Description: Marcus Jones reports on the Franklin Park Zoo's programs in celebration of Black History Month. The zoo's Black Arts Festival celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture. There are various performances, including rapping, dancing, and storytelling. Interview with spokesperson Barbara Levitoff, who talks about the important link between the zoo and the community. Following the edited story is b-roll of animals at the zoo, including antelope, wildebeests, and zebras.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of a young African American man rapping into a microphone. Another young African American man breakdances behind him. Footage of a breakdancer performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Footage of an African American woman telling a story to a class of elementary school students. Most of the students are African American or minority. Marcus Jones reports that the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates Black History Month with programs including singing, dancing, and storytelling. V: Footage of Barbara Levitoff (Franklin Park Zoo spokesperson) saying that the Franklin Park Zoo is a "community zoo"; that the Franklin Park Zoo is using its community resource room for Black History Month programs. Jones reports that the Black Arts Festival at the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture; that the program focuses on the African wildlife at the zoo. V: Shots of the storyteller; a breakdancer spinning on his head; of a zebra. Footage of white woman telling a story to a room of schoolchildren; of white and African American rappers and breakdancers performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Jones reports that the program features folklore, poetry, and rap music; that the rap music has a "pro-achievement and anti-drug" message. Jones says that the programs provide a positive boost for a public resource which is struggling to improve its image and facilities. V: Shots of gnus at the zoo. Footage of Levitoff saying that cities need zoos; that the public likes zoos. Marcus Jones stands on the snowy grounds of the Franklin Park Zoo. Jones reports that renovations at the zoo are scheduled to be completed in 1989; that the zoo will have an African theme. Jones notes that the Black History Month programs are a way for the zoo to strengthen its links with the community; that the zoo is a resource for people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/18/1987
Description: Hope Kelly reports on the Madison Park High School Choir's tribute to Roland Hayes, who was the first African American singer to achieve recognition on the classical stage. Interviews with members of the choir about Hayes' legacy. Footage of the choir's performance. Kelly reviews Hayes's career, accompanied by photos and footage of Hayes. The Roland Hayes Music Center is based at Madison Park High School. Interviews with Elma Lewis, Robert Winfrey, who is the Director, of the Music Center, Anthony Walker, who is a graduate of the Music Center, and Afrika Hayes, the daughter of Roland Hayes. They discuss Hayes's music and legacy.
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of an African American male member of the Madison Park High School Choir talking about the determination of Roland Hayes (African American classical singer); of an African American female member of the choir also talking about Hayes' determination to succeed; of a white female member of the choir talking about how Hayes's music breaks down barriers between the races. Footage of the Madison Park High School Choir singing "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory." Hope Kelly reports that the Madison Park High School Choir paid tribute to Hayes, who was the first African American man to be accepted on the classical stage. V: Black and white footage of Hayes singing. Shot of black and white photos of Hayes. Audio of Hayes singing accompanies the photos. Footage of Elma Lewis (African American community leader) saying that Hayes sang traditional spirituals; that Hayes's voice was pure, emotional, and spiritual. Footage of Robert Winfrey (Director, Roland Hayes Music Center) talking about the experience of learning from Hayes. Kelly notes that the Roland Hayes Music Center is based at Madison Park High School. V: Footage of two graduates of the Roland Hayes Music Center standing at the front of the Madison Park High School Choir. The two singers sing solo pieces. Shot of the audience. Footage of Anthony Walker (graduate of the Roland Hayes Music Center) saying that Hayes's music is performed in the same way as classical music or opera; that Hayes' music is "a black form of music," meant to be performed with dignity. Shot of a portrait of Hayes. Shots of the Madison Park High School Choir. Kelly reports that Hayes legitimized the performance of black spirituals on stage. V: Footage of Afrika Hayes (daughter of Roland Hayes) saying that her father was not an "activist"; that he quietly set about achieving his goals. Footage of the performance of the Madison Park High School choir. Footage of Afrika Hayes noting that her father's music is being performed by a mixed race choir from Madison Park High School; that people of all races are embracing his music. Afrika Hayes says that she wishes her father could be here today to see the choir. Footage of the choir's performance.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/14/1987