Description: Marcus Jones reports on the Ninth Annual Black-Jewish Seder held in Roxbury. Jones reports that the audience at the Seder honored civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner. Jones notes that the three civil rights workers were murdered in Mississippi during the civil rights movement. Jones notes that family members were present at the Seder to talk about the men on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the murders. Jones' report includes footage from the Seder supper. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) talks about the sacrifices made by the three men. Family members Ben Chaney, Carolyn Goodman and Cassie Schwerner talk about the three men. Ben Chaney announces a freedom ride from Mississippi to New York planned for the summer. Chaney, Carolyn Goodman and Cassie Schwerner talk about the need to continue the struggle for civil rights. Jones reviews the events leading up to the murder of the three men. Jones' report also features clips from Eyes on the Prize and Mississippi Burning. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Christy George reports that the Boston School Committee held an executive session to make a decision on the renewal of the contract of Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools)
1:00:17: Visual: Footage from a trailer for the 1988 film, Mississippi Burning. Shots of official FBI posters with head shots of three missing men. Marcus Jones reports that the film Mississippi Burning is based on the murders of civil rights workers Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner in Mississippi during the civil rights movement. V: Shot of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Three men reported missing in Mississippi rights campaign." Jones reports that African Americans and Jews gathered in Roxbury last night to honor the three men and their family members. V: Shot of a flyer for the Ninth Annual Black-Jewish Seder. Footage of Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) speaking at the Ninth Annual Black-Jewish Seder. Stith talks about the sacrifice made by Goodman, Chaney, and Schwerner. Shots of audience members, including Leonard Zakim (Director, Anti-Defamation League of B'Nai B'rith) Jones reports that the twenty-fifth anniversary of the murders will be marked in June. Jones notes that relatives of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner are traveling across the country to enlist people in a major demonstration planned for the summer. V: Shots of black and white photos of the three men which are displayed at the Seder gathering. Footage of Ben Chaney (brother of James Chaney) saying that racism and anti-semitism are not a regional problem. Chaney says that a group of demonstrators will depart from Mississippi on June 21; that the demonstrators will travel to New York. Chaney says that the demonstrators want to send a message about the national importance of civil rights. The audience stands to applaud Ben Chaney. Jones reports that Ben Chaney was eleven years old in 1964; that Ben Chaney began to work with James Chaney and Michael Schwerner to register African Americans in Mississippi to vote in 1964. V: Shots of black and white photos of James Chaney and Michael Schwermer. Black and white footage of a white man approaching the home of an African American man; of a body being put onto a stretcher. Footage of Ben Chaney saying that he used to attend demonstrations with James Chaney and Schwermer; that Chaney and Schwermer would bail him out of jail when he got arrested. Ben Chaney says that he did not believe that any of the demonstrators would die as a result of their actions until his brother was found dead. Footage from Eyes on the Prize of the Chaney family at the burial of James Chaney. Black and white footage of Mr. and Mrs. Goodman (parents of Andrew Goodman) speaking to the media in 1964. Mr. Goodman says that he is proud of his son's commitment and the commitment of Chaney and Schwarmer. Shots of an audience listening to Goodman. Jones reports that the anniversary of the murders brings back disturbing memories for Dr. Carolyn Goodman (mother of Andrew Goodman). V: Footage of Goodman at the Seder gathering. Goodman says that there are civil rights issues which still need to be addressed. Footage of Goodman being interviewed by Jones. Goodman says that the families of the victims wish to perpetuate the work performed by the three men. Goodman says that young people need to be made aware of the events of the civil rights era. Footage of Cassie Schwermer (niece of Michael Schwermer) at the Seder gathering. Schwermer says that the murders of the three men were meant to discourage northern volunteers from participating in the Mississippi Freedom Summer. Jones reports that Cassie Schwermer never knew her uncle; that she has come to understand his beliefs. Jones reports that Cassie Schwermer is a social activist. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Michael Schwerner. Shot of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Three in rights drive reported missing." Footage of Schwermer being interviewed by Jones. Schwermer says that she would like to see a renewed commitment to activism by young people today. Black and white footage of Fannie Chaney (mother of James Chaney) speaking in 1964. Fannie Chaney says that the three men died to help African Americans achieve equal rights. Footage of the Chaney family at the funeral of James Chaney. Footage of Carolyn Goodman saying that the work of civil rights activists is never finished. Goodman says that there will always be threats to our freedoms. Black and white shot from 1964 of James Chaney's coffin.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/11/1989
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the annual Black/Jewish Seder Supper at the Union United Methodist Church. Interviews with Leonard Zakim from the Anti-Defamation League, Charles Stith from the Union United Methodist Church, and Eric Karp from the Temple Ohabei Shalom about the importance of the Black/Jewish Seder supper. Zakim says that the supper celebrates the continuing struggle for freedom and civil rights on the part of both communities. Stith talks about the kinship between the two communities. Karp says that both communities have struggled against oppression. Interviews with attendees about the significance of the supper. Vaillancourt notes that this year's Seder supper falls on the eve of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: James Williams protests lack of minority faculty at MIT
1:00:07: Visual: Shot of the steeple of the Union United Methodist Church at dusk. Shots of the annual Black/Jewish Seder supper at the Union United Methodist Church. Shot of an African American woman and a white man speaking at the supper. A choir sings, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Meg Vaillancourt reports that a group of local African Americans and Jews celebrated the Seder. V: Footage of Leonard Zakim (Anti-Defamation League) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Zakim says that the supper celebrates the continuing struggle for freedom and civil rights. Footage of Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church being interviewed. Stith says that society is polarized along racial lines; that the supper is an celebrates efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between groups of people. Stith says that the supper affirms the goals of Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader). Vaillancourt reports that attendees gathered at the Union United Methodist Church) for the eleventh Black/Jewish Seder. V: Shots of attendees reading from a religious text. The attendees hold pieces of matzoh in their hands. Footage of Eric Karp (Temple Ohabei Shalom) being interviewed. Karp says that the Seder celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from oppression; that the African American community has fought a long battle against oppression. Karp says that the two communities can learn from one another. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed at the supper. The woman says that she is attending her first Seder; that the two communities are brought together through their belief in God. Footage of an older Jewish woman being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Vaillancourt asks what the two communities have in common. The woman says that the two communities share a lot of things including prejudice and hard times. Footage of an older African American woman being interviewed by Vaillancourt. The woman says that African Americans and Jews are treated the same way. Footage of a young Jewish boy being interviewed. The boy says that "prejudice stinks." Shots of attendees at the supper. Vaillancourt reports that the ceremony is Jewish; that the date is important to those involved in the civil rights struggle. Vaillancourt notes that King gave his last speech twenty-three years ago tonight; that King was murdered in Memphis on the following day. Vaillancourt stands outside of the room where the supper is held. Vaillancourt reports that the Passover meal is symbolic of the exodus from Egypt by the Israelites after 400 years of slavery. V: Footage of Stith being interviewed. Stith says that enslaved African Americans identified with the struggle of Moses and the people of Israel. Stith says that there is a theological kinship between the two communities. Footage from the Seder supper. A choir sings, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/03/1991
Description: Christy George reports from the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta. George reports that Atlanta is the heart of the new South; she adds that the region is becoming more diverse, and has been energized by an influx of industry and culture. George reports that the Mississippi Delegation to the Democratic National Convention is said to lead the region on issues of race relations. George notes that the Mississippi delegates are representative of the new South. Interviews with Mississippi delegates Jesse Banks, Ed Cole, Isaiah Frederides, Sherry Fisher, Deborah Dunn and Joe Gaitlin. Each delegate expresses pride in the political process and talks about the changes in the state of Mississippi. George reviews the struggle by African Americans for inclusion in the Democratic Party. George discusses the history of African Americans at the Democratic National Convention from 1948 to 1968. George's report includes footage of civil rights protesters in the 1960s and footage of the Democratic National Convention in the 1960s. George's report is also accompanied by footage of Jesse Jackson at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. George notes that Jackson has led a new group of people into the Democratic Party.
1:00:16: Visual: Black and white footage from Eyes on the Prize of Fannie Lou Hamer (Mississippi Freedom Delegation) at the Democratic National Convention in 1964. Black and white footage from "Eyes on the Prize" of African Americans exiting a bus; of white political officials. Shots of a uniformed man taking American flags from the hands of African American demonstrators; of African American demonstrators marching with American flags. Shots of a Democratic National Convention from the 1960s. Christy George reports that African Americans have been fighting for inclusion in the Democratic Party since 1948; that white delegates from Mississippi and Alabama walked out of the convention in 1948 to protest a civil rights plank in the party platform. George notes that the Mississippi Freedom Delegation was seated at the Democratic National Convention in 1968. V: Footage of Jessie Banks (resident of Tchula, Mississippi) talking about the seating of the Mississippi Freedom Delegation at the 1968 convention. George reports that Banks is now a Mississippi delegate to the Democratic National Convention; that the Mississippi delegation is said to lead the South on the issue of race relations. V: Shot of the Mississippi delegation on the floor of the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Footage of Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) addressing the convention on July 19, 1988. Jackson announces that Ed Cole (Mississippi delegate) is the leader of the Mississippi delegation; that Cole is African American. Shots of Jackson exiting a building. He waves to voters. A bus awaits Jackson. A banner on the bus reads, "Rainbow voter registration campaign." Jackson stands in the entrance to the bus, waving to supporters. George reports that Jackson has a led a new group of people into the Democratic Party. V: Footage of State Representative Isaiah Frederides (resident of Gulfport, Mississippi) says that his mother was a domestic servant; that his mother was fired from her job when he tried to register to vote; that his father-in-law's job was threatened. Frederides says that he and his wife were the first two African Americans to register to vote in his county. Footage of Sherry Fisher (resident of Vicksburg, Mississippi) saying that she is attending a convention for the first time; that she wants to be a part of the US democracy. She says that it feels good to be a part of the changes in Mississippi and the US. Shot of delegates on the floor of the 1988 convention. George says that the "new South" is focused on sharing power between those of common backgrounds. V: Footage of Deborah Dunn (resident of Bruce, Mississippi) being interviewed by George. Dunn says that she is a white woman who has picked cotton and worked hard for what she has. Dun says that all southerners are proud of what they have achieved. Footage of Jackson addressing the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Jackson calls Atlanta the "crucible of the new South." V: Shots of the Atlanta skyline; of construction workers working on a new building in Atlanta. George reports that Atlanta is becoming a major urban center. V: Footage from WNEV-TV of an Atlanta Hawks basketball game. Footage of Joe Gatlin (resident of Laurel, Mississippi) saying that industry has come to Atlanta from the north; that industry has brought culture and diversity. Gatlin says that the South is diversifying while keeping some of its old values. Shots of the Atlanta skyline. George reports that diversity and new people may energize the Democratic Party as it is energizing the South. V: Footage of Banks saying that she has great hope for the nation; that the Democratic Party has great African American and white leaders. Christy George stands in downtown Atlanta. George reports that African Americans and whites live in harmony and prosperity in Atlanta; that the Democratic Party will begin to understand the "new South" after holding its convention in Atlanta.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/20/1988
Description: Jan von Mehren reports on the "Black Wings" exhibit at the National Park Service Visitors Center on State Street. She walks through the exhibit with a group of African American World War II veterans. The men all trained at the Tuskegee airfield during World War II. Interviews with Frank Roberts (retired US Army major), George Hardy (retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel) and John Roach (retired US Air Force Reservist) about their experiences in the military. The men talk about racism and the missions in which they participated. Roberts and Hardy describe their experiences while training at Tuskegee Airfield. Roach talks about the career of Benjamin Davis (first African American general in the US Air Force). The men point out photos in the exhibit and reminisce together.
1:00:14: Visual: Shots of Frank Roberts (retired US Army major) and another man at the "Black Wings" exhibit at the National Park Service Visitors Center on State Street. The men point to the red tail on a model of a WWII airplane. Shot of color picture of a red-tailed bomber plane. Shot of a of a red-tailed model plane. Jan von Mehren reports that red-tailed airplanes were piloted by African American pilots during WWII. V: Footage of Roberts talking about his experience as a pilot in WWII. He says that a group of white bomber pilots once expressed gratitude to him and his colleagues. Von Mehren reports that the African American pilots experienced blatant racism during WWII. Von Mehren reports that African American military pilots trained at the Tuskegee Airfield in Alabama; that Tuskegee opened in 1941 to the dismay of top military brass. Von Mehren reports that some people at the time believed that African Americans did not have the mental or moral fiber to fly in combat. V: Shots of a group of former Tuskegee pilots at the exhibit. The group includes Roberts. Shots of black and white photos of African American trainees and pilots at the Tuskegee Airfield. Footage of George Hardy (retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel) saying that his group flew over 200 missions; that they never lost a bomber to enemy fighters. Shot of a color image of a red-tailed bomber plane from the exhibit. Footage of John Roach (retired US Air Force reservist) talking about the distinct sound of the planes flown during the war. The other men agree that the planes had a very distinct sound. Roberts talks about filling gas tanks in mid-flight. Shot of a black and white photo of Roberts as a pilot during WWII. Von Mehren reports that Roberts graduated from Tuskegee in 1944; that he flew combat missions in Europe. V: Footage of Roberts saying that he was twenty-six when he graduated from Tuskegee; that he was one of the oldest men in his class. Roberts says that the men studied very hard in order to make the grade of lieutenant; that the men were committed to becoming Tuskegee airmen. Footage of Hardy saying that the Tuskegee Airfield provided a "cocoon" for the men. Hardy tries to recall the name of the local sheriff. Hardy says that the men tried to avoid getting into trouble outside of the airbase. Shot of an exhibit poster detailing the biography of Benjamin Davis (first African American general in the US Air Force). Footage of Roach saying that Davis graduated from West Point in the 1930s; that Davis was the only African American cadet at West Point at the time; that no one spoke to him for four years. Von Mehren reports that Roach is a retired colonel in the Air Force Reserve; that Roach left the military to work for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Von Mehren reports that Roach worked to evaluate pilots for commercial airlines; that commercial airlines would not hire African American pilots at the time. V: Shot of a black and white photo of a group of African American pilots in front of a plane. Roach is among them. Shot of a black and white photo of Roach in the cockpit of a military plane. Shots of Roach and another man looking at part of the exhibit. Von Mehren reports that the Tuskegee Airmen were very young when they trained to become pilots during WWII; that this exhibit allows the men to see themselves documented in history. V: Shots of the group of men at the exhibit. Footage of Roberts as he points to a photo of himself in the exhibit. Powers says that the photo was taken after the group had completed 200 missions. Shot of the photo in the exhibit. Shot of a black and white photo of the Tuskegee Airmen lined up for an inspection.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/19/1990
Description: Jan von Mehren reports that African American community leaders expressed their rage over the handling of the Carol Stuart murder case. Von Mehren notes that the leaders accused city officials, the Boston Police Department and the news media of racism in handling the case. Von Mehren's report includes angry speeches by Don Muhammad (Muhammad's Mosque), Rev. Graylan Hagler (Church of the United Community), and Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council). Von Mehren notes that the African American leaders have accused police of ignoring obvious clues during their investigation. Von Mehren adds that some leaders called for the resignation of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department). Von Mehren interviews Hagler. Hagler says that police officers ignored community residents who approached them with information about the case. Von Mehren concludes by saying that the African American community suffered a grave injustice in the aftermath of the murder.
1:00:04: Visual: Footage of Bill Owens (State Senator) speaking at a press conference. A group of African American community leaders stand behind him. The group includes Graylan Ellis-Hagler (Church of the United Community) and Don Muhammad (Muhammad's Mosque). Owens says that a great injustice has been done to the African-American community. Shots of the attendees at the press conference. Jan von Mehren reports that African American community leaders expressed rage and fury at a press conference today. V: Footage of Ellis-Hagler speaking at the press conference. Ellis-Hagler accuses Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) of placing blame too quickly on the African American community. Ellis-Hagler compares Flynn's actions to that of the Ku Klux Klan. The attendees at the press conference give vocal support to Ellis-Hagler's assertions. Footage of Muhammad at the press conference. Muhammad asks if white public officials will call Charles Stuart (murderer of Carol Stuart) "an animal." The crowd cheers. Von Mehren reports that African American leaders believe that Flynn, the Boston Police Department, and the media rushed to conclusions about the Stuart case. Von Mehren notes that the African American leaders say that racism played a huge role in the case. V: Shots of the press conference; of Charles Yancey (Boston City Council) addressing the press conference. Footage of Muhammad at the press conference. Muhammad says that police usually suspect the husband when a woman is killed. Muhammad says that police automatically suspect an African American man when a woman is killed in an African American neighborhood. Von Mehren stands outside of Muhammad's Mosque. Von Mehren reports that African American leaders have accused the police, the mayor, and the media of ignoring vital information about the case. Von Mehren notes that the African American leaders says that the vital information was circulating on the streets of Roxbury on the day after the shooting. V: Footage of Muhammad at the press conference. Muhammad says that there were rumours on the street that Charles Stuart was a drug addict. Muhammad says that police should have investigated those rumours. The crowd cheers. Von Mehren notes that Ellis-Hagler runs a recovery center for drug addicts out of his church in Roxbury. V: Footage of Ellis-Hagler being interviewed by von Mehren. Ellis-Hagler says that the workers in his recovery center told him that Charles Stuart was the murderer on the day after the murder occurred. Ellis-Hagler talks about a man from the community who went to police with information about the murder. Ellis-Hagler says that the man shared information with police which confirmed the alibi of William Bennett (suspect). Ellis-Hagler says that the police told the man that they had a suspect who suited their purposes. Footage of Muhammad at the press conference. Muhammad says that apologies are worthless; that the damage has already been done. Muhammad says that the city has stabbed the African American community in the back. Muhammad says that the African American community has been devastated. Shot of a sign at the press conference. The sign reads, "What does (sic) Boston and South Africa have in common? Stopping and detaining men because of the color of their skin." Von Mehren reports that some African American leaders called for the resignation of Flynn and Francis "Mickey" Roache (Police Commissioner, City of Boston); that some called for restitution to Mission Hill residents. V: Shots of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at the press conference; of attendees at the press conference. Shot of Muhammad at the press conference. Von Mehren adds that the African American community was dealt a grave injustice when police, public officials, and the media were taken in by Charles Stuart's hoax.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/05/1990
Description: Marcus Jones reports on the emergence of African American elected officials in the predominantly white suburbs of Boston. Gretchen Underwood was elected to the Wellesley Town Meeting as a member of the recently formed Wellesley African American Coalition. The coalition was formed after an incident of harassment in Wellesley involving Dee Brown of the Boston Celtics. Virginia Nelson placed second out of fourteen candidates in the Milton elections. Selectman Charles McKenney will become the chairman of the Ayer Board of Selectmen next year. Interview with Underwood and Nelson about their experiences as African American elected officials in the suburbs. Underwood talks about African American political action groups in other suburbs. Jones's report is accompanied by footage of McKenney and footage of the towns of Wellesley and Milton. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Carmen Fields interviews Libertarian candidate Richard Boddie
0:59:31: Visual Shots of Charles McKenney (Selectman, town of Ayer); of Gretchen Underwood (Wellesley Town Meeting Member); of Virginia Nelson (Milton Town Meeting Member). Shots of McKenney, Underwood and Nelson each being interviewed by Marcus Jones (WGBH reporter). Jones reports that McKenney, Underwood, and Nelson are all town officials; that the three are part of a surprising emergence of black power in the suburbs. V: Footage of Underwood being interviewed by Jones. Underwood says that Wellesley was no different than other places where she could have campaigned. Underwood says that some people were offended because she campaigned as "a candidate of difference." Underwood says that she wanted to put the issue out in front for voters; that she was running for office because of the issue. Shots of downtown Wellesley, MA. Jones reports that Dee Brown (Celtics basketball player) was harassed in Wellesley in September of 1990; that the incident awakened Wellesley's African American community. Jones reports that Brown was mistaken for a robbery suspect while house-hunting in Wellesley; that the incident embarassed the town. Jones notes that the Brown incident was a catalyst for bringing frustrated African Americans in Wellesley together. V: Shot of Underwood walking with Jones in front of a home in Wellesley. Footage of Underwood being interviewed. Underwood says that the Brown incident brought the issue to everyone's attention at the same time. Underwood says that most African Americans in Wellesley have experienced individual acts of discrimination. Underwood says that the Brown incident forced the town to have an open Selectmen's meeting; that a number of African Americans spoke out at the meeting. Underwood says that the meeting brought the African American residents together. Jones reports that the Wellesley African American Coalition was founded after the Brown incident; that Underwood ran for the position of Town Meeting Member with the support of the coalition. Jones notes that Underwood is an administrator at Brookline High School. V: Shots of Underwood exiting the front doors of Brookline High School; of Underwood walking on a path outside of the school. Jones reports that thirteen seats were open; that Underwood placed fourteenth in the election. Jones notes that Underwood was appointed to a seat when one of the Town Meeting Members resigned. Jones reports that Nelson placed second out of fourteen candidates in an election in Milton. V: Shot of Nelson and Jones walking through the lobby of a corporate office. Footage of Nelson being interviewed by Jones. Nelson says that minorities need to have a voice in town affairs. Jones asks Nelson if she is putting the town government on notice. Nelson says that she is letting her presence be known to the town; that she will speak out for minorites and other groups. Nelson says that she is not only representing minorities. Jones reports that the death of Charles Hardison (Milton teenager) made Nelson realize the need for African Americans to be active in town government. V: Shots of a sign for Milton; of the exterior of the Milton Town Office building. Footage of Nelson being interviewed by Jones. Nelson says that everyone should exercise their voices; that African American residents pay their taxes; that African American residents should be represented in the town government. Nelson says that she hopes that other residents of color will become active. Jones reports that all of these African American town officials see their involvement as the beginning of a new activism. Jones reports that McKenney is in line to become the highest-ranking African American town official in Massachusetts. Jones notes that McKenney will become the chairman of Ayer's Board of Selectmen next year. V: Shot of McKenney speaking with another man on the steps of the Post Office in Ayer. Jones notes that Nelson is running for a seat of the Milton School Committee. V: Shot of Nelson talking to Jones in the lobby of a corporate office. Jones reports that Underwood says that African Americans in Foxboro, Wayland, and Southborough are talking about forming political action groups in their towns. V: Shot of Underwood and Jones walking through the yard of a house in Wellesley. Footage of Underwood being interviewed by Jones. Underwood says that African Americans are prepared to take an active role in town government; that African Americans are ready to pay their "dues." Underwood says that African Americans are going to keep running for office. Shot of the Wellesley Town Hall.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/22/1991
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on issues of race in the presidential campaign. While the African American community has traditionally voted Democratic, Michael Dukakis is not receiving unanimous support from the African American community. Younger African Americans seem open to voting Republican. At a meeting of the Black Republican Leadership Council, Reverend Earl Jackson criticizes the Dukakis campaign and Ed Reed speaks out in favor of George Bush. Interviews with African American voters about which candidate they support. Many of the interviewees support Bush. Vaillancourt reports that some African American voters support Bush because they want to support the eventual winner. She notes that some African American voters are disillusioned with Dukakis for not choosing Jesse Jackson as his running mate. The African American community is still a Democratic stronghold, but that Dukakis may be alienating some African American voters in his effort to appeal to more conservative Democratic voters. Interview with Janice Thurmond of the Dukakis campaign about the campaign and his appeal to African American voters. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of Dukakis and Jackson at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Curtis Davis of the Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project (GRIP)
1:00:22: Visual: Footage from CBS of Lloyd Bentsen (Democratic US vice-presidential candidate) being interviewed on October 26, 1988. Bentsen says that there are elements of racism in the campaign. Meg Vaillancourt reports that race has become an issue in the presidential election; that Democrats claim that Republican campaign advertisements are racist. Vaillancourt notes that Republican accuse Democrats of racially divisive tactics. V: Footage of the Reverend Earl Jackson (Black Republican Council) addressing a meeting of the Black Republican Leadership Council in Roxbury. Shots of the audience. Jackson accuses Michael Dukakis (Democratic US presidential candidate) of hypocrisy. Jackson remarks that Dukakis has kept his distance from the African American community during the campaign; that Dukakis is now accusing George Bush of racism (Republican US presidential candidate). Shots of an African American neighborhood; of African American female shopper. Vaillancourt reports that the African American community has traditionally voted Democratic; that younger African Americans have doubts about Dukakis. V: Footage of an African American female saying that she will vote Republican this year because Dukakis is not a good candidate for president. Footage of another African American female saying that she would vote for Bush because he seems like an honest man. Footage from CNN of Dukakis, Kitty Dukakis (wife of Dukakis), Jesse Jackson (African American political leader), and Jaqueline Jackson (wife of Jackson) with other Democratic Party leaders at the 1988 Democratic National Convention; of delegates at the convention. Vaillancourt reports that Dukakis is not running as strongly with African American voters as previous Democratic candidates. Vaillancourt reports that a poll has found younger African American voters to be more open to Republican overtures. V: Shots of the meeting of the Black Republican Leadership Council; of the attendees. Footage of Ed Reed (Black Republican Council) saying that Bush will make an effort to increase minority participation if elected. Vaillancourt reports that some African Americans are supporting Bush because they want to support the winner. V: Shots of African Americans residents on the streets of Roxbury. Footage of an African American man saying that Dukakis doesn't have what it takes to win. Vaillancourt reports that African American voters may not be convinced by the Republican Party's position on economic issues. V: Footage of an African American woman saying that she will vote for Dukakis because she is a poor, African American woman. Shots of a voter registration table in Dorchester. African American workers register African American residents to vote. Vaillancourt notes that many African American voters seem angry at Dukakis. V: Footage of an African American male saying that he is angry at Dukakis for not choosing Jackson as his vice-president. Footage of an elderly African American woman saying that she remembers when the candidates were nice to poor people. Footage from CNN of Michael Dukakis, Kitty Dukakis, and Euterpe Dukakis (mother of Michael Dukakis) at the Democratic Convention. Vaillancourt reports that Dukakis may be alienating traditional Democratic voters by trying to appeal to a wider spectrum of voters. Vaillancourt notes that the African American community is still a Democratic stronghold. V: Shots of African American residents on the streets of Roxbury. Footage of Janice Thurmond (Dukakis campaign) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Thurmond says that young African Americans take civil rights for granted. Thurmond says that Dukakis represents justice and a sense of fair play.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/27/1988
Description: Marcus Jones reports that Bobby Seale, the founder of the Black Panther Party, visited Boston University as part of his Black History Month speaking tour. Seale is currently working on his doctorate at Temple University and promoting his new cookbook, Barbeque'n with Bobby. His visit coincides with controversy at Boston University over remarks made by Jon Westling, the Interim President of Boston University, about Nelson Mandela. Jones reports that Westling said that students should not consider Mandela as a hero because he supports armed resistance to apartheid. Seale speaks to a small group of BU students about his book and condemns Westling's remarks about Mandela. Interview with Robert Rogers, a freshman at Boston University,who calls for Westling's resignation. Interview with Seale who defends Mandela and says that he is disappointed that racism is still a problem in the US.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of Bobby Seale (founder, Black Panther Party) talking to students in a classroom at Boston University. Marcus Jones reports that Seale founded the Black Panther Party twenty-four years ago; that Seale is still a radical thinker. Jones notes that Seale is working on his doctorate at Temple University; that Seale is promoting his new barbecue recipe book. V: Shot of the cover of Seale's book, Barbeque'n with Bobby. Footage of Seale saying that he would like to produce a video to demonstrate his barbecue recipes. Seale says that revolutionaries eat; that revolutionaries should know how to cook. Jones notes that Seale visited Boston University as part of his Black History Month speaking tour; that Seale met with a small group of students and faculty before delivering his main speech. V: Shots of BU students meeting with Brown; of Brown speaking to students. Jones reports that Seale's visit coincides with a period of African American student unrest at Boston University. Jones notes that Jon Westling (interim president of BU) recently said that students should not consider Nelson Mandela (black South African leader) as a hero because he supports armed resistance to apartheid. V: Shot of a newspaper with a headline reading, "Westling: Mandela comments may have 'missed the mark.'" Jones reports that Westling met with students this evening to discuss his comments and other grievances; that Westling declined to comment on camera. V: Shot of Westling entering a room, followed by students. Footage of Robert Rogers (freshman, Boston University) saying that Westling should resign. Footage of Seale saying that Mandela is no different from colonial Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War; that Mandela is no different than soldiers who fought against Adoph Hitler (German dictator) during World War II. Seale says that Mandela should stand his ground; that armed resistance is justified against the violent and repressive apartheid regime. Seale says that Westling must really be an "acting" president. Seale gives a thumbs down sign when talking about Westling. Jones reports that Seale stepped down as chairman of the Black Panther Party in the mid-1970s. Jones notes that Seale praised student actions at Boston University. V: Footage of Seale being interviewed by Jones. Seale says that he sees a lot of students interested in activism. Seale says that he is disappointed that racism never went away. Seale says that there has not been a resurgence in racism; that racism never went away.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/28/1990
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