance. Bunte says that the BHA did not turn its attention to the fair housing issue until 1986. Bunte says that the BHA should have considered integrating South Boston before Charlestown. Shots of vacant apartments strewn with trash; of a broken door in the hallway of a public housing apartment building; of the exterior of a public housing project building; of the snowy grounds surrounding a public housing project. Vaillancourt reports that Spence had planned to integrate the public housing projects in Charlestown, and then to move on to the rest of the city. Vaillancourt notes that Bunte did not follow up on Spence's plan until 1986; that the federal government found a pattern of discrimination before the BHA could remedy its policies. V: Shot of Spence; of a white project resident climbing over a pile of snow outside of a public housing project building; of African American men standing outside of a public housing project building; of children playing in the snow outside of a public housing project building. Vaillancourt notes that the BHA must change its policy in the face of public resistance in South Boston. V: Footage of Bunte saying that fair housing is an important issue; that the BHA will implement a fair policy for all residents.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/15/1988
Description: Interview with Helen Cowen on the treatment of older people by business owners, mainly that they charged older people more.
Collection: WHDH
Date Created: 1968
Description: Hope Kelly reports that more than a dozen students at Harvard Law School have filed a lawsuit which charges the school with discriminatory hiring practices. Kelly notes that Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School) supports the lawsuit, but thinks it will be difficult to win. Kelly reports that Bell has taken an unpaid leave of absence from the school to protest the lack of diversity among the faculty. Kelly interviews Bell. Bell talks about the culture at Harvard Law School and about the need for a diverse faculty. Bell says that he has taken a leave of absence because it is important to make sacrifices in order to advance one's beliefs. Kelly reports that Bell is teaching a seminar called "Civil Rights at the Crossroads." She notes that Bell is not paid for the course and that the students receive no credit. Kelly's report includes footage of Bell and his students in class. The students discuss the importance of diversity at the school. Kelly notes that there are three African Americans and five females among the sixty-six tenured professors at Harvard Law School. Kelly reports that the school has failed to provide a set of role models reflecting the diversity of the student body.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School) teaching a class. Hope Kelly reports that Derrick Bell is one of sixty-six tenured professors at Harvard Law School; that only two of Bell's colleagues are also African American. Kelly notes that there are no Asian, Latino or Native American professors at the school; that there are no African American female professors at the school. V: Footage of Bell's class. A white female student says that the school needs a woman of color on the faculty in order to provide a wider perspective on issues of women in international development and on issues of human rights. Shots of students in the class. Kelly reports that more than a dozen Harvard Law School students have signed on to a lawsuit which charges the school with discriminatory hiring practices. Kelly reports that many experts think the lawsuit will be difficult to win. V: Footage of Bell being interviewed by Kelly. Bell says that US courts only understand race discrimination if it is obvious. Bell says that Harvard Law School has not prohibited African American women and other minorities from being hired onto the faculty. Bell says that Harvard Law School will not hire a professor who does not share the Harvard culture. Kelly reports that the culture at Harvard Law School is overwhelmingly white and male.. Kelly notes that only five of the sixty-six tenured professors are women. V: Shots of students in Bell's class; of Bell's hands as he makes gestures while speaking. Footage of Bell being interviewed by Kelly. Bell says that all professors teach a perspective; that all professors have a worldview. Kelly reports that students in Bell's class think that their perspectives are being "whitewashed." V: Shots of students in the class. Footage of an African American male student saying that diversity and quality do not have to be mutually exclusive. Shots of Bell at the front of the class. Kelly reports that Bell's seminar is called "Civil Rights at the Crossroads." Kelly reports that students have flocked to the class. Kelly notes that the students receive no credit for the course; that Bell receives no salary for teaching the course. Kelly reports that Bell is on unpaid leave. Kelly reports that Bell says that he will stay on leave until a woman of color is hired onto the faculty. V: Shots of Bell and the students in class. Footage of Bell being interviewed by Kelly. Bell says that he is a teacher; that teachers teach best by example. Bell says that he has always tried to teach law students about the importance of taking risks and making sacrifices. Bell says that real success stems from standing up for one's beliefs. Bell says that he must practice what he teaches. Kelly reports that Bell is passing up a salary of more than $100,000 per year. Kelly notes that Harvard Law School has continued to provide him with his office, a secretary and a classroom in which to teach. Kelly reports that Harvard Law School has failed to provide a set of role models which reflect the diversity of the student body. V: Shots of students walking on the campus of Harvard Law School. Shots of Bell in the classroom; of an African American female student in Bell's class.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/03/1990
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School) has announced that he will take a voluntary leave of absence from Harvard Law School until an African American female is granted tenure. Vaillancourt notes that Harvard Law School has only five tenured female professors and three tenured African American male professors on staff. She adds that the student body is 25% minority and 40% female. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of Bell speaking at a student demonstration. Bell makes his announcement. Bell adds that it is necessary to make sacrifices to advance one's beliefs. Students applaud Bell. Many students hold protest signs. Three students address the demonstrators. They talk about the lack of minority faculty. Vaillancourt's report also includes footage of Louis Kaplow (Associate Dean, Harvard Law School) speaking at a press conference. Kaplow defends the school's record of minority hiring. Vaillancourt notes that Bell does not know if his act of conscience will have any effect on the school administration. Vaillancourt's report includes footage from May 1988, of Harvard Law School students occupying the dean's office to protest the lack of minority faculty. Following the edited story is additional footage of the demonstration, including law student Barack Obama introducing Derrick Bell.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Harvard Law School students at a demonstration outside of Harvard Law School. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Harvard Law School counts fifteen Supreme Court Justices among its alumni; that tenure is granted only to the academic elite. Vaillancourt reports that Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School) is a tenured professor who has announced his departure. V: Shot of a student at the demonstration. Footage of Bell at the demonstration. Bell says that he will remove himself from the Harvard payroll as a "sacrificial financial fast." Bell says that he is not trying to coerce his colleagues; that he is trying to honor a commitment to those responsible for his presence at Harvard. The students applaud. Shots of the media and students at the demonstration. Vaillancourt reports that Bell was the first African American to be granted tenure at Harvard; that he was granted tenure in 1969. Vaillancourt reports that Bell has decided to take a leave of absence until an African American female is granted tenure. V: Footage of Bell saying that students have already enrolled in his classes; that he can ill afford to live for a year without his salary. Bell says that he he has urged students to take risks to further their beliefs; that he must do the same. Shots of students holding a sign reading, "Where are our tenured black women professors?" Shots of students applauding for Bell; of female students holding signs reading, "Come out of the ivory tower" and "No education without representation." Vaillancourt reports that approximately 500 students are supporting Bell's decision; that student are urging alumni to boycott Harvard's current fundraising drive. V: Footage of an African American female student addressing the crowd of demonstrators. She says that Robert Clark (Dean of Harvard Law School) has plans to improve the school by building a new library; that he should instead improve the school by making the faculty more diverse. The students applaud. A white male student holds a sign reading, "reflect reality." Footage of a Latina female student saying that Bell has set an example for all of the students. The student says that she has not role model at the school; that there are no Latino or Latina professors on the faculty. Footage of an African American female student addressing the demonstrators. The student says that people must make sacrifices to advance their cause. Shot of Bell outside of a Harvard Law School building, with chanting demonstrators. Vaillancourt reports that Bell is giving up a salary of more than $100,000 per year. Vaillancourt notes that students have staged sit-ins to protest the lack of minority faculty; that the issue has been contested for nearly twenty years. V: Footage from May, 1988 of a student sit-in at the dean's office in the administration building of Harvard Law School. Students study textbooks as they occupy the office. Vaillancourt stands on the campus of Harvard Law School. Vaillancourt reports that there are 1600 students at Harvard Law School; that nearly 25% are minority students; that nearly 40% are women. Vaillancourt notes that the Harvard Law School faculty has 5 tenured female professors and three tenured African American male professors. V: Footage of Louis Kaplow (Associate Dean, Harvard Law School) speaking at a press conference. Kaplow says that Harvard Law School only hires a few people each year; that some years they do not hire anyone. Kaplow says that positions at Harvard Law School are often permanent; that hiring decisions are made carefully and cautiously. Vaillancourt reports that Kaplow spoke at a press conference after Bell's announcement. Vaillancourt notes that Kaplow does not believe that Harvard Law School will make any significant changes to its hiring practices. V: Shots of student demonstrators in the audience of the press conference. The demonstrators stand together, raising linked arms. Some demonstrators hold protest signs. Footage of Kaplow saying that Harvard's hiring has been fully 50% minority and women over the past eight to ten years; that Harvard's job offers have been fully 50% minority and women over the past eight to ten years. Kaplow says that Harvard is making an effort; that Harvard has kept some positions empty in an effort to locate minority and women candidates. Shots of the students at the press conference. Shots of student demonstrators marching outside a Harvard Law School building. Vaillancourt reports that Bell does not know if his act of conscience will have any effect on the school's hiring record; that Harvard will have only two tenured African American professors if Bell leaves. V: Shots of student demonstrators with linked arms upraised. Footage of Bell addressing the demonstrators. Bell says that he hopes that student persistence will prevail for those minority candidates who deserve to be on the faculty. Bell says that hopes to be able to remain on staff if the students succeed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/24/1990
Description: The Commerce and Labor Committee of the Massachusetts State Legislature holds a hearing on proposed legislation barring sexual harassment and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Royal Bolling Sr. (State Senator) testifies in favor of the legislation. Bolling says that legislators must guarantee protection and equal rights for all citizens. Suzanne Bumps (State Representative) testifies in favor of legislation barring sexual harassment. Bumps defines sexual harassment and talks about the its effect on women in the workplace. John Olver (State Senator) and Thomas Vallely (State Representative) testify in favor of the legislation. Vallely says that legislators must fight one of the last remaining civil rights battles by banning discrimination on the grounds of sexual preference. Vallely talks about a proposed amendment barring religious organizations from some aspects of civil rights law; he says that such an amendment is unnecessary. Peter Morin (State Representative) asks Vallely a question about language used in the legislation. Vallely talks about other exceptions granted under the proposed legislation. John Businger (State Representative) testifies in favor of the legislation. Businger talks about the need to make citizens aware of their civil rights by posting anti-discrimination policy and legislation. George Bachrach (State Senator) testifies in favor of the legislation.
1:00:00: Visual: The Commerce and Labor Committee of the Massachusetts State Legislature sits at the front of a room. The committee prepares to hear testimony on proposed legislation barring sexual harassment and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The room is crowded with audience members and members of the press. Audience members stand and seat themselves on the floor. The committee chairman invites Royal Bolling Sr. (State Senator) to testify. 1:00:28: V: Bolling thanks the committee members. Bolling notes that the Senate could not vote on this legislation during the previous year; that the vote was held up until the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled on the constitutionality of the legislation. Bolling talks about discrimination against gays and lesbians. Bolling says that opponents of legislation barring discrimnation on the grounds of sexual orientation have ignored ugly incidents involving discrimination against gays and lesbians. Bolling makes reference to a television show which depicted the absurdity of society's prejudices against gays and lesbians. Bolling notes that gay and lesbians make up 10% of the population. Bolling says that many citizens will be positively affected by the passage of legislation barring discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Bolling says that gays and lesbians will be denied equal protection under the law unless this legislation is passed; that there cannot be exceptions to the government's guarantee of equal access to all citizens. Bolling says that the legislators must guarantee protection for all citizens, even if legislators disagree with those citizens' way of life. Bolling says that Massachusetts must be a safe haven from discrimination. Bolling says that this legislation reaffirms the dignity and integrity of our democracy; that legislators must be willing to take risks to assure civil rights for all citizens. Bolling says that legislators must speak out against discrimination in all forms. Bolling reaffirms the right of citizens to live free from fear. Bolling says that he hopes the law will be passed this year. 1:11:11: V: The committee chairman thanks Bolling and calls the next speaker. Suzanne Bump (State Representative from Braintree) speaks on behalf of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. She notes that the caucus strongly supports legislation barring sexual harassment. Bumps defines sexual harassment and talks about the ill effects of sexual harassment on students and female employees. Bump adds that surveys show that 75% to 95% of women have been harassed at some point in their working lives. Bumps says that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination; that sexual harassment is degrading and humiliating to women. Bumps notes that women who quit their jobs because of sexual harassment are unable to collect unemployment benefits. Bumps says that grievance procedures for victims of sexual harassment are non-existant; that victims who complain about sexual harassment often receive little support. Bumps says that sexual harassment is often perpetrated by men in positions of power who go unpunished; that the perpetrators are often the bosses or professors of these women. Bumps notes that federal courts have upheld the use of Title VII of the civil rights act in some sexual harassment cases; that Title VII bars discrimination in the work place; that there are limits to the application of Title VII in sexual harassment cases. Bumps talks about the importance of the current legislation barring sexual harassment. Bumps notes that the legislation defines sexual harassment, puts cases of sexual harassment under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and establishes a uniform grievance procedure for cases of sexual harassment within state government. Bumps notes that the legislation allows for the prompt resolution of complaints. She urges legislators to support the bill. 1:15:05: V: The committee chairman thanks Bumps and calls the next speaker. John Olver (State Senator) says that he is testifying as a Democratic state senator and on behalf of the Massachusetts State Democratic Party. Olver urges the Massachusetts state legislature to ban discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Olver says that discrimination against gays and lesbians must be ended in housing, employment, public accomodation, and in the consumer marketplace. Olver thanks the Congressional committee. 1:17:06: V: Tom Vallely (State Representative) speaks to the committee about his support for legislation barring discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Vallely notes that he has been one of the principal sponsors of this legislation in the Massasachusetts House of Representatives. Vallely reviews the history of the legislation. Vallely notes that the legislation allows for the protection of gays and lesbians under the state civil rights law. Vallely says that legislators are not condoning homosexuality by offering protection for gays and lesbians under the civil rights law; that legislators need to allow citizens a form of redress against widespread discrimination. Vallely notes that this legislation has been debated by the legislature for more than a decade. Vallely says that the debate about the "gay lifestyle" is inappropriate; that the lifestyles of gays and lesbians is the same as the lifestyle of straight people. Vallely says that gays and lesbians are looking for equal protection, not "special treatment." Vallely refers to the controversy about Mark Twain's book, Huckleberry Finn. Vallely says that the book is a moving exploration of discrimination in American society; that the book is not racist. Vallely says that discrimination on the grounds of race or sexual preference is not acceptable in our society; that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is one of the "last civil rights battles" to be fought. Vallely says that opponents to the legislation will try to add an amendment exempting religious organizations from some aspects of the civil rights law. Vallely says that this amendment is unnecessary because the separation of church and state already exists. Vallely says that religious groups do not need to be exempted from legislation about the ERA (Equal Rights Amendement) or from legislation barring discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Vallely offers to speak to the members of the committee individually about why special legislation exempting religious groups from the civil rights law would be a "grave error." Vallely says that the legislation is important and worth the fight to get it passed. 1:25:44: V: Peter Morin (State Representative) asks a question about the language used in the legislation. Morin points out that there is an exemption to the discrimination law in the case of "bona fide occupational qualifications." Vallely says that the exemption grants authority to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to consider the qualifications necessary for a certain occupation before deciding a discrimination case. Vallely says that it is important to give the MCAD some leeway in its decisions; that he cannot name a list of these "occupational qualifications." Vallely thanks the Congressional committee. 1:28:11: V: John Businger (State Representative from Brookline) notes that he has co-sponsored legislation in the Massachusetts House of Representatives barring sexual harassment and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Businger says that government has a role in protecting its citizens from discrimination and harassment. Businger says that sexual harassment and discrimination against gays and lesbians are "unreasonable" and "arbitrary" forms of harassment. Businger talks about the need to make citizens aware of this legislation; that he has sponsored a bill to increase the posting requirements for anti-discrimination legislation; that the people affected by the legislation must be well informed in order to take advantage of it. Businger says that anti-discrimination policy and legislation must be posted on applications for credit, for employment, for services and for membership in organizations. Businger urges the legislators to pass this bill so that people can be made aware of their civil rights. Businger urges the legislators to pass the bills barring sexual harassment and discrimination of the basis of sexual orientation. 1:31:29: V: George Bachrach (State Senator) makes a lighthearted joke. The members of the panel laugh. Bachrach says that he is testifying in support of the Senate bill which bars discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment, and credit. Bachrach says that he is sorry that this legislation has not already been passed into law.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/28/1985
Description: Hope Kelly reports on a legislative hearing in Boston on alleged redlining practices by Boston banks. Kelly reports that the Federal Reserve Bank released a study finding evidence of redlining practices. Kelly notes that the banking industry reacted strongly to the accusations. Kelly's report includes footage from the legislative hearings. Barney Frank (US Congressman) and Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP) condemn redlining practices. Richard Pollard (Chairman, Massachusetts Banking Association) and Richard Syron (President, Federal Reserve Bank) say that they do not believe that the banks are engaged in redlining. Kelly reviews the findings of the study. She adds that the study does not conclude if the findings reflect redlining or discrimination on the part of lenders. Kelly quotes Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston), Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts), and Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) as saying the redlining practices cannot be tolerated. Kelly interviews Pollard. Pollard says that banks are not engaged in redlining. He adds that banks need to better serve the needs of minority communities. Kelly notes that the legislative hearing addressed solutions to the problem of redlining, but did not talk about the problem of racism. This tape includes additional footage of the legislative hearing, with various speakers both in agreement and disagreement with the study.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Barney Frank (US Congressman) at a congressional hearing in Boston. Franks says that people of color are being denied their rights because of their skin color. Hope Kelly reports that Frank and other officials said that there is irrefutable evidence showing that Boston banks are engaged in discriminatory lending practices. V: Footage of Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP) saying that banks across the nation are engaged in discriminatory lending practices. Kelly reports that the banking industry reacted strongly to the comments. V: Footage of Richard Pollard (Chairman, Massachusetts Banking Association) saying that he does not think that Hooks read the study. Kelly reports that the Federal Reserve Bank issued a study on August 31, 1988. Kelly quotes the study as finding that "the number of mortgage loans. . .is 24% lower in black neighborhoods than in white, even after taking into account economic and other non-racial neighborhood characteristics that might contribute to such disparities." V: Shot of Hooks, Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts), Richard Syron (President, Federal Reserve Bank), and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at the congressional hearing. Shot of Syron speaking. On-screen text and visuals detail the study findings. Kelly notes that the study does not conclude whether the findings reflect redlining or discrimination on the part of lenders. V: Footage of Syron speaking at the hearing. Syron says that he does not believe that Boston banks are engaged in redlining or discriminatory practices. Footage of Hooks saying that the African American community often knows through experience what the white community must find out through studies. Kelly reports that city and state officials were sympathetic to Hooks's viewpoint. Kelly quotes Flynn as saying that the findings are disturbing; that discriminatory practices cannot be tolerated. Kelly quotes Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) as saying that "there is a serious problem of racially discriminatory lending in this city." Kelly quotes Dukakis as saying that "racial bias in any form is contrary to the very principles upon which this nation and Commonwealth were founded." V: Shot of Flynn, Syron, and Dukakis at the hearing. Quotes by Flynn, Kennedy and Dukakis appear written in text on-screen. Kelly reports that the bankers disagreed with the officials. V: Footage of Pollard being interviewed by Kelly. Pollard says that the study contains no evidence showing that banks are involved in the practice of redlining. Pollard admits that people in disadvantaged neighborhoods are ill-served by the financial community. Pollard says that bankers are part of the larger financial community; that bankers will be part of the solution to the problem. Shots of the congressional hearing; of Kennedy at the congressional hearing. Shots of Kweisi Mfume (State Representative) at the hearing; of attendees at the hearing; of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) at the hearing. Kelly reports that speakers at the hearing focused on solutions to the problem; that few talked about the larger issue of racism at the heart of the problem. V: Shots of Flynn; of attendees at the hearing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/29/1989
Description: Christy George reports that a lawsuit has been filed against the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to protest its discriminatory housing policies. It charges that the BHA has discouraged minorities from moving into all-white housing projects. The city is planning to voluntarily integrate its housing projects by next year. Interview with Tanya Boman and Annie Hailey, who are among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Boman and Hailey talk about their experience with the BHA. Both women were told that their families would be unsafe in white housing projects and that the BHA would not provide them with protection. Interview with Doris Bunte of the BHA, who denies any discriminatory practices on the part of BHA employees. Interview with City Councilor James Kelly, who defends the BHA and denounces public housing integration. Kelly has proposed an alternative public housing integration plan that eliminates preferences for minority families applying for apartments in white housing projects. Interview with Dianne Wilkerson of the NAACP. Wilkerson criticizes the city's record on public housing integration and the slow pace of change. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: David Boeri reports that midwives at Boston City Hospital have been locked out by the hospital administration in a dispute over hospital policy
1:00:19: Visual: Footage of Tanya Boman (plaintiff) sitting with her children. Boman says that people should have the right to live wherever they want to live. Christy George reports that Boman applied for public housing in 1985; that she was told to apply for an apartment in Charlestown or South Boston because the city would give preference to minorities requesting apartments in white housing projects. V: Shots of parochial school students walking toward a public housing project; of white residents in front of a housing project in South Boston. Footage of Boman saying that she asked the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) if they would provide protection for her family if they moved to a white housing project. Boman says that she was told that she would need to call the Boston Police Department if she ran into any problems. Boman says that she was told that she would be moved to the bottom of the waiting list if she moved out of the apartment for a "racial reason." George reports that a discrimination suit has been filed against the BHA on behalf of Boman, Annie Hailey (plaintiff), and unnamed parties. V: Footage of Hailey saying that she applied for an apartment in the McCormack Housing Development in 1987. Hailey says that the BHA told her that she would need to see the Civil Rights Board before she could move into the project. Hailey says that the BHA told her that the project would be unsafe for her teenage son. Footage of Doris Bunte (BHA) saying that the situation needs to be examined. Bunte says that she will not tolerate employees of the BHA who discourage minorities from living in white housing developments. George reports that the city is planning to voluntarily integrate its public housing projects. V: Shots of a broken-down wall near a housing project in South Boston; of parochial school students walking toward the housing project. George reports that African Americans may be the victims of harassment and violence when they move into white housing projects. V: Footage of Bunte saying that BHA employees can tell the truth; that BHA employees cannot use tactics designed to discourage African American families from moving to white housing projects. Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council) in his office. Kelly says that people in private housing call the police for protection; that the BHA did not discriminate by telling an African American family to call the police for protection. George reports that Kelly has proposed a plan to integrate public housing in Boston very slowly; that Kelly's proposal eliminates minority preference. George says that Kelly believes that reverse discrimination causes racial hostility. V: Shots of a white woman looking out of a window of a project apartment; of a white woman and children in front of a project building in South Boston. Footage of Kelly being interviewed by George. Kelly says that there are South Boston residents who have been on the waiting list for years; that those residents are not being treated fairly. George reports that the suit suggests that many of Boston's housing projects are still segregated. George notes that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has been praised for his efforts to integrate the public housing projects in Charlestown. V: Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (NAACP) saying that there were 200 vacancies open in Charlestown; that over 600 African American families had requested apartments in Charlestown; that the BHA actively recruited white families to fill the vacancies in the Charlestown projects. Shot of housing project buildings in Charlestown. George reports that there are only six African American families in Charlestown; that Flynn has announced plans to integrate the housing projects in South Boston. V: Shots of signs for the Old Colony Housing Project and the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development. Shots of a white female resident standing at the entrance to a housing project in South Boston. Footage of Bunte saying that the mayor and the BHA want to move forward with integration. Bunte says that she hopes that the lawsuit does not hold back plans for integration.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/17/1988
Description: Hope Kelly reports on the removal of Judge Paul King, who was a former Chief Justice in the Dorchester District Court, from his position at Dorchester District Court. The State Supreme Court demoted King for misconduct in and out of court, including sexist remarks, racist standards for setting bail, and for public drunkenness. Kelly reviews the incidents leading to King's demotion. King was transferred to Stoughton District Court, where he is only allowed to sit on civil cases. Kelly's report includes shots of newspaper articles covering the story and footage of lawyers, clerks, and defendants in a courtroom.
0:59:53: Visual: Shot of the exterior of Dorchester District Court. Hope Kelly reports that Paul King (judge) was a judge for nearly twenty years at Dorchester District Court. Kelly notes that the Dorchester District Court is the busiest court in the system; that King was chief justice at the court for eleven years. Kelly reports that the State Supreme Court removed King in 1987; that King was transferred to Stoughton District Court. Kelly notes that King is only allowed to sit on civil cases at Stoughton District Court. V: Shots of a newspaper article with a photo of King. The headline reads, "Dorchester court has a history of trouble." Shot of another newspaper article with a photo of King. The headline reads, "Judge banned from Hub court." The article lists incidents of objectionable behavior by King. Kelly stands in front of the Dorchester District Court. Kelly notes that King made objectionable comments to battered women and Vietnam veterans in the courtroom. Kelly reports that King engaged in offensive behavior outside of the courtroom. V: Shots of a sign for Nanina's restaurant; of the exterior of Nanina's restaurant; of the parking lot of the restaurant. Kelly reports that King often went to Nanina's restaurant in Dorchester in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Kelly reports that the Judicial Conduct Commission found that King became visibly intoxicated regularly at Nanina's restaurant. Kelly notes that witnesses told the Commission that King frequently and openly urinated in the parking lot of the restaurant. Kelly reports that a court clerk testified that King set an unusually high bail amount for four African American defendants in 1982; that the clerk testified to King saying that African Americans deserve high bails for voting against his brother. Kelly notes that Michael Dukakis (former governor of Massachusetts) beat Ed King (brother of Paul King and former governor of Massachusetts) in the 1982 gubernatorial election. V: Shots of a clerk looking through court paperwork; of an audience in a courtroom; of lawyers, clerks, and defendants in a courtroom. Shot of a police officer and a clerk going through paperwork. Kelly reports that the media has covered the story intensely; that some judges say that King is a victim of the system. Kelly reports that some judges says that King's behavior is a sad reflection of the stresses under which the judges work.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/01/1991
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Mayor Ray Flynn has promised to integrate public housing projects in South Boston and to put a stop to discriminatory practices by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). African American families have been passed over on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston housing projects. Flynn's plans to integrate public housing have angered his constituents in South Boston, who refer to housing integration as "forced housing." Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of white residents of a South Boston housing project and by footage of South Boston residents during the busing crisis in 1974. Vaillancourt reports that Flynn and Doris Bunte of the BHA attended a community meeting in South Boston to talk about housing integration with South Boston residents. Flynn defends himself against the hostile comments of South Boston residents. City Councilor James Kelly addresses the meeting, denouncing housing integration. Interview with Neil Sullivan, policy advisor to Flynn who talks about public housing integration and Flynn's relationship with South Boston residents.
1:00:02: Visual: Shot of a white woman standing at the entrance to a housing project building in South Boston. Audio of Neil Sullivan (Policy Advisor to Mayor Ray Flynn) saying that the people of South Boston understand discrimination. Meg Vaillancourt reports that residents of South Boston may understand discrimination; that some residents of South Boston also practice discrimination. Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) discriminates against African American families; that no African American families live in any of the three public housing projects in South Boston. V: Shots of a white woman looking out of a window of an apartment in a housing project; of the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston; of a sign reading, "Old Colony Public Housing Development." Shots of white project residents outside of a project building. Vaillancourt reports that African American families were passed over on the waiting list for project apartments in South Boston; that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has promised to integrate the public housing projects in South Boston. Vaillancourt notes that Flynn met with angry South Boston residents at a community meeting yesterday evening. V: Footage of Flynn addressing the crowd at the community meeting. South Boston residents are crowded into the room, seated at long tables. Doris Bunte (BHA) is on stage with Flynn. Flynn says that the issue is fair and equal access to public housing. Shot of a bumper sticker reading, "Stop 'forced' housing." Vaillancourt reports that the slogan, "Stop forced housing" evokes memories of the anti-busing protests in South Boston in the 1970s. V: Footage of school buses pulling up to South Boston High School in September of 1973. Angry South Boston residents yell and jeer at the buses. Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents are angry about the integration of the area's three public housing projects. V: Shot of a white woman in the audience making an angry remark. Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council) addressing the crowd. Kelly says that South Boston residents are going to be denied the right to live in public housing in their own neighborhood. Members of the crowd stand and cheer. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the controversy surrounding the integration of public housing projects creates an identity crisis for Flynn; that Flynn is in disagreement with his South Boston neighbors. V: Shot of Flynn walking to the stage at the community meeting. The crowd yells and boos Flynn. Vaillancourt notes that an audience member asked Flynn when he was moving to Roxbury. V: Shots of white female audience member standing to address Flynn; of another audience member raising her hand. Footage of Flynn saying that he and his family were born and raised in South Boston. The audience jeers. Footage of Sullivan saying that Flynn was probably hurt by the attitude of South Boston residents last night; that Flynn has never ducked this sort of confrontation. Sullivan says that Flynn could have refused to go to the meeting. Vaillancourt reports that Sullivan said that the public housing projects in South Boston could begin to be integrated by April. Vaillancourt notes that no whites will be forced to move out of the projects in order to achieve integration. V: Shot of an African American man raking leaves outside of a project building; of a white female project resident speaking to a reporter. Shots of a public housing project in South Boston; of Flynn at the community meeting; of Bunte addressing the community meeting. Footage of Flynn saying that no person will be displaced to serve the purposes of integration. Footage of Sullivan being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Sullivan says that the average Boston housing development has a turnover rate of 10% each year; that 10% is a higher turnover rate than most neighborhoods. Sullivan says that the goal of the Flynn administration is to sustain a good quality of life in the public housing projects. Shots of a white woman and white children in front of a project building; of a young white boy running around outside of a project building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/13/1988
Description: Massachusetts State Representatives speak pro and con on gay rights anti-discrimination bill. Reps. Salvatore Dimasi, Roger Goyette, Susan Schur, Philip Travis, Eleanor Myerson, James Miceli, Francis Woodward, Thomas Vallely, Willian Robinson. The debate focuses mainly on discrimination against gay people in the workplace, but also touches on AIDS and gay foster care rights.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/23/1985
Description: Story on the lack of openly gay republican, focusing on Michael Duffy, a gay Republican running for state representative. Duffy at his house talking to his partner. Interview with Duffy on his position on gay political issues. Duffy holds a candidates night. Interviews with Republicans Steven Pierce, Paul Cronin, and William Weld on their views on gay rights legislation. Weld and Duffy shake hands.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/01/1990
Description: Jan von Mehren reports that the city of Boston and the NAACP signed a $3 million settlement to end litigation about the city's formerly discriminatory public housing policy. Von Mehren reports that 2,000 minority families will be eligible for payments of $1,000 to $3,000 under the suit. Von Mehren's reports includes footage of a mayor Ray Flynn, Joseph Tauro (federal judge) and Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP) at a press conference to announce the settlement. The three men shake hands and make positive statements about the settlement. Von Mehren report that African American families began moving into formerly white housing projects last summer, despite opposition from South Boston residents. Von Mehren's report includes footage of Flynn at a community meeting in South Boston in 1988. The audience jeers at him as he approaches the stage. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports that Michael Jackson (pop singer) has never played a concert at Sullivan Stadium
1:00:11: Visual: Footage of Dr. Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP), Judge Joseph Tauro (US District Court), and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) sitting together at a press conference. The three men shake hands together. Tauro proclaims it to be a "happy and proud occasion." Jan von Mehren reports that Hooks traveled to Boston to join Flynn and Tauro. V: Footage of Hooks saying that it is important to resolve problems through means other than lawsuits. Shot of Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) and other officials from the city and the NAACP. The group enters an elevator. Von Mehren reports that the city of Boston and the NAACP signed a $3 million settlement. Von Mehren notes that some of the money will go to victims of the city's formerly discriminatory public housing policy. V: Footage of Flynn saying that the city has one set of rules; that the rules apply equally to all. Footage of Tauro saying that the settlement sends a message to the community; that the settlement represents the city's commitment to equal access to public housing. Von Mehren reports that approximately 2,000 African American, Asian, and Latino families will be eligible for payments of $1,000 to $3,000 under the settlement. Von Mehren notes that city officials say that it may be difficult to track down some of the families. Von Mehren adds that city officials will use the media in an attempt to reach the families. V: Footage of Flynn at a community meeting in South Boston on January 12, 1988. Flynn walks onto the stage as the audience boos and jeers. Shots of the audience members seated at long tables; of Flynn addressing the audience. Von Mehren reports that housing desegregation was met with great opposition in South Boston last year. V: Footage of Leo Tierney (South Boston resident) saying, "Leave us the hell alone." Members of the audience stand to applaud Tierney. Von Mehren reports that African American families began moving into developments last summer. V: Shots of African American movers moving furniture and boxes into a South Boston housing project; of white children playing with a garden hose outside of a South Boston housing project building. Von Mehren reports there is a low turnover rate in South Boston housing projects; that housing integration is proceeding at a slow pace. Von Mehren notes that the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston is still 96% white; that it was 98% white last year. V: Shot of a white baby in a wading pool outside of a South Boston project building. Von Mehren reports that today's settlement was a peaceful conclusion to the housing integration controversy. V: Footage of Hooks at the press conference. Hooks says that Boston had once been viewed as a "citadel of liberalism." Hooks adds that Boston did not live up to its reputation during the busing crisis. Flynn interrupts Hooks to shake his hand in front of the media. Hooks, Flynn and Tauro rise from their table.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/04/1989
Description: Marcus Jones interviews Brian Wright O'Connor, the Managing Editor of The Bay State Banner, about the negative media portrayal of the Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan area. Jones notes that O'Connor believes that the media focus only on images of violence, drugs, and murder. O'Connor talks about the effects of the negative media coverage. Footage from an interview with Boston Police Deputy Superintendent William Celester about negative media coverage of the community. Jones notes that gubernatorial candidate John Silber was recently criticized for making negative comments about the Roxbury community. Silber has accused columnist Mike Barnacle of giving a biased representation of life in many neighborhoods. Jones' report is accompanied by footage from a news story with Barnacle, by footage from Justice on Trial (WCVB-TV) and by footage from Street Cop (WGBH/Frontline documentary). Jones notes that politicians and community leaders have spoken out against media bias in the wake of the Carol Stuart murder case. Michael Dukakis talks about media bias at a press conference. Following the edited story is additional footage of Jones's interview with O'Connor. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: John Silber speaks to the media and Roxbury residents
1:00:25: Visual: Footage of news reports from local TV stations. John Henning (WBZ news anchor) reports on the murder of a woman in the city. Natalie Jacobson (WCVB news anchor) reports on a police search for suspects in two Roxbury shootings. Shot of police searching two suspects who are lying face down on a sidewalk. R.D. Sahl (WHDH news anchor) reports on growing outrage in Roxbury. Shot of a woman being taken from a home on a stretcher. Shots of police cruisers on the streets of Roxbury at night. Shot of an injured person in an ambulance; of police at a crime scene cordoned off by yellow tape. Shot of an African American man leaving a police station. Marcus Jones reports that media coverage of the Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan neighborhoods focus on images of violence, drugs, and murder. Jones reports that Brian Wright O'Connor (Managing Editor, The Bay State Banner) believes that the media does not provide an accurate portrayal of life in Roxbury. Jones notes that O'Connor lives in a quiet section of the Roxbury neighborhood. V: Shot of Jones and O'Connor walking through a quiet park. Footage of O'Connor saying that criminal activity should be covered by the media; that the media uses questionable tactics in covering crime. O'Connor says that the media often stretches its definition of the term "news." O'Connor questions if there is balanced news coverage of the greater Roxbury area. O'Connor says that the media come to Roxbury to cover crime; that the media comes to Roxbury to cover reactions of local residents to comments by white politicians. Footage of William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) saying that media coverage creates the wrong perceptions about the community. Celester says that negative perceptions did not begin with the comments of John Silber (Democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts). Celester says that the negative perceptions need to be changed. Footage from WCVB of Justice on Trial. The footage shows Joe Lally (Boston Police Department) walking toward a city courthouse. The narrator says that Lally is "the only symbol of civilization left on many city streets." Marcus Jones reports that Silber has accused the media of twisting his words; that Silber says that the media has skewed perceptions of reality in Area B neighborhoods. Jones notes that Silber accused Mike Barnacle (columnist) of giving a skewed portrayal of life in many neighborhoods. V: Shot of Mike Barnacle interviewing a white man outside of a building. Footage of Barnacle walking along a sidewalk. Barnacle compares the neighborhood to a "shooting gallery." Jones reports that he interviewed Barnacle by telephone. Jones reports that Barnacle says that he feels no obligation to balance negative coverage of a neighborhood with positive coverage. Jones notes that Barnacle could not recall the number of columns he has written this summer with positive coverage of the neighborhoods in Area B. V: Footage from a WGBH/Frontline documentary called Street Cop. A plain-clothes police officer rides through a housing development. The officer says that the neighborhood is a tough place. The officer says that he would probably end up selling drugs if he were a poor, African American teenager in this neighborhood. Footage from Street Cop of white, plain-clothes police officers breaking down the door of an apartment with sledgehammers. A police officer reaches down the shirt of an old woman to look for drugs. Jones notes that WGBH/Frontline produced a documentary called Street Cop three years ago; that the documentary was accused of using negative stereotypes of crime in Roxbury. Jones reports that politicians and community leaders have spoken out against media bias in the wake of the Carol Stuart murder. V: Shots of newspaper articles with headlines about the suspect in the Stuart case. Footage of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) speaking at a press conference on April 11, 1990. Dukakis says that there are thousands of good kids in the community; that the media gives all of the news coverage to the 500 bad kids. Bernard Cardinal Law (Archidiocese of Boston) is seated behind Dukakis. Footage of O'Connor being interviewed by Jones. Jones asks if the media focus on crime leads to a reduction in crime. O'Connor says that the community has been stereotyped by the media; that negative stereotypes reduce the political will to address the underlying socio-economic problems. O'Connor says that these negative stereotypes imply that the citizens of the community are morally defective or undeserving of aid. O'Connor says that the biased media coverage is "pernicious." O'Connor says that the negative media coverage allows people with resources to turn away from the community. O'Connor notes that two large companies scrapped their plans to build facilities in Roxbury in the wake of the Stuart murder. O'Connor says that the two companies could have provided jobs for at-risk teenagers in the community.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/12/1990
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Jesse Jackson visited Harvard Law School to join student protests over the school's minority hiring practices. Vaillancourt notes that Jackson supports Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School), who has announced that he will leave his post to protest the school's poor affirmative action record. Derrick Bell is Harvard's first African-American tenured professor. Vaillancourt reports that there are only five tenured female professors and three tenured African American male professors out of sixty-one tenured professors at the school. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of Jackson addressing students at the school. Barack Obama is seen among students in the background. Jackson shakes hands with Bell and condemns the school's affirmative action record. Vaillancourt notes that the school administration has refused Jackson's offer to act as a mediator on the issue. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson accused Harvard Law School of institutional racism and sexism. She adds that Robert Clark (Dean, Harvard Law School) issued a statement defending the school's hiring practices. Vaillancourt's report features footage of Bell at a student demonstration at Harvard Law School in April 1990 and footage of Jackson at a student demonstration. This tape includes additional footage of Jackson addressing demonstrators at Harvard Law School.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) speaking at Harvard Law School. Jackson says that affirmative action is a response to years of denial by law. Shots of the audience listening to Jackson in a lecture hall at the school. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Jackson's visit to Harvard Law School attracted national attention to the controversy over the school's minority hiring practices. V: Footage of Jackson addressing the audience. Jackson says that it is an error and an insult to say that there is no African American woman qualified to be a tenured professor at Harvard Law School. Shots of the audience. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson visited the school to support Derrick Bell (Professor, Harvard Law School). Vaillancourt notes that Bell was the first African American to be granted tenure at Harvard Law School. Vaillancourt reports that Bell has announced that he will leave his post to protest the school's poor affirmative action record. V: Shot of Jackson and Bell shaking hands in the conference hall. Footage from April 24, 1990 of Bell at a demonstration on the campus of Harvard Law School. Bell addresses student demonstrators. Bell says that he he has urged students to take risks to further their beliefs; that he must now do the same. Shot of demonstrators holding a sign reading, "Where are our tenured black women professors?" Vaillancourt reports that Bell will take a leave of absence until the school adds a woman of color to the faculty. Vaillancourt notes that there are 61 tenured professors at the school; that three of those professors are African American; that the African American professors are all male. Vaillancourt reports that half of the students at Harvard Law School are women; that there are only five tenured female professors; that there are no Latino or Asian law professors at the school. V: Shots of Bell and Jackson entering the lecture hall; of students standing and applauding for Bell and Jackson. Shots of white and African American female students in the audience. Shot of Jackson, Bell and a white woman raising linked arms at the front of the lecture hall. The students applaud. Vaillancourt reports that the school seems ready to accept Bell's departure; that Robert Clark (Dean of Harvard Law School) declined to speak on camera about the school's hiring practices. Vaillancourt reports that Clark issued a statement in which he defended the slow pace of change at Harvard Law School. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson has accused Harvard of institutional racism and sexism. V: Shot of students demonstrators on the Harvard Law School campus on April 24, 1990. Footage of Jackson addressing student demonstrators outside on the campus of Harvard Law School. Student supporters stand behind him. Jackson says that Harvard should negotiate with Bell and the student demonstrators. The demonstrators applaud Jackson. Vaillancourt stands outside of a building on the Harvard Law School campus. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson met briefly with Clark today; that the school has refused Jackson's offer to act as a mediator on the issue of faculty diversity. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson called for a reexamination of race relations in the US during his speech at Harvard Law School. V: Footage of Jackson addressing an audience in a lecture hall at Harvard Law School. Jackson says that most people in the world are not white nor are they males. Jackson says that these people cannot wait for some archaic standard to allow them to be appraised as worthy by white males. Shots of students in the audience. Shot of Jackson entering a room. Jackson shakes hands and embraces Bell. Jackson shakes hands with other Harvard Law School professors and officials. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson has called for a new Kerner Commission; that the Kerner Commission issued a study twenty years ago which concluded that white America and black America were separate and unequal. Vaillancourt reports that Jackson praised Bell for his courage; that Jackson called on Harvard Law School faculty to support Bell. V: Footage of Jackson addressing an audience in the lecture hall. Jackson talks about the sacrifices made by Rosa Parks (civil rights activist) and Martin Luther King (civil rights leader). Jackson says that Bell is taking a principled stand; that Bell is drawing attention to the problem of racism and sexism at Harvard. Shots of Bell at a demonstration on the Harvard Law School campus on April 24, 1990. Shots of Bell addressing a demonstration outside of a building on the Harvard Law School campus today. Jackson stands beside Bell. Student demonstrators stand behind them. The demonstrators raise their linked arms. A demonstrator holds a sign reading, "diversity now." Vaillancourt reports that faculty were scheduled to vote today on a resolution encouraging diversity. Vaillancourt notes that Harvard officials say that a personal matter forced the dean to end the meeting before the resolution came to a vote. Vaillancourt notes that the vote was not rescheduled.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/09/1990
Description: David Boeri reports that Kathy Gannett, a former employee, has settled a wrongful dismissal complaint against the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Gannett claims that she was fired for filing a complaint with HUD against the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) for discriminatory housing policies. Footage from an interview with Gannett in 1987. HUD officials claim that Gannett was fired for inappropriately questioning Doris Bunte of the BHA during a meeting. Interview with Gannett and her attorney Elizabeth Rogers. Gannett talks about the case and says that her complaint against the BHA was ignored. Gannett says that she did not question Bunte inappropriately, but asked if Bunte had asked for protection for minority families moving into white housing projects. Boeri quotes Bunte as saying that Gannett was impertinent towards her during a meeting. Boeri reports on the deal reached by the two parties. Following the edited story is b-roll of Gannett.
1:00:08: V: Footage of Kathy Gannett (former HUD employee) saying that no one seemed to want to listen to her when she filed a complaint about discrimination in public housing in Boston. Shots of white parochial school students walking toward a housing project in South Boston; of white residents sitting on park benches outside of a housing project in South Boston; of a young white boy scrambling under a fence near a housing project in South Boston; of white children near a housing project in South Boston. David Boeri reports that Kathy Gannett is a former employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); that Gannett filed a complaint against the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) last fall. Boeri reports that Gannett wrote a report on occupancy in BHA housing; that HUD buried the report for eighteen months. Boeri notes that the BHA maintained that there were no African American families in public housing in South Boston because white families were higher up on the waiting list. V: Shot of Gannett walking into a building. Footage of Gannett from 1987 saying that African American families were passed over on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston public housing projects; that the BHA is denying access to public housing projects on the basis of skin color. Shots of white residents in front of housing project buildings in South Boston. Boeri reports that Gannett claimed she was fired because of her report on discrimination in BHA housing. Boeri notes that HUD officials say that Gannett was fired because of her questioning of Doris Bunte (BHA) at a meeting between BHA and HUD officials. V: Shot of Bunte speaking to a reporter. Footage of Gannett saying that Bunte said that BHA would not move forward with desegregation until it received extra funding for security. Footage of Boeri interviewing Gannett and Elizabeth Rogers (attorney for Gannett). Rogers says that Gannett asked Bunte if the BHA had asked the mayor for adequate protection for minority families in white housing projects. Boeri reports that Gannett says that she was polite to Bunte during the meeting. Boeri quotes Bunte as saying that Gannett's question was "impertinent and inappropriate, if not actually hostile." V: Shot of a HUD document. A quote from Bunte is written in text on-screen. Boeri reports that Gannett filed suit; that she has settled the suit. Boeri notes that the settlement has wiped the firing incident from Gannett's record. V: Shot of Rogers and Gannett. Shot of Gannett exiting a building with a small group of people. Audio of Gannett asking how the city of Boston will protect minority families who choose to live in white housing developments. Boeri stands in City Hall Plaza. Boeri talks about Gannett's settlement with HUD. Boeri notes that HUD did not apologize to Gannett; that Bunte had no comment on the settlement.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/11/1988
Description: Christy George reports that City Councilor James Kelly objects to an interfaith, interracial prayer service to be held in South Boston because he fears that the meeting could be seen as an endorsement of the city's plan to integrate South Boston housing projects. Kelly has called for the meeting to be moved to another location. Interview with Father Thomas McDonnell of St. Augustine's Church in South Boston and Reverend John Borders of the Morningstar Baptist Church. McDonnell and Borders say that South Boston is not a racist neighborhood. Interview with Jim Kelly. George quotes Kelly as saying that he opposes forced busing, racial quotas, and forced housing. Community leaders have met with Mayor Ray Flynn to discuss the peaceful integration of public housing projects, and hold a press conference. Doris Bunte of the Boston Housing Authority, Charles Stith of the Union United Methodist Church, John O'Bryant of the Boston School Committee, and Don Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, Roxbury speak at the press conference. George reports that Bernard Cardinal Law (Archdiocese of Boston) endorses the meeting. George notes that Flynn is pushing for housing integration over the objections of South Boston residents. Footage of Flynn at a community meeting in South Boston and footage of anti-busing activity in South Boston in 1977.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Father Thomas McDonnell (St. Augustine's Church in South Boston) and Reverend John M. Borders, III (Morningstar Baptist Church in Mattapan) sitting together for an interview in South Boston. McDonnell says that both men believe in the power of prayer. Christy George reports that religious leaders want to hold an interfaith, interracial prayer meeting at St. Monica's Church in South Boston; that James Kelly (Boston City Council) has taken out a half-page advertisement in the South Boston Tribune; that the ad calls on the Catholic Church to move the prayer meeting to another location. George reports that Kelly fears that the prayer meeting could be seen as an endorsement of the city's plan to desegregate public housing projects in South Boston. V: Shot of the exterior of St. Monica's Church; of Kelly's advertisement in the South Boston Tribune; of a statue in front of the church. Footage of McDonnell saying that racism is a moral issue. Borders says that prayer is a means to change the people's hearts. Footage of police arresting two women on G Street in South Boston on May 12, 1977. Shots of police cruisers escorting school buses along a city street; of a housing project in South Boston. Shots of a sign for the Old Colony Housing Project; of a white woman and children in front of a housing project building. George notes that South Boston became a battleground during school desegregation. George reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has announced that the public housing projects in South Boston will be integrated; that Flynn alienated many South Boston voters by pushing for public housing integration. V: Shot of Flynn approaching the stage at a community meeting in South Boston on January 12, 1988. The crowd jeers and boos as Flynn walks on to the stage. Shot of audience members seated at long tables. Footage of Kelly at the community meeting. Kelly says that South Boston residents will serve time for civil rights violations if the public housing projects are integrated. The crowd applauds Kelly. George reports that community leaders met with Flynn today to talk about peaceful desegregation of the projects; that attendees at the meeting expressed thinly disguised scorn for Kelly. V: Shot of Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) speaking at a press conference. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and two other African American community leaders stand behind her. Footage of John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) at a press conference. A reporter asks him if Kelly's name was mentioned in the meeting with Flynn. O'Bryant replies, "Who's he?" George reports that Kelly believes that affirmative action is reverse racism. George quotes Kelly as saying that "assigning the needy to public housing based on race is morally and legally wrong." V: Shot of Kelly at his desk. A quote from Kelly is written out in text on-screen. Footage of Kelly saying that supporters of equal opportunity must oppose forced busing, racial quotas, and forced housing. Footage of Stith saying that there are some elected officials who insist on keeping the city divided; that religious leaders are making an effort to unite the city. Footage of Minister Don Muhammad (Nation of Islam, Roxbury) saying that not all Irish residents are racist; that African Americans in Roxbury are not all drug addicts. George reports that Bernard Cardinal Law (Archdiocese of Boston) endorsed the prayer meeting. George quotes Law as saying that publicity "could lead to the erroneous impression that racial discrimination is a problem of geography, which it is not. . . . Racial discrimination is a problem of the human heart." V: Shot of Law addressing an audience. A quote from Law is written out in text on-screen. George reports that one of the goals of the prayer meeting is to debunk the myth of South Boston as a racist neighborhood. V: Shot of a white family walking in front of St. Monica's Church. Footage of Borders saying that Kelly does not represent the views of all South Bostonians. Borders says that he had no problems in South Boston when he drove to today's interview at the church. George reports that religious leaders say that the prayer meeting is not about politics; that the controversy surrounding the meeting has become political despite the efforts of religious leaders.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/20/1988
Description: David Boeri reports that Boston City Councilor James Kelly along with City Councilor Dapper O'Neil, and white public housing tenants walks to the courthouse to file a suit against the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to stop the federal plan aimed at ending the city of Boston's discriminatory public housing policies. The federal plan mandates a citywide waiting list for public housing, on which the position of white tenants has now dropped. Boeri reports on the housing situations of Pamela Walsh (plaintiff) and William Katramados. Boeri notes that both are on the waiting list for public housing and their positions on the waiting list have dropped. Interview with Walsh and Katramados. Boeri's report is accompanied by footage of Walsh with her two children in temporary housing and by footage of the Katramados family's overcrowded apartment. Kelly, at a press conference, says that the federal plan gives minority applicants preference. He adds that white tenants are being denied housing on the basis of their race. Boeri reports that Kelly has been unable to find a law firm to take the case.
1:00:16: Visual: Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council), Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council), and a small group of people exiting City Hall. Kelly, O'Neil and the group walk across City Hall Plaza. The group with Kelly and O'Neil includes white applicants for public housing. David Boeri reports that Kelly will file suit to stop the federal plan aimed at remedying discrimination in Boston's public housing policy. Boeri notes that Kelly's fellow plaintiffs are white housing applicants. Boeri adds that Kelly says that white housing applicants are the real victims of discrimination. Boeri reports that Pamela Walsh (plaintiff) is living with her parents in Cambridge while she is on the waiting list to get into public housing in South Boston. V: Shots of Walsh walking through a small park; of Walsh with her children in the basement of a house. Footage of Walsh pointing out where her children sleep. Shots of Walsh and her children in a kitchen. Boeri reports that Walsh had been sixth on the waiting list to get into the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston; that Walsh is now 483rd on a city-wide waiting list under the new federal housing plan. V: Footage of Walsh saying that she had been on the waiting list for five years; that she will now have to wait another two or three years. Boeri reports that William Katramados (plaintiff) is married; that there is no room for him to live in his family's apartment. V: Shot of Katramados walking into a housing project building. Footage of Boeri in the Katramados' apartment with William Katramados and his family. A family member says that eight people live in the apartment. Shots of family members in the crowded apartment. Boeri reports that Katramados's wife lives with her mother, her brother, her sister and her children in the apartment. V: Footage of the family members indicating the bed where one of the children sleeps. Katramados' daughter says that she sleeps in her mother's room. Footage of Boeri being shown a bedroom by William Katramados and Sandra Katramados (wife of William). Shot of an infant in a cradle. Boeri reports that Sandra Katramados shares a room with her five-week-old babies and her daughter; that William Katramados lives in Brighton. Boeri notes that the Katramados family was third on a waiting list for a larger apartment until the federal housing plan took effect. V: Footage of William Katramados saying that the family is now around number 2,000 on the waiting list. Boeri walks outside of the Maverick Street Housing Project. A group of children cool off in a spray of water from a fire hydrant. Boeri reports that the Katramados requested another apartment in the Maverick Street Housing Project; that the Katramados were willing to wait for an apartment to open up in the project. Boeri reports that the new federal housing plan consoidates waiting lists for individual housing projects into a city-wide waiting list. V: Footage of Kelly and O'Neil walking down a street with Katramados and other plaintiffs. Shot of Katramados. Boeri reports that Kelly accuses the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) of victimizing the plaintiffs; that Kelly wants HUD to target the metropolitan area for public housing integration. V: Footage of Kelly speaking from a podium. The plaintiffs are seated behind him. Kelly says that the federal plan gives minority applicants preference on the city-wide waiting list; that other applicants are denied housing on the basis of race under the federal plan. Boeri reports that Kelly was unable to find a law firm to take the case; that Kelly may have to argue the case himself in court.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/03/1988
Description: Jan von Mehren reports that City Councilor James Kelly denies that Boston's public housing policy is discriminatory and plans to ask the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for proof of discrimination. He has proposed an alternative housing policy which allows tenants to choose where they want to live. Mayor Ray Flynn has agreed to present Kelly's plan to HUD for discussion. Kelly and Flynn attend a South Boston community meeting, where Kelly speaks out against housing integration. The crowd jeers at Flynn as he approaches the stage. Von Mehren's report is accompanied by footage of white and African American residents of housing projects in Boston.
1:00:06: Visual: Shot of James Kelly (Boston City Council) at a community meeting in South Boston. Shots of audience members at the meeting applauding; of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at the meeting. Audio of audience members booing Flynn. Jan von Mehren reports that Kelly called a community meeting in South Boston to discuss public housing; that Flynn attended the meeting; that Flynn was booed by the crowd. V: Footage of Kelly at the meeting. Kelly dismisses the findings of discrimination in Boston public housing. Shot of a sign for the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development; of white women and children of a park bench; of a white boy scrambling under a fence near a housing project in South Boston. Von Mehren reports that there are approximately 2,000 housing units in South Boston; that no African American families have been placed in South Boston since Flynn entered office. Von Mehren reports that Kelly will ask the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for proof of discrimination; that Kelly has come up with an alternative housing plan. V: Footage of Kelly speaking at the meeting. Audience members are crowded into the room. Kelly talks about his "freedom of choice" housing plan, in which no family would be placed in a neighborhood without their consent. Von Mehren notes that Kelly's plan would permit African American families to move into white housing projects; that Kelly's plan would not force white families to move into primarily African American housing projects. V: Shots of a racially diverse group of children outside of a housing project. Von Mehren stands at the entrance to the community meeting in South Boston. Von Mehren reports that Flynn has promised to discuss Kelly's plan to HUD; that he will not submit the plan if it is deemed discriminatory. V: Footage of Flynn at the meeting. Flynn says that he will try to achieve as much choice as is possible in the new plan; that the new plan will not discriminate. Von Mehren reports that Flynn made clear that he has an obligation to work with HUD. Von Mehren notes that Kelly was clear about his intention to fight for South Boston residents. V: Shots of Flynn at the meeting; of Kelly at the meeting; of audience members.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/01/1988
Description: Air piece on women construction workers being stopped from working. Interview with a construction worker about a visit from Inspector Kelly ordering him to stop the women from working. Interview with two women construction workers, Candy and Isabel. Interview with a representative of the inspector defending the order. Reporter standup.
Collection: WHDH
Date Created: 08/14/1970
Description: Steve Curwood interviews Louise Day Hicks about her vote in favor of a curfew proposal for the city of Boston. Hicks thinks that the curfew could reduce unrest on the streets in the evenings. She says that she will vote to rescind the curfew if police are shown to use it as a means to harass residents. Hicks notes that the senior citizens and fire fighters support the curfew proposal. They shoot cutaways.
0:58:32: Visual: Steve Curwood interviews Louis Day Hicks in her office. Curwood asks Hicks why she is in favor of a curfew proposal for Boston. Hicks says that senior citizens and fire fighters have requested the curfew; that a curfew could mean greater safety in the evening. Curwood comments that police have called the curfew proposal unenforceable. Hicks says that the city should try the curfew to test its effectiveness; that she voted for it to show solidarity with the senior citizens and fire fighters. Curwood points out the expense involved in a curfew ordinance; that the county may have to pay for private lawyers to defend violators because of the heavy workload of the public defenders. Hicks says that the curfew does not place undue burden on minors, who can move about with a note from their parents; that the curfew can be rescinded if it proves to be unworkable. Hicks says that the curfew could be enforced arbitrarily as a means of harassment; that she will vote to rescind the curfew if this proves to be true. Hicks says that the law could be used to bolster parental authority; that she hopes most parents have authority over their children even without the curfew. Hicks says that she does not know if the mayor will veto the curfew. Curwood thanks Hicks. The crew takes cutaway shots of Curwood and Hicks. Curwood and Hicks speak informally. Hicks talks about her constituents' support for the curfew.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/06/1976
Description: Carmen Fields reports that Dr. James Williams, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will fast each Wednesday in April outside of the office of the president of MIT. Williams is protesting the lack of diversity among the faculty at MIT. There are fourteen African Americans in a faculty of 900 professors. Interview with Williams, who talks about the role of professors as role models and the need for a diverse faculty. He says that he is trying to encourage minority students to fight for change. Interview with MIT spokesperson Ken Campbell, who talks about the university administration's efforts to hire more minority faculty. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the annual Black/Jewish Seder supper
0:59:01: Visual: Footage of Dr. James Williams (professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) being interviewed. Williams says that his mother inspired his current protest actions. Williams talks about his mother as a sensitive and caring person. Carmen Fields reports that Williams will fast and work outside of the office of the president of MIT. V: Shots of the door of the president's office; of Williams working at a table near the door. Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that minority students must act; that minority students must not be discouraged by institutional intransigence. Williams says that minority students must act decisively to effect change. Shot of Williams working at the table outside of the president's office. Fields reports that Williams is an MIT graduate; that Williams is dissatisfied with the lack of African American faculty at the school. Fields notes that there are fourteen African American faculty members in a faculty of 900 professors. V: Shot of a building on the MIT campus. Shot of Williams speaking to a group of students of color. Fields reports that Williams believes that African American students and all students need African American role models. V: Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that he is trying to be a role model for minority students through his protest. Williams says that professors are role models even if they do not want to be. Williams says that professor can choose what kinds of role models to be. Fields reports that MIT believes that Williams has reason to protest. V: Footage of Ken Campbell (MIT spokesperson) being interviewed. Campbell says that the university agrees with Williams; that there are too few minority faculty members. Campbell says that two more African American faculty members have been hired since Dr. Charles Vest (president, MIT) became president of the university. Campbell says that the school needs to make more progress. Fields reports that Williams believes that protest is still necessary. V: Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that people must still act in the face of slow-moving institutions. Williams says that people must not give up in defeat.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/03/1991
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on negotiations in court between the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and the NAACP over compensation for minority families who were victims of the BHA's discriminatory housing policies. Vaillancourt notes that the BHA and the NAACP disagree on the number of families to be compensated and the amount of compensation due to them. Vaillancourt interviews Dianne Wilkerson (NAACP) and Albert Willis (Attorney, City of Boston) about the negotiation. Vaillancourt adds that negotiations will continue until the next court date. Vaillancourt reports that the first African American families moved into a South Boston housing project last month as part of the court-ordered plan to integrate public housing. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of African American movers at the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development and by footage of white residents of South Boston housing projects.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of white children outside of a housing project building in South Boston. The children are keeping cool with a garden hose and a wading pool. Shots of two white women outside of the housing project building; of a baby playing in a wading pool. Meg Vaillancourt reports on the court case concerning the Boston Housing Authority's public housing placement policy. Vaillancourt reports that federal authorities have charged the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) with discriminatory practices; that the BHA has agreed to reorganize its policy of assigning tenants to public housing. Vaillancourt reports that the first African American families moved into a South Boston Housing Project last month; that the BHA has not decided how to compensate African American families who had been passed over in favor of whites on the waiting list. V: Shots of African American movers moving furniture and boxes from a moving truck into the McCormack Housing Development in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that the city calls the African American families "disadvantaged." Vaillancourt notes that the city estimates that about 100 families have been "disadvantaged" by the policy. V: Shots of African American adults and children outside of a public housing project building. Vaillancourt reports that the NAACP has estimated that more than 2,000 African American families were passed over on the BHA waiting list; that the NAACP has brought a lawsuit against the city to gain compensation for those families. V: Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (attorney for the NAACP) speaking to reporters. Wilkerson says that the NAACP has always believed that the number of victims is approximately 2,000 families; that the BHA will end up finding that the NAACP's estimate is correct. Footage of Albert Willis (Attorney, City of Boston) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Willis says that he does not know where the NAACP has gotten its numbers. Willis says that the BHA will discuss compensation beyond 100 families if the NAACP can provide evidence to back up its estimate. Shots of African American children playing outside of a public housing project. Vaillancourt reports that the NAACP and the city of Boston disagree on the amount of compensation for the "disadvantaged" families. V: Shot of a Boston Globe newspaper article with a headline reading, "1,200 said to be victims of BHA racial practices." Vaillancourt notes that the Boston Globe newspaper reported that the BHA would pay $750 to each family. Vaillancourt adds that the NAACP wants each family to receive between $3,000 and $5,000. V: Shots of the exterior of the NAACP offices in Roxbury; of NAACP employees and volunteers in the NAACP offices. Footage of Willis saying that the money issue has been discusses by the city and the NAACP; that the discussions were productive. Vaillancourt reports that both sides said that the negotiations were productive. Vaillancourt notes that no issues were actually resolved; that the negotiations will continue until the next court date on Wednesday. Vaillancourt adds that the court will decide if the integration plan can continue if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/09/1988
Description: Marcus Jones reports that two African American families moved into a South Boston housing project today; he notes that the families are the first African Americans to live in the project in ten years. Jones reports that the two families were on the emergency placement list and had no other housing alternatives. Jones notes that there is increasing opposition to the mayor's housing desegregation plan by both African Americans and whites. He adds that the NAACP has filed suit to block the plan, contending that it unfairly ignores families discriminated against prior to 1983. Jones reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) claims to have lost records for applicants before 1983, but will try to investigate claims of discrimination prior to that date. Jones interviews Carl Haith (President, Boston chapter of the NAACP) about the NAACP lawsuit. Haith says that the city needs to identify residents who were discriminated against prior to 1983. Jones' report includes footage of African American movers at a South Boston housing project and footage of white residents outside of the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development. Jones interviews one of the African American movers, who says that he has encountered no problems at the housing development. This tape includes additional footage of movers at the McCormack Housing Development. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: cThe campaigns of Jesse Jackson and Michael Dukakis have different agendas for the upcoming Democratic convention
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of an African American man moving a large box from a moving truck into a housing project building in South Boston. Marcus Jones reports that two African American families moved into a South Boston housing project today. V: Shots of white residents outside of the McCormack Housing Development; of a sign for the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development. Jones reports that an African American family last lived in the development ten years ago; that the family left because they claim to have been harassed by white residents. V: Shots of a moving truck outside of a project building. Police and movers stand near the truck. Jones reports that police officers in uniform and in plain clothes were present at the housing project today. V: Footage of an African American mover saying that he has had no trouble at the housing project today; that white residents have offered him refreshments while he did his work. Shots of the movers moving a couch from the moving truck into the project building. Two green shamrocks are posted above the entrance. Jones reports that the two African American families were on the emergency placement list; that they were placed at the project because they had no other place to go. Jones notes that opposition to the mayor's desegregation plan for public housing is growing among whites and African Americans. V: Shot of Jones and Carl Haith (President, Boston chapter of the NAACP) entering an office from a dark hallway. Footage of Haith saying that the city should not have to identify African Americans to enter an-all white housing project. Shot of the exterior of the NAACP offices in Roxbury. Jones reports that the NAACP has filed a lawsuit to block the city's desegregation plan. Jones notes that the NAACP believes the plan to be unfair because it ignores groups which may have been discriminated against before 1983. V: Shots of NAACP employees and volunteers in the NAACP offices. Footage of Haith saying that the city claims to be unable to identify victims of discrimination before 1983. Haith says that the city should try to identify those victims and compensate them. Jones reports that the Boston Housing Authority claims that many applications filed before 1983 were lost when the city switched to a new computer system. V: Shots of white residents standing at the entrance to a housing project building in South Boston; of a white woman looking out of the window of a project apartment; of a housing project in South Boston. Jones reports that the BHA says that it will investigate the claims of those who claim to have been discriminated against before 1983. V: Shots of African American movers at the McCormack Housing development. Jones stands in front of the NAACP offices in Roxbury. Jones reports that the NAACP led the fight to desegregate public schools in Boston; that the city had probably expected the NAACP to support its plan to desegregate public housing. Jones reports that the NAACP does not think the city's plan does enough.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/11/1988
Description: Interview with residents at Orient Heights housing project about prejudice among residents, and outside groups, including white supremacy groups, coming in causing trouble. Two white boys say โ€œthe white kids don't want to live with the blacks or the spics [sic].โ€ Interview with woman from Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights about unresponsiveness of city officials to racial violence, following fire bombing of Guatemalan family by 200 whites. Interview with man from an advocacy group on the history of similar racially motivated attacks in East Boston and the lack of response from the community and officials. He mentions that violence in housing projects, specifically, is not given enough attention by the police. He also describes lawsuits brought by minorities who have been discriminated against. Exteriors of Orient Heights project, many windows boarded up. Black and white kids play. Mural of JFK and Big Bird.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/27/1978
Description: Interview with Tufts sociologist Peter Dreier on โ€œinterlocking directors.โ€ He explains that the composition of corporate boards is limited largely to white males who do not represent those affected by their policy choices. Women, poor people and ethnic minorities are excluded and their interests are not protected. The โ€œold boysโ€ network makes decisions that perpetuate each other's wealth inasmuch as the same small group of men are on the boards of all the large Boston banks, utilities and big businesses. There are conflicts of interest. Nuclear power plants were endorsed and financed by such groups though they are found to be unsafe and unprofitable. Dreier calls for demographically broadening board membership and raising corporate consciousness about welfare of the community. Explains the way banks redlining creates slums. Dreier says that there should be a Freedom of Information Act for big business, like there is for the government.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/06/1983
Description: Meg Vaillancourt opens report with person on the street interviews on quotas, affirmative action, and civil rights. Vaillancourt interviews Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) and Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) about the debate concerning minority hiring quotas as a part of civil rights policy. Vaillancourt notes that George Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year because he said the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Nelson opposes affirmative action programs and quotas. Nelson says that the Civil Rights Bill compromises the rights of some in order to benefit others. Wilkerson says that quotas were never a part of the Civil Rights Bill as it was written. Wilkerson says that the Civil Rights Bill would allow women and people of color to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Wilkerson accuses the Republican Party of bringing up quotas in order to undermine the passage of the Civil Rights Bill. Vaillancourt reports that the future of the bill remains uncertain. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of George Bush speaking in October of 1990 and footage of construction workers at a construction site. Vaillancourt's report also features footage from interviews with people on the street about minority hiring quotas. This tape includes additional footage from From Montgomery to Memphis. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Controversy surrounds David Duke's visit to Boston and Carmen Fields reports on the history and present activities of the Ku Klux Klan
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of a white man being interviewed on the street. The man says that African Americans claim to have been discriminated against for many years. The man says that now it is "every man for himself." Footage of a white woman being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The woman says that businesses should not be required to hire a certain number of minorities; that equal rights are important. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed on the street. The woman says that there is a assumption that people of color and women cannot compete with white men; that this assumption gives quotas a bad name. Shots of people walking through Downtown Crossing. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the majority of people interviewed today at Downtown Crossing opposed job quotas. Vaillancourt asks if job quotas are the issue when it comes to civil rights. V: Footage of Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) being interviewed. Nelson says that quotas are not part of civil rights. Nelson says that people who get jobs because of quotas keep out other people who are more qualified to do the job. Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that she does not understand all of the controversy surrounding job quotas. Wilkerson that no one has publicly admitted being forced to hire people of color or women. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson believes that Republicans use the term quotas because they know that the word has a negative connotation. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson prefers the term "remedy." V: Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that there is no "quota bill." Wilkerson says that there is a bill to restore the civil rights of women and people of color. Wilkerson says that Supreme Court decisions of the late 1980s had a devastating impact on the ability of women and people of colors to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Vaillancourt reports that Nelson is a republican; that Nelson opposes the ideas of affirmative action. V: Footage of Nelson being interviewed. Nelson says that the grievances of history can never be fully redressed; that it is impossible to achieve a state of equality for all people. Nelson says that the government should commit itself to granting equal opportunity for all in the structure of the laws from this day forward. Nelson says that the government cannot remedy the disadvantaged backgrounds of certain individuals. Footage of George Bush (US President) speaking on October 22, 1990. Bush says that he has long been committed to affirmative action. Vaillancourt reports that Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year. Vaillancourt notes that Bush said that the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Vaillancourt reports that the word "quota" never appeared in the Civil Rights Bill vetoed by Bush. Vaillancourt notes that the bill shifted the burden of proof onto employers; that employers would need to show that they did not discriminate. Vaillancourt adds that an Congressional effort to override Bush's veto failed by a handful of votes. V: Footage of workers at a construction site. Shot of a worker moving dirt in a wheelbarrow. The worker dumps the dirt outside of a building. Shots of workers digging holes at a construction site. The workers are of diverse races. Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that supporters of the Civil Rights Bill were not advocating quotas; that quotas were never mentioned in the legislation. Vaillancourt remarks that some people call job quotas the "Willie Horton" of civil rights. Wilkerson agrees with Vaillancourt's remark. Wilkerson says that Bush and David Duke (Louisiana state representative) are in agreement. Wilkerson says that the Republican Party is trying to distance itself from Duke; that the Republican Party and Duke are in agreement on this issue. Footage of Nelson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Nelson says that the Republican Party has a problem with Duke; that the Democratic Party has a problem with Louis Farrakhan (leader, Nation of Islam). Nelson says that he occasionally agrees with Duke; that he does not embrace Duke as fellow traveler. Nelson says that opponents of the bill do not want to deny civil rights of US citizens. Nelson says that the bill would compromise the civil rights of some in order to give benefits to others. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats in the US House of Representatives have tried to rename the bill this year in order to change the tone of debate; that House Democrats are emphasizing its benefits for white women. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats fear that they will again be accused of promoting quotas. Vaillancourt reports that Senate Democrats have not yet proposed a new bill; that Senate Democrats fear a repeat of last year's debate and Republican victory.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/28/1991
Description: Christy George reports that critics have charged George Bush's presidential campaign with exploiting racial fears among white voters. George notes that there is controversy over the Bush campaign's Willie Horton advertisement, which criticizes Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis's furlough program in Massachusetts. George's report includes footage of the Horton advertisement and footage of Jesse Jackson criticizing the advertisement. George interviews Dr. Alvin Poussaint (psychiatrist) about racism in the campaign and in Bush's political advertisements. Poussaint says that white voters see Horton as the "universal" African American criminal and that African Americans are associated with crime in the minds of whites. George reports that the Bush campaign advertisement does not use the face of William Horton (furloughed prisioner), but that campaign advertising by Bush supporters has used Horton's face. George notes that Bush has disassociated himself from the groups producing these ads. George's report includes footage from a political advertisement produced by "Americans for Bush." Poussaint says that the "Americans for Bush" advertisement is racist. He adds that Dukakis may lose white votes if he complains too much about racism because Americans do not like to be called racist. George notes that Poussaint believes that Horton's face triggers associations with other negative images of African Americans. Poussaint goes on to analyze race in US pop culture and in US politics. George's report is accompanied by images of African American figures in US politics, sports, and culture and by footage from Saturday Night Live of a satirical campaign advertisement. George's report is also accompanied by footage of Dukakis at a campaign rally.
1:00:12: Visual: Footage from WBZ-TV of Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) speaking from a podium. Jackson says that the Willie Horton advertisement has been used to conjure up "psycho-sexual fears" of African American men among whites voters. Shot of a black and white photo of William Horton (furloughed prisoner). Christy George reports that critics have charged George Bush's presidential campaign with exploiting racial fears among white voters. V: Footage of Dr. Alvin Poussaint (psychiatrist) being interviewed by George. Poussaint says that white voters see Horton as the "universal" African American criminal. George reports that Poussaint had supported Jackson for president; that Poussaint now supports Michael Dukakis (Democratic US presidential nominee). V: Footage of Poussaint saying that African Americans have long been associated with crime in the minds of whites. Poussaint notes that the rape of white women by African American men has always been a sensitive issue. Footage of the Bush campaign's Willie Horton advertisement. George notes that Horton's face is not shown in the Bush campaign advertisement about Dukakis's furlough program in Massachusetts. George notes that many of the prisoners shown in the Bush campaign ad are white. George adds that the Bush campaign is asking a legitimate questions about the Massachusetts' furlough program. V: Footage of Poussaint saying that Bush would have raised the issue of the furlough program even if Horton were white. Shots of George Bush (Republican US presidential nominee) speaking from a podium. George reports that Bush supporters have not been cautious about using Horton's face in their campaign literature. V: Footage of Dukakis addressing a crowd at a campaign rally on October 19, 1988. Dukakis holds up a piece of Bush campaign literature. Dukakis says that the campaign literature is "garbage." The crowd applauds for Dukakis. George reports that Dukakis has attacked the race-baiting campaign literature of a group of Bush supporters from Illinois. George notes that Bush has disassociated himself from the group's literature. V: Footage of Poussaint being interviewed by George. Poussaint says that Dukakis may gain minority votes by complaining about the subliminal racism of the Bush campaign; that Dukakis may lose white votes if he complains. Poussaint says that Americans do not like to be called racist. George talks about a campaign ad paid for by a group called "Americans for Bush." George notes that many have called the advertisement racist; that the advertisement has been running for months in key states. V: Footage of the "Americans for Bush" campaign advertisement. Footage of Poussaint saying that the Horton case can be used to exploit the association of African Americans with crime and drugs. George notes that the campaign's subliminal racial messages have become the subject of satire. V: Footage of a satirical campaign advertisement from Saturday Night Live. George reports that Poussaint believes that Horton's face triggers other negative associations with African Americans. V: Shot of a black and white photo of an African-American man in the custody of white police officers. Shots of the Reverend Louis Farrakhan (leader of the Nation of Islam) and Tawana Brawley (New York State resident); of the Reverend Al Sharpton (African American community figure); of a group of white people moving through a crowd; of Bernard Goetz (New York City resident) walking down a street. George reports that Poussaint is a consultant to the Cosby Show; that Poussaint advocates positive images of African Americans. V: Footage from The Cosby Show. George reports that The Cosby Show is the most popular show among white South Africans. George adds that Poussaint does not believe that an abundance of positive African American role models will change white attitudes. V: Shots of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrating a win; of Stevie Wonder (pop singer); of Colin Powell (National Security Advisor to Ronald Reagan); of Magic Johnson (basketball player); of Bishop Desmond Tutu (Black South African leader) with Dukakis. Shot of the floor of the Republican Political Convention. George reports that Poussaint believes that whites do not find African American heroes and leaders threatening. George adds that Poussaint believes that whites transfer their fears to African Americans in their proximity. V: Footage of Poussaint saying that white women react to the color of his skin when they meet him on the street at night.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/25/1988
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Federal Reserve Bank has released a study finding that banks in Boston are guilty of redlining. Vaillancourt notes that three times as many mortgages are approved in Boston's white neighborhoods as in African American neighborhoods. Vaillancourt reviews the findings of the study. Vaillancourt interviews African Americans on the street. They talk about their experiences in applying for mortgages. Vaillancourt reports that African Americans earn less than whites on average. She adds that these economic factors do not explain the gap in mortgage lending practices. Vaillancourt interviews Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman). Kennedy condemns redlining practices. He adds that banks should not practice discrimination, noting that many banks receive federal funds. Vaillancourt reports that Boston banks have agreed to change their lending practices. She adds that meetings between community activists and banks are scheduled for next month. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of employees and customers in banks and shots of residential homes.
1:00:14: Visual: Shots of residential homes in suburban areas. Meg Vaillancourt reports that home prices are on the rise. Vaillancourt notes that race can also be obstacle to home ownership. V: Footage of an African American man being interviewed at Downtown Crossing in Boston. The man says that he is turned down every time he applies for a mortgage. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The woman says that she has had to submit a great deal of paperwork when applying for a mortgage; that she has been examined more carefully than her income would merit. Footage of Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) saying that redlining is practiced across the nation; that many officials try to deny it. Vaillancourt reports that the Federal Reserve Bank has released a study which finds that three times as many mortgages are approved in Boston's white neighborhoods as in Boston's African American neighborhoods. V: Shot of an African American woman looking out of the window of an apartment building. On-screen visuals and text detail the findings of the study. Footage of an African American man being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The man says that banks seem to believe that African Americans do not have money. Footage of another man being interviewed. The man says that there should be no discrimination in lending practices. Shots of homes in a residential neighborhood; of two white women and a child standing in front of one of the homes. Vaillancourt reports that some blamed economic factors instead of race for redlining practices. Vaillancourt quotes statistics which show that African Americans earn less than whites on average; that homes in African American neighborhoods cost less; that there is less development in African American neighborhoods. V: Shots of residential homes in a variety of neighborhoods. Vaillancourt notes that economic factors do not explain the gap in mortgage lending practices. Vaillancourt quotes the study as finding that a 24% difference in mortgages between white and African American neighborhoods is found even when economic factors are taken into account. Vaillancourt reports that the study found that economic factors do not explain the gap in lending practices. V: On-screen text and visuals detail the study findings. Footage of Kennedy saying that poor people are receiving credit; that people of color are being denied access to credit. Vaillancourt reports that the banking industry is in crisis after the savings and loan scandal; that many banks have been forced to close. Vaillancourt notes that taxpayers are bailing out some banks; that banks are having a hard time collecting on bad loans. V: Shots of employees and customers in the lobby of a bank; of a client filling out a loan application; of bank employees sitting at their desks while helping customers. Shot of an African American bank employee helping a white customer with a loan application. Footage of Kennedy saying that banks have access to federal funds; that banks receiving federal funds should not practice discrimination. Shot of two triple-decker houses in a residential neighborhood. One of the houses is dilapidated. Vaillancourt reports that Boston banks have agreed to change their lending practices; that meetings between community activists and banks are scheduled for next month. V: Footage of the first African American man at Downtown Crossing. The man says that he has been forced to look elsewhere for loans; that the banks' lending practices will not stop him.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/31/1989
Description: Hope Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is sponsoring the Home Ownership Loan Pool, to encourage homeownership loans for residents in minority neighborhoods. The neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan have received little investment money in the past. Kelly's report includes footage from a press conference with Ronald Homer (President, Boston Bank of Commerce) and community leaders. Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaks out in support of the new program. Homer talks about the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Homer says that concessionary-rate lending does not serve the long-term interests of the community. Kelly reviews the details of Homer's proposal. Kelly notes that housing is scarce in Roxbury while vacant lots are plentiful. Kelly interviews Gus Newport (Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative). Newport says that disinvestment has been a problem in the greater Roxbury neighborhood. Kelly, Newport and Gertrude Fidalgo (community worker) take a walk in the Dudley Street neighborhood. Fidalgo says that development of vacant lots will create safer conditions in the area. Kelly notes that new housing developments are planned for the area. Kelly's report includes footage of workers at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative building.
1:00:09: Visual: Shots of vacant lots in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston. Hope Kelly reports that vacant lots in Roxbury are only 1.5 miles from downtown Boston. V: Footage of Gus Newport (Executive Director, Dudley Street Initiative) being interviewed near a vacant lot by Kelly. Kelly notes that these lots would have been developed years ago if they were in a different part of the city. Newport agrees with Kelly. Newport says that no bank financing was available to developers interested in the Roxbury neighborhood. Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at a press conference. Bolling says that there has been "a process of disinvestment" in the Roxbury community for over thirty years. Bolling says that the members of the community must determine the direction of the community's growth. Shots of the attendees of the press conference, including Juanita Wade (Boston School Committee), Charles Yancey (Boston City Council), Gail Snowden (Bank of Boston), Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader) and Newport. Shot of Mel King (community activist) listening at the entrance to the room. Kelly reports that the neighborhoods of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan have not received much investment money in the past; that a new bank program will provide financing in those neighborhoods. V: Footage from the press conference. Bolling sits at a table with Ronald Homer (President, Boston Bank of Commerce) and two others. African American community leaders stand behind them. Homer talks about a proposal which encourages banks to commit a portion of their loan portfolios to serve the greater Roxbury area. Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is the only bank in Massachusetts that is owned and operated by African Americans. Kelly reports that the Boston Bank of Commerce is sponsoring the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Kelly reports that the loan pool encourages banks to set aside $250 million in loans for minority neighborhoods; that $25 million of the loans are to be set aside for first-time home buyers at below-market mortgage rates. Kelly reports that $100 million of the loans are to be set aside for the renovation or purchase of existing housing stock; that $500,000 be set aside for a home ownership and financing resource center. V: Shot of the exterior of the Boston Bank of Commerce. On-screem text and visuals detail the specifics of the Home Ownership Loan Pool. Footage of Homer at the press conference. Homer says that the Boston Bank of Commerce has taken a stand in the past against concessionary-rate lending. Homer says that concessionary-rate lending is not a useful way to serve the community in the long-term. Shots of attendees at the press conference including Newport, Juanita Wade (Boston School Committee) and Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Kelly reports that Homer and others believe that concessionary-rate lending may be a good short-term solution. Kelly reports that Newport agrees with Homer. Kelly notes that Newport is the former mayor of Berkeley, California. V: Shot of the exterior of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative building. Shot of Newport standing inside the building. Shots of staff members doing office work at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. Kelly reports that the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative was founded in 1984; that the Initiative has eminent domain power and zoning authority over 1.5 square miles of Roxbury land. Kelly notes that housing is scarce in Roxbury; that vacant lots are plentiful in the area. V: Shot of a map of Roxbury in the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative office. Footage of Newport and Kelly standing in front of a map of Roxbury. Newport points out the vacant lots in the area. Newport says that the Roxbury area has the most vacant land of any neighborhood in the city. Shots of Kelly, Newport and Gertrude Fidalgo (community worker) on a snowy street in Roxbury. They pass by a vacant lot. Kelly reports that 364 units of housing are planned for Roxbury; that most of those units will be affordable. V: Footage of Newport saying that disinvestment has been a major problem in the area. Kelly says that the banks are responsible for the initial disinvestment in the neighborhood. V: Footage of Newport saying that it is hard to believe that these conditions exist so close to downtown Boston. Footage of Fidalgo saying that she would not want to walk through this area because there are no streetlights or houses. Fidalgo says that more housing will create safer conditions in the neighborhood. Shots of a vacant lot and the surrounding area.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/28/1989
Description: Hope Kelly reports on charges of racism against the Boston Irish Rowing Club. Larry Otway, President of St. Brendan's Rowing Club of New York said that he was discouraged from bringing African American rowers to compete against the Boston Irish Rowing Club in South Boston. Otway later rescinded his accusations. Mayor Ray Flynn holds a press conference to cite progress in fighting racism across the city. Flynn, William Geary, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission, City Councilor Bruce Bolling, John Joyce, the President of Boston Irish Rowing Club, and Otway speak at the press conference. Joyce denies any discriminatory practices on the part of the Boston Irish Rowing Club. Andrew Jones and Curtis David of the Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project hold a rival press conference in front of the L Street Bath House in South Boston, spekaing out against racism Jerry Cullitary (South Boston resident) defends South Boston against charges of racism. Interview with Susan Moir, a South Boston resident, about racism in South Boston. People rowing in curraghs on Pleasure Bay.
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) and Curtis Davis (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) at a press conference in front of the L Street Bathhouse in South Boston. Jones reads a prepared statement. The statement reads that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) should not invite New York residents to Boston; that African Americans from New York and Boston are not welcome in Flynn's neighborhood. Footage of Flynn at a press conference. Flynn says that acts of discrimination in the city will not be tolerated. Shots of Davis and Jones at their press conference; of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at Flynn's press conference. Footage of Jones saying that African Americans were stoned when they tried to visit Carson Beach in 1974. Footage of William Geary (Commissioner, Metropolitan District Commission) at Flynn's press conference. Geary says that Carson Beach is open to all citizens. Shots of Flynn speaking at his press conference. White and African American city officials stand behind him. Hope Kelly says that Flynn's press conference included a full array of testimony about the city's progress in fighting racism; that it is rare for African American community leaders to hold press conferences in South Boston. V: Shot of the press conference in front of the L Street Bathhouse. The sign over the entrance to the bathhouse reads, "James Michael Curley Recreation Center." A crowd of white residents and media stand in front of the entrance. Shot of a white man standing at the entrance of the bathhouse. Footage of Jones saying that Flynn is doing nothing to combat racism in his own neighborhood. Footage of Flynn saying that a number of minority youngsters have participated in events in South Boston. Footage of John Joyce (President, Boston Irish Rowing Club) saying that the rowing club does not discriminate; that their activities are open to all. Kelly reports that Joyce directs a group of rowers who row on Pleasure Bay in curraghs; that curraghs are boats which are native to Ireland. Kelly notes that the club competes against other curragh clubs; that the club will host a New York curragh club on Sunday. V: Shot of Joyce in a curragh; of rowers in curraghs on Pleasure Bay; of white male members of the club on shore; of a white male getting into a boat with two other white rowers. Shots of curragh races. Kelly reports that Larry Otway (President, St. Brendan Rowing Club of New York) filed a complaint against the Boston club; that the Otway contends that Joyce told the New York club not to come to Boston with African American rowers. V: Shot of Joyce at Flynn's press conference. Kelly notes that Joyce apologized; that Otway has now exonerated Joyce. V: Footage of Otway at Flynn's press conference. Otway says that Joyce is not a racist; that Joyce has always welcomed all of the members of the New York Club; that Joyce has been mistakenly targeted as a racist. Kelly reports that some people agree that the rowing club has been unfairly targeted as racist. Footage of Jerry Cullitary (L Street bather) saying that the residents of South Boston are hard-working, working-class people; that racism is more of a problem in the white suburbs than it is in South Boston. Kelly reports that South Boston has become synonymous with racism. V: Shot of a front page headline in the Boston Herald. The headline reads, "Southie rowing club beached by racial uproar." Footage of a white man addressing Jones and Davis at the press conference at the bathhouse. The man says that "good news in South Boston is no news; that bad news is big news." Davis says that he has not heard anyone utter a racial slur at the press conference. The man says that he would like Davis and Boyce to talk about "good news" in South Boston. Kelly says that the press conferences pointed up the stereotypes which still exist on both sides of the race issue in Boston; that the "sunny side-up" tone of Flynn's press conference only reinforced skepticism about the issue. V: Shot of Flynn leaving his press conference. Hope Kelly stands in the room where Flynn's press conference was held. Kelly said that she wanted to ask Flynn if Carson Beach was presently open to everyone; that Flynn did not answer the question. V: Footage of Susan Moir (white South Boston resident) in South Boston. Moir says that her son is white; that he gets insulted at Carson Beach because he has dark skin. Moir adds that she has brought African American children to the beach with her; that the children have been hassled by white beachgoers. Moyer says that non-white people cannot use the beach.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/22/1987
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents are opposed to the city's plans to integrate public housing projects. Residents are hostile to Mayor Ray Flynn when he attends a community meeting in South Boston to discuss plans for integration, with Doris Bunte of the Boston Housing Authority. Vaillancourt notes that South Boston residents have not changed their attitudes in the face of evidence that the BHA practices discrimination against African American tenants of public housing. Interviews with South Boston public housing residents about public housing integration. Many residents are opposed to integration. Some fear that the quality of life in the projects will decline after the housing projects are integrated. Others say that racial violence will be a result of integration. A few residents are not bothered by the prospect of integration. Vaillancourt notes that the controversy over public housing integration evokes memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Officials attempt to explain the new rules for the Boston Housing Authority's revised public housing tenant selection policy.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a white female South Boston resident looking out of the window of a housing project apartment. The woman says that she would like her neighborhood to remain white. Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents remain hostile to the idea of integration of public housing projects. V: Shots of white residents outside of a housing project in South Boston. Footage of a white female resident saying that South Boston should stay white; that there will be trouble if the housing projects are integrated. Footage of another white female South Boston resident saying that white residents have not received fair warning about the placement of African American families in white housing projects. Shots of white children playing with a hose outside of a housing project in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) announced plans to integrate South Boston housing projects in October; that Flynn tried to explain the policy at a community meeting in South Boston in January. V: Footage of Flynn and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) the community meeting in January of 1988. Flynn addresses the crowd. A white woman shouts out a comment. Footage of Flynn approaching the stage as the crowd jeers at him. Vaillancourt notes that the audience at the community meeting was hostile to Flynn. Vaillancourt stands in front of a housing project building in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that there is mounting evidence of discrimination against African American families requesting apartments in public housing projects. Vaillancourt notes that the mounting evidence has not changed the attitudes of white South Boston residents. V: Footage of Vaillancourt interviewing a white male South Boston resident. The man says that there will be trouble if African Americans move into the South Boston housing projects. Footage of another white male South Boston resident saying that the residents want their neighborhood to remain as it is. Footage of a white female South Boston resident saying that she will not be bothered if an African American family moves into her building. She says that African American families need housing as much as white families do. The woman says that some people do not feel the same way as she does; that she hopes no one will bother the African American families who move into the project. Shots of white residents outside of a project building; of a white baby playing in a wading pool outside of a project building. Vaillancourt reports that the city's housing policy has kept the housing projects segregated for fifty years; that the city is now changing its policy. Vaillancourt reports that some residents feel that the new policy will be biased. V: Footage of a white female South Boston resident sitting in a wading pool. The woman says that the city should not make tenants identify their race; that the city should place tenants in an apartment without knowing their race. Shots of the woman and two children in the wading pool. Vaillancourt notes that talk of integration in South Boston raises memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. V: Footage of a white male South Boston resident saying that school desegregation caused the decline of the Boston School System; that most South Boston residents send their children to private schools. The man says that he will move out of public housing if African American families move in to the projects. Shots of female parochial school students walking toward a housing project building. Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has not announced when the first African American family will move into the projects.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/16/1988
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Mayor Ray Flynn has pledged to integrate public housing projects in South Boston by next year. Currently there are no African American families among the 2400 families living in the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston. Interviews with South Boston housing project residents talking about their opposition to integration. Residents say that the quality of life will decline if African American families move into the project. Other residents say that violence will erupt if the projects are integrated. Interview with Flynn, who says that the housing projects will be integrated in a responsible manner. He talks about integration of public housing projects in Charlestown. Civil rights advocates accuse the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) of ignoring non-white families on the waiting list for apartments in South Boston projects. Interview with Alex Rodriguez of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, who says that the BHA's housing policies are illegal. Rodriguez threatens to take action against the city. Vaillancourt reports that the pace of integration in the housing projects has been slow. Interview with an African American laborer who says that he would not mind moving into a housing project in South Boston. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Hope Kelly reviews the history of public housing in Boston
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of a white male South Boston resident saying that violence resulted from forced busing and "forced beaching." Footage of a white female South Boston resident speaking from the window of her project apartment. She says that she would prefer the neighborhood to remain white; that a racial war may erupt if non-whites move in. Shots of the Old Colony Housing Project in South Boston; of a sign reading, "Old Colony Public Housing Development." Meg Vaillancourt reports that there are close to 2400 families living in the Old Colony Housing Project; that 39 families are Latino, Asian or Native American; that there are no African American families in the project. George reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has said that there are African American families on the waiting list for public housing; that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) will place those families in the Old Colony Project next year. V: Shot of Flynn speaking to a reporter. Footage of a white female South Boston resident saying that the Mission Hill Housing Project was once a nice place to live; that housing projects decline when African American families move in. Footage of a white female resident saying that there will be fights and riots if African American families move into the projects; of another white female resident saying that the neighborhood will decline if it is integrated. Footage of Flynn being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Flynn says that the integration of the housing project will take place in a responsible and professional manner; that there will be no community disruption; that housing projects were integrated in Charlestown. Flynn says that members of the community must participate in the planning for integration. Vaillancourt reports that 900 families live in the housing projects in Charlestown; that 45 of those families are non-white. V: Shot of the exterior of the Boston Housing Authority building in Charlestown. Vaillancourt notes that civil rights advocates say that the BHA and the mayor have done little to promote integration of the projects in South Boston. V: Footage of Alex Rodriguez (Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Rodriguez says that he will recommend that the city receive no money unless desegregatory action is taken within 30 or 40 days. Rodriguez says that the city stands to lose millions of dollars. Vaillancourt reports that the pace of integration in the South Boston projects has been slow. V: Shots of the housing projects in South Boston. Vaillancourt notes that a spokesperson for the BHA says that there were more white families on the waiting lists for the South Boston projects. Vaillancourt reports that critics accuse the BHA of ignoring non-white families on the waiting list for the South Boston projects. V: Footage of Rodriguez saying that the BHA is denying entrance to the projects for non-white families. Rodriguez says that the BHA policy is illegal. Footage of a white female South Boston resident saying that she does not understand why African American families would want to move into the housing project. Vaillancourt notes that an African American man was working at the Old Colony Housing Project this afternoon. V: Footage of the African American worker saying that he would have no problem living in this project. Footage of a white male resident saying that Flynn will lose votes if he pushes for integration of the South Boston housing projects. Shot of a white woman and her children in front of a project building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/29/1987
Description: Christopher Lydon reports that Mayor Ray Flynn attended a community meeting in South Boston to discuss public housing integration. Lydon notes that the audience was hostile in their opposition to the issue. Lydon's report includes footage from the meeting. City Councilor James Kelly speaks out against public housing integration. The crowd cheers. The crowd jeers at Flynn as he makes the case for a fair and equitable housing policy. Lydon notes that Kelly linked the housing integration issue to memories of school desegregation in the 1970s.
1:00:15: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) approaching the stage at a community meeting in South Boston. A noisy crowd yells and boos. The audience is seated at long tables. Footage of Leo Tierney (South Boston resident) saying that apartments in Roxbury should go to Roxbury residents. Tierney says, "Leave us the hell alone. Leave the blacks alone. Leave us to live in peace." The crowd cheers. Members of the crowd rise to their feet to cheer. Christopher Lydon reports that James Kelly (Boston City Council) addressed the crowd of South Boston residents at a community meeting; that Kelly stirred the emotions of the crowd by linking public housing integration to the memories of school desegregation in the 1970s. V: Footage of Kelly saying that "misguided" youth and adults will engage in violence if the public housing projects are integrated; that some South Boston residents will serve time for civil rights violations. Kelly says that Flynn and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) should be "hauled into court" if the city has refused to grant African American families access to their choice of housing projects; that Flynn and Bunte are more guilty of discrimination than South Boston residents. The crowd cheers for Kelly. Footage of Flynn addressing the crowd. Flynn says that he is here to tell the truth, not to campaign for votes. Flynn says that the city of Boston must provide fair and equitable housing for all.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/12/1988
Description: Hope Kelly reviews the history of public housing in Boston. The first public housing project was built in South Boston in the 1930s. The tenants were all white. The public housing projects in South Boston remained white even as the non-white tenant population grew in the rest of the city. Shots of photographs of white and African American public housing tenants in the 1940s and 1960s. Kelly reviews statistics concerning the numbers of white and non-white families on the waiting list for public housing. The waiting list for public housing in Boston is currently 80% non-white. The waiting list for white families is shrinking while the waiting list for non-white families is growing. There are no African American families living in the housing projects in South Boston in 1987. The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) went into receivership in 1979 due to mismanagement. Mayor Ray Flynn was named receiver of the BHA in 1984. Flynn must integrate the housing projects, but is likely to meet opposition from South Boston residents. Kelly's report is accompanied by footage of Flynn from the 1983 mayoral campaign and by footage of African American and white public housing tenants. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Meg Vaillancourt reports that Ray Flynn has pledged to integrate public housing projects in South Boston by next year
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at the D Street Housing Project in South Boston in 1983. Flynn talks to project residents. Hope Kelly reports that Flynn announced his candidacy for mayor at a South Boston Housing Project in 1983; that there were no African American families in any South Boston housing projects in 1983; that there are still no African American families in South Boston projects in 1987. V: Shots of a white woman standing at the entrance to a project building; of a white woman looking out of the window of a project apartment. Aerial shot of a housing project in South Boston; of an African American children outside of a housing project building. Shot of a white child scrambling under a fence near a housing project. Kelly notes that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) is responsible for 69 housing projects in Boston; that 10% of the city's population lives in the projects. Kelly notes that many projects have been integrated for years; that South Boston has not been integrated. Kelly notes that William Bulger (President, Massachusetts Senate) grew up in the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Project in South Boston. V: Shots of Bulger speaking to a reporter; of a sign for the Mary Ellen McCormack Development; of white women and children sitting on a park bench. Kelly notes that the McCormack Development was the first housing project in all of New England; that the project tenants were white when the project was built in the 1930s. V: Shots of black and white photos of white families and children; of white families in apartments. Kelly notes that people of color began to move into the city; that they became tenants of public housing. V: Shot of a black and white photo of an African American student among white students at the Bromley Heath Housing Project in the 1940s; of a black and white photo of a racially diverse group of children outside of the Cathedral Project in the South End in the 1960s. Kelly notes that the minority population in Boston's public housing doubled in the 1960s. V: Shots of African American students walking home from school; of an African American woman walking her dog on a sidewalk. Kelly notes that the housing projects in South Boston remained white through the 1960s and 1970s; that the BHA waiting list for public housing is 80% minority. V: Shots of a white residents at the entrance to a project building; of an African American girl outside of a housing project. On-screen text lists statistics about the BHA waiting list for public housing. Kelly notes that the BHA waiting list for public housing had 1,455 white families and 9,633 minority families in September of 1987; that the BHA waiting list had 1,688 white families and 9,408 minority families in September of 1986. Kelly notes that there are fewer white families on the waiting list in 1987; that there are more minority families on the waiting list. V: Shots of African American adults and children outside of a housing project. On-screen text lists statistics from the BHA waiting list for public housing. The statistics show the numbers of white, African American, Latino and Asian families on the BHA waiting list. Kelly notes that the numbers of non-white families waiting for public housing have increased dramatically; that the numbers of white families waiting for public housing have increased by less than 100 families. V: Shots of African American children playing outside of a housing project. WCVB-TV footage of Flynn on election night in November of 1983. Flynn says that the city has overcome its racial divisions. Kelly notes that BHA went into receivership in 1979 due to gross mismanagement and poor conditions. V: Shots of a courtroom hearing; of trash accumulated around and inside of public housing project buildings. Kelly reports that racial segregation remains an issue for public housing in Boston; that Flynn was named as receiver of the BHA in 1984. V: Shot of an African American girl looking out of a window of a project apartment. Footage of Flynn saying that people cannot be told where to live or where not to live. Shots of an elderly white woman on a park bench; of a white man wearing a Southie sweatshirt, sitting outside of a housing project. Kelly notes that South Boston residents are being asked to integrate the housing projects one week before the mayoral elections.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/29/1987
Description: Marcus Jones reports that Michael Jackson has never played a concert at Sullivan Stadium. Jones notes that the Foxboro Board of Selectmen denied a request by Jackson to play two concerts at Sullivan Stadium in 1984. Jones reports that the permit was denied because of security and traffic concerns. Jones adds that former State Senator Royal Bolling, Sr. and others believe that the permit was denied on racial grounds. Jones' reports includes footage from a meeting of the Foxboro Board of Selectmen and footage of Bolling addressing a legislative hearing. Jones reports that Andrew Gala, the Foxboro town administrator and Michael Coppola, a Foxboro Selectman, deny that the permit was denied on racial grounds. Jones notes that Gala says that the Jackson tour denied the terms offered to them by Sullivan Stadium. Jones reports that there are bad feelings between the town of Foxboro and Chuck Sullivan, the organizer of Jackson's tour. Jones reports that big concerts bring in money to Foxboro. He notes that Jackson's most recent tour did not stop in Massachusetts. Jones' report is accompanied by concert footage of Michael Jackson, the Rolling Stones at Sullivan Stadium, and other musical acts. Following the edited story is additional silent b-roll of Sullivan Stadium. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jan von Mehren reports that the city of Boston and the NAACP signed a $3 million settlement to end litigation about the city's formerly discriminatory public housing policy
1:00:15: Visual: Footage from WNEV of a Rolling Stones' concert at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rolling Stones play, "Start Me Up." Marcus Jones reports that approximately 150,000 people went to see the Rolling Stones (rock band) play three concerts at Sullivan Stadium. Jones reports that many popular rock performers have played at Sullivan Stadium in the past few years. V: Shots of Madonna in concert at Sullivan Stadium; of a keyboard player on stage; of a female fan in the audience; of Roger Daltry of the Who singing on stage at Sullivan Stadium. Jones reports that Michael Jackson (pop singer) has not played a concert at Sullivan Stadium. V: Footage of Jackson in concert. Footage of a meeting of Foxboro Selectman in June of 1984. The selectmen vote. A selectman declares that the license is denied. The audience applauds. Jones stands in the parking lot of Sullivan Stadium. A sign for the stadium is visible behind him. Jones reports that Foxboro Selectman denied a request by Jackson and his brothers in June of 1984; that Jackson had requested to play two concerts at Sullivan Stadium. Jones notes that the Selectmen denied the request because of security and traffic concerns. Jones notes that the Rolling Stones just played three sold-out shows at the stadium; that the Rolling Stones probably attracted more people than the Jacksons would have. Jones adds that security was heavy at the stadium; that traffic was also heavy. Jones reports that Foxboro is now welcoming big rock acts to the stadium. Jones reports that Royal Bolling, Sr. (former state senator) called a press conference in the summer of 1984 in order to pressure the Foxboro Selectmen to change their minds about Jackson. Jones notes that Bolling and others believe that the Foxboro Selectmen denied the permit on racial grounds. V: Shot of Bolling speaking at a congressional hearing at the Massachusetts State House. Shot of Bolling speaking during an interview. Footage of the Jacksons in concert. Jones reports that the Jacksons' 1984 tour was handled by Chuck Sullivan (member of the family for which Sullivan Stadium was named). V: Shot of a black and white drawing of Sullivan. Shots of the exterior of Sullivan Stadium. Jones reports that Andrew Gala (Foxboro town administrator) and Michael Coppola (Foxboro Selectman) spoke to him over the telephone. Jones reports that Gala says that the permit was denied because of bad feelings between Sullivan and the town of Foxboro. Jones notes that Gala denies that the permit was denied on racial grounds. Jones reports that Gala says that the Selectmen were willing to license three Jackson shows on non-consecutive nights. Jones reports that Gala says that Sullivan refused those terms. V: Footage from a Pepsi commercial of the Jacksons in concert. Shots of the Foxboro Selectmen's meeting from June of 1984; of a member of the audience dressed up like Michael Jackson. Jones reports that the three Rolling Stones shows were on non-consecutive nights. V: Footage from WNEV of the Rolling Stones in concert. Jones reports that Coppola says that big concerts are good for Foxboro businesses. Jones notes that the three Rolling Stones shows contributed over $100,000 to the town treasury. V: Shots of the interior of Sullivan Stadium. Trucks are parked in the interior as a stage is being put up or taken down. Footage of Michael Jackson in concert. Jones reports that Michael Jackson's most recent tour did not stop in Massachusetts. Jones notes that Gala says that Jackson would be welcomed at Foxboro stadium today. Jones adds Gala says that Foxboro "could use the revenue." V: Shots of the exterior of Sullivan Stadium. Gala's quote appears written on-screen in text. Footage of Jackson in concert.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/04/1989
Description: Lee Nelson introduces The Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Nelson reads a news brief about US Army testing of live bacteria on civilians in simulated germ warfare attacks. Art Cohen reports on racial controversy during jury selection in the Andrew Puopolo murder trial. Cohen reports that the defense attorneys have accused the prosecution of excluding African Americans from the jury. Gary Griffith reports on Mayor Kevin White's proposed fiscal legislation. The report includes footage of Jim Young (Treasurer, City of Boston) explaining the fiscal package. Steve Curwood reports on George Bush's address to the Middlesex Club of Republicans. The report includes footage of Bush answering questions about his tenure as CIA Director, biological warfare, and the overthrow of foreign governments. Mike Kolowich reports on Thomas Widmer (Vice President, Thermo Electron), who advocates energy efficiency and conservation through the application of technology. Footage of Widmer talking about technology and energy policy. Christopher Lydon comments on the early days of the Carter presidency and Carter's outspoken position on human rights. Footage from another Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Steve Nevas hosts the Ten O'Clock News. Nevas reports on the possibility of peace talks in the Middle East. Lydon interviews Richard Reeves (political writer) on Jimmy Carter's character and his public image. Nevas editorializes on US policy regarding marine resources. Footage from another Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Nevas closes the show. David Ives (President, WGBH) sings a fundraising song for on-air fundraising promotion
0:00:10: Volunteers in studio for on-air fundraising. WGBH station identification. 0:01:12: The Ten O'Clock News opening credits. Lee Nelson introduces the show. Nelson reports that the US Army has tested live germs on civilians in simulated germ warfare attacks from 1949 to 1969; that the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the City of San Francisco and Washington's national airport were targets over a twenty-year period; that over 500 project employees suffered infections. Nelson reports that four jurors were chosen in the trial of three men connected with the death of Harvard football player Andrew Puopolo. 0:02:16: Art Cohen reports on the Puopolo murder trial at Suffolk Superior Court. Visual: Artist's drawing of courtroom. Cohen reports that Puopolo had been in the Combat Zone with fellow Harvard football players Thomas Lincoln and Steve Saxon; that Lincoln and Saxon suffered only minor injuries; that Puopolo died of stab wounds. Cohen reports that Richard Allen, Edward Soares and Leon Easterling are charged with Puopulo's murder; that the three defendents are African American. V: Artist's drawing of defendants. Cohen reports that Judge James Roy asked each prospective juror if the racial profiles of the defendents and plaintiffs would affect their judgment; that Roy dismissed several jurors who were unsure. V: Artist drawing of Roy by Sonja Benson. Cohen reports that there were only four African Americans out of 70 prospective jurors; that the defense lawyers accused the prosecution of excluding African Americans from the jury; that Thomas Mundy (Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County) challenged three of the African American jurors without cause; that the fourth African American juror was dismissed by Roy. V: Artists drawings of lawyers at table; of Mundy. Cohen reports that three women and one man have been chosen for the jury so far; that these four jurors are an electronics engineer, a manager with a local insurance company, a school monitor, and a housewife from South Boston. Cohen reports that jury selection is expected to go on until Thursday. 0:03:48: Nelson reads the national headlines: the US House of Representatives voted to pass a major segment of President Jimmy Carter's economic stimulus program, including $50 tax rebates for many taxpayers; Carter will travel to London in May for his first summit with leaders from Canada, West Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and Great Britain; France threatened economic reprisals unless the SST (Concorde) is allowed to land in New York; Carter favors granting temporary landing rights for the Concorde, but the decision is up to the states of New York and New Jersey. 0:04:39: Nelson reports that the White Administration is concentrating on the passage of its fiscal legislation; that Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) is on vacation on an unnamed Caribbean island. V: Footage of James Young (Treasurer, City of Boston) saying that the mayor's fiscal legislation addresses the management problems in the city; that it attempts to redress imbalances in the fiscal relationship between the state and the city; that it enables the city to improve its financial situation by allowing it to impose modest taxes. Gary Griffith reports that the fiscal package includes 28 bills broken into three major categories; that there are 11 bills in a revenue sharing package which increases city fines and parking fees, and denies registration to vehicles with unpaid fines and taxes; that there are 10 bills in a state share package which mandates the state to assume the costs of county government, of school desegregation and of veteran benefits; that there are 7 bills in a new tax package which includes a payroll excise tax and new excise taxes on hotels, motels and college dorms. Griffith reports that some of the bills in the state share package and the new tax package are not expected to pass; that the city's property tax is expected to rise next year. V: Shots of downtown Boston; of a meter maid giving a parking ticket. Footage of Young saying that the city will not go bankrupt; that the city will be forced to reduce the services it provides to residents; that the city will see a decline in its character and standard of living. Griffith reports that legislative hearings on the bills will be held on March 23; that votes will take place by May. V: Shots of reporters at Young's press conference. 0:07:23: Stock report: Dow Jones Industrials at 952.04; New York Stock Exchange volume was 19,520,000 shares; American Exchange volume was 3,110,000 shares. 0:07:48: Nelson reports that Brady Tyson (US Deputy Delegate to the UN Human Rights Commission) expressed regrets to the government of Chili for CIA involvement in the 1973 overthrow of the government of Salvador Allende; that the State Department said later that Tyson's remarks at the meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission were personal and not approved by the State Department. Nelson reports that Idi Amin (military ruler of Uganda) claims he is on a CIA death list; that Amin met with leaders at the Afro-Arab summit in Cairo; that Amin refused to allow a probe into human rights violations in Uganda. 0:08:37: Nelson reports that George Bush (former CIA Director) visited Cambridge to address the Middlesex Club of Republicans; that there is speculation about Bush running for president in 1980. Steve Curwood reports that Bush became CIA Director in 1976. V: Footage of Bush saying that he was often asked about the Allende affair as CIA Director; that he would not have apologized for the Allende affair. Bush says that he would support action to destabilize or overthrow certain governments, or "a Hitler." Curwood asks Bush about allegations concerning CIA use of the African Swine Fever Virus in Cuba to destabilize the Castro government. Bush responds that the allegations are false; that he never authorized the use of any chemical or biological warfare agents as CIA Director; that he will not comment on the use of those agents by other countries. Bush says that he does not believe that the CIA will be hurt by going along with rules and regulations not followed by other countries; that he worries about narrow guidelines concerning counterintelligence strategy. Curwood says that Bush does not deny the possibility of his running for the presidency in 1980. 0:11:47: Sports scores: Bruins beat Atlanta, 3 - 2. 0:12:00: Nelson reads headlines: Joseph Califano (HEW Secretary) announced a major reorganization of HEW; a law professor from the University of Chicago warned the House of Representatives not to let Carter reorganize the federal government. 0:12:19: Nelson reports that Carter will present a comprehensive energy program on April 20; that Carter's planners are soliciting input from citizens; that conservation and "personal sacrifice" will be at the heart of the program. Mike Kolowich reports that the US is the largest consumer of energy in the world; that the US wastes some of its most valuable energy resources. V: Shots of steam rising from smokestacks, chimneys and sewers. Kolowich reports that Thomas Widmer (vice president, Thermo Electron) advocates a more efficient use of energy; that Thermo Electron is a thermodynamic research and manufacturing firm in Waltham. V: Footage of Widmer saying that there is no energy crisis; that the US is not using energy effectively; that there is a "surplus of entropy." Kolowich reports that Widmer endorses conservation in a report he prepared for the Carter administration; that Widmer believes conservation is not enough. V: Shots of Widmer's report. Footage of Widmer saying that he does not endorse conservation through curtailment of energy use; that he endorses conservation through technology; that energy must be used more efficiently. Kolowich reports that "technological fixes" have been used in West Germany; that West Germany uses energy more efficiently than the US. V: Shots of smokestacks; of cars and trucks on highway; of factories; of houses with chimneys. Kolowich reports that US cars and trucks are too large; that the US steel making industry is not using energy as efficiently as it could; that new technology could help US industries use energy more efficiently. Kolowich reports that the federal government would need to provide incentives for industry to become more energy efficient; that the government would need to impose controls on the consumer level. V: Audio of Widmer saying that there should be mandatory controls on the efficiency of air conditioners, lighting, new home construction and commercial buildings; that it is possible to set mandatory efficiency standards for industry. Footage of Widmer saying that energy taxes could be imposed on industry; that tax credits could be given to energy efficient industries. Kolowich reports that Widmer thinks this policy would result in economic growth without an increase in energy use; that Widmer's ideas were once considered revolutionary; that Carter's energy program may rely on some of Widmer's ideas. 0:16:56: Weather report and area ski conditions. 0:17:45: Nelson reports that Henry Gonzales (Democratic Representative from Texas) resigned as chairman of the House Assassinations Committee; that Lewis Stokes (Democratic Representative from Ohio) will be the new chairman. Nelson reports that Governor Michael Dukakis is looking for quick legislative approval of his proposed Industrial Development Authority, an agency to encourage business development in Massachusetts. Nelson reports that state officials will not comment on a listening device found in the telephone of Owen Clarke (State Tax Commissioner); that tax records were recently seized in an investigation of his agency. Nelson reports that Leo Nolan is appealing his conviction for the murder of a Haverhill grocer fifty years ago. 0:18:30: Nelson introduces commentary by Christopher Lydon on the first few months of the Carter presidency. Lydon says that critics have doubts about Carter's performance; that critics doubt his understanding of foreign policy issues. Lydon says that Carter knows what he is doing when he speaks out on human rights; that Carter's outspoken support of human rights can lead to inconsistencies in foreign policy; that Carter wrote a letter in support of Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, but told the Soviet ambassador that human rights should not get in the way of relations between the two countries. Lydon points out other contradictions in the intersection of human rights and foreign policy in the Carter administration. Lydon says that Carter speaks out on human rights to remind Americans of the importance of human liberties and the values represented by the US. 0:20:38: Nelson closes the show with a joke. Credits roll. 0:21:19: Footage from another Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Steve Nevas reports that Secretary of State Cyrus Vance says that there is a chance for Middle East peace talks during the second half of the year; that Arab states might allow Israel to keep some of the West Bank; that the Arab states will insist on the return of the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Desert; that Vance asked Congress not to try to enlist other nations in measures against the Arab boycott of Israel. 0:21:57: Sports scores: Golden State beats the Celtics, 101 - 94; the Bruins beat Detroit, 8 - 3. 0:22:20: Nevas reports that Carter spoke to employees at the Pentagon today; that Carter says he does not want to revive the draft, but will not rule it out completely. 0:22:36: Nevas introduces Christopher Lydon's interview with Richard Reeves (political writer). Lydon asks Reeves about Carter's public persona. Reeves says that Carter's ruthlessness and toughness is not visible in his public image; that Carter had to be calculating and tough to get to the top; that Carter has picked up campaign tips and tricks from political novels. Lydon comments on Reeves' theory that Carter's early success in the campaign was played up in the media; that the media ignored later setbacks because they had already created an image of him as a winning candidate. Reeves says that Carter planned a good campaign; that the media chose to give extensive coverage to the primary election; that the media created a momentum around Carter and it worked in his favor. Lydon asks Reeves' opinion on Carter and his success. Reeves says that Carter's public image will be destroyed if he gets caught lying. 0:25:55: Weather report and ski conditions. 0:26:55: Nevas reports that the US has taken control of the fishing grounds along the east coast. He gives a brief history of fishing in the western Atlantic. Nevas reports that the US now controls nearly 1/5 of the world's marine fish resources; that the US took control of east coast fishing grounds in the name of conservation; that taking control of the fishing grounds should not become a jingoistic exercise. Nevas closes the show. Credits roll. 0:28:23: Footage from another Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Christopher Lydon comments on Carter's energy policy. He speculates on Carter's relations with the natural gas industry. Nevas closes the show. Credits roll. 0:29:50: Footage from the end credits of another Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Fundraising promotion featuring David Ives (President, WGBH) singing a fundraising song accompanied by guitar.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/08/1977
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the failure of Ward 7 to elect any minority delegates to the Massachusetts State Democratic Party convention. Minority voters accuse party bosses of discouraging minorities from running as delegates. Ward 7 residents Dianne Wilkerson and Bernard Sneed both ran for delegate in Ward 7 last year. Sneed calls for a change in the election process. Interviews with Wilkerson and Sneed. Wilkerson accuses City Councilor James Kelly of setting up the election to be restrictive and hostile to minority delegates. Vaillancourt quotes Kelly as saying that he set up a fair election and that Wilkerson and Sneed lost. Wilkerson and Sneed were named as delegates on an appeal to the State Democratic Party.
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (Ward 7 resident) saying that minority voters have been consistently loyal to the Democratic Party. Wilkerson questions the commitment of the Democratic Party to minority participation. Shots of residents on the streets of Ward 7 in Boston; of minority residents on a busy street corner; of a commercial street in South Boston; of two African American women entering a shoe store; of pedestrians walking by the shoe store. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Boston's Ward 7 has always been a stronghold of the Democratic Party; that Ward 7 stretches from Upham's Corner in Dorchester to South Boston. Vaillancourt notes that Ward 7 has ten precincts; that eight of the precincts are almost totally white; that two of the precincts have large Hispanic and African American populations; that Ward 7 has never elected any minorities as delegates to the state party convention. Vaillancourt reports that minority voters accuse party bosses of discouraging minorities from running as delegates. V: Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that party leaders publish notices about party caucuses in the South Boston Tribune newspaper; that minority voters do not read the South Boston Tribune because they do not live in South Boston. Vaillancourt notes that Wilkerson and Bernard Sneed (Ward 7 resident) both ran for delegate in Ward 7 last year; that neither was elected to the position. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson and Sneed say that the election for delegates was selectively advertised; that Wilkerson and Sneed say that the election was held in an area of South Boston which was outside of the ward. V: Shot of Vaillancourt interviewing Sneed; of a streetcorner in a minority neighborhood. Footage of Vaillancourt interviewing Wilkerson. Vaillancourt asks if the election was set up to put Wilkerson and Sneed at a disadvantage. Wilkerson says that the election was set up to be "uncomfortable, prohibitive, restrictive, harassing and hostile." Wilkerson notes that James Kelly (Boston City Council) set up the election. Vaillancourt reports that Kelly is Chairman of the Ward 7 Democratic Committee; that Kelly is a vocal opponent of affirmative action. V: Shot of Kelly working behind a desk in an office. On-screen graphics show a quote from Kelly which reads, "We held a full and fair election. And they lost." Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson accuses Kelly of making her candidacy difficult. V: Footage of Wilkerson saying that the Democratic Party needs to monitor the elections in Ward 7. Footage of Sneed saying that minorities will not be elected as delegates until the process is changed. Shot of residents on a streetcorner in a minority neighborhood. Vaillancourt stands on a streetcorner. Vaillancourt reports that Sneed and Wilkerson have won their appeal to the State Democratic Party Committee; that the Committee has forced Ward 7 to accept Wilkerson, Sneed and three other minority delegates as add-on delegates to the state convention. Vaillancourt notes that much of the work by the other Ward 7 delegates has already been finished.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/21/1987
Description: Several people address a crowd of clergymen, giving them details on a meeting held that day on the "Mobilization on the white problem in metropolitan Boston." They discuss what churches can and should do to help fight against white racism towards African Americans, especially African American business people. Silent footage of the audience. Reporter standup.
Collection: WHDH
Description: Sharon Stevens interviews Willie Sanders (Boston resident), after his acquittal on rape and assault charges. Sanders discusses his bitterness at being wrongly accused and prosecuted for raping a white woman and compares his ordeal to the Scottsboro rape cases in 1932. Sanders says he met Clarence Norris (Scottsboro defendant); says that little has changed since that case; says that African Americans need to get organized to prevent the recurrence of these cases. Sanders describes his ordeal; accuses the police officers in District 14 of engineering the rape accusation; says that the officers involved in his case have been revealed as "devils." Sanders says that he is writing a book about his experience with the legal system and describes what he sees as a double standard within the legal system. Sanders talks about growing up in the South and discusses differences between the racial climates in the North and in the South. Sanders talks about the racism in the North; accuses the district attorney of racism; recounts instances of racism in the courtroom; and discusses inequities in the legal system.
0:00:23: Visual: Sharon Stevens interviews Willie Sanders (Boston resident) in an apartment. Sanders sits on a couch. Stevens asks if Sanders is angry at the system after his ordeal. Sanders says that he has every right to be bitter; that his case is not the first in which an African American man is wrongly convicted for the rape of a white woman. Sanders mentions the Scottsboro rape cases in 1932. Sanders says that African Americans need to get organized to prevent it from happening again. Stevens asks Sanders if he had been aware of the Scottsboro cases and other civil rights cases before the rape trial. Sanders says that he had been working hard to take care of his family before the rape trial. He says that he has met some good people while fighting the rape charge; that he met Clarence Norris (Scottsboro defendant); that little has changed since the Scottsboro cases in 1932. Sanders says that he has been given a lot of support. Sanders says that the police officers in District 14 engineered the rape accusation. Stevens remarks that Sanders has been quoted as referring to the officers involved in his case as "devils." Sanders describes being taken from his home by police officers, who told him he would only be gone for a few minutes. Sanders describes being held at the District 14 police station. He says that William Curry (Boston Police Department) was in charge of the rape investigation. Sanders says that he thought that the rape charge would be dropped. Sanders adds that he became very angry as the case progressed. Sanders says that his faith helped to see him through the ordeal; that the situation began to turn in his favor when he let go of his anger and forgave his persecutors. Sanders says that he began to smile at the trial because he knew his faith would see him through; that the district attorney mistook his smile for one of guilt. Sanders says that the officers involved in his case have been revealed as "devils." 0:09:56: V: Sanders says that he is writing a book about his experience with the legal system; that there is a double standard in the legal system; that the judges in the legal system are covering for the police officers. Sanders says that he and his lawyers raised a lot money for his defense; that the legal system only works for those with money. Sanders says that African Americans pay for their freedom in the US. He describes how difficult it was to find a good lawyer for his case. Stevens asks Sanders again about growing up in the South. Sanders says that African Americans in the South are better off than African Americans in the North; that African Americans in the South are united; that African Americans in the North need to organize themselves. Sanders says that he was not thinking about these issues before the rape trial. Sanders says that white people in the north are racist; that they assume that all African Americans are criminals. Sanders accuses the district attorney of being racist. Sanders recounts instances of racism in the courtroom. Sanders says that the legal system in Boston works against African Americans; that there are not enough African Americans serving jury duty. Sanders says that an African American suspect does not stand a chance when the judge, jurors, and victim are all white. Sanders says that he wants to keep working for civil rights causes. Sanders tells a story about how someone sent him a dollar in the mail to help with his legal expenses; that he knew that the person who sent the dollar was poor and had made a sacrifice for him. Sanders says that he and his family have learned a lot from this experience; that his son did a project in school based upon the experience. Sanders talks about being arrested on rape charges, even though he had an alibi. He says that the victim was not able to identify him as the rapist.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/21/1980
Description: Outtakes of interviews with women at Government Center plaza. They talk about the next day's Women's Strike for Equality and discrimination against women, especially in job opportunities. Some women talk about the downsides of women's rights movements. Interview with man on the separation of men's and women's work. Environs of Women's Strike for Equality at Government Center plaza. Interviews with men watching the strike on the women's liberation movement. Interview with Marine Sergeant on the women in the Marine Corps. Reporter cutways. Woman addresses a crowd by the Anne Hutchinson statue near the Massachusetts State House about women's liberation issues and International Women's Day. Anne Hutchinson's descendant, also named Anne Hutchinson, speaks. Mary Lou Thompson, author of Voices of the New Feminism attends. Connie Burgess, head of the Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation speaks. Governor Frank Sargent speaks in support of these women. Women, including Ms. Freeman address an audience in a talk entitled "Feminism- Past, Present, and Future," covering the history of women's rights and the newly formed rap groups, which give women a place to come together and explore the sexism inherent current society. Outtakes of reporter standup. Women singing and speaking at a rally supporting women's rights and criticizing the Vietnam War. A group of lesbians speak about their alternative lifestyle and community. They shout "888 lives," referring to the Harvard building at 888 Memorial Drive that women had previously taken over to form the "Boston Women's Center."
Collection: WHDH
Date Created: 08/1970
Description: Ms. Freeman speaking at Heinz Civic Auditorium at a lecture called "Feminism- Past, Present, and Future." She discusses the inherent sexist thought in our society. Reporter standup.
Collection: WHDH
Date Created: 12/28/1970
Description: Women's rights march on Beacon Hill and through downtown Boston. They gather at Government Center plaza. Woman sings women's rights folk song. Cuts of women speaking at a podium, especially about the issue of equal pay. One woman in the crowd argues that women already have more rights than men and criticizes the women speaking at the demonstration. Young people do a skit on stage. Closeups of people in the crowd, and signs with women's rights slogans. Quick clip of Governor Sargent speaking in the crowd. Rosemarie Van Camp does several takes of reporter standup. Sounds goes in and out throughout the video.
Collection: WHDH
Date Created: 08/26/1970