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Rowing / racism controversy

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 Otway later rescinded his accusations.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

School Reform and Literacy

Description: Hope Kelly reports that Superintendent Laval Wilson must improve the reading skills of students in the Boston public schools. Students of all different races read a statement about the importance of literacy. Wilson speaks about the importance of reading skills at a press conference. He says that students are reading below target levels. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Princess Zenani Dlamini and her husband Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini will attend Boston University
1:00:00: Visual: Shot of a typed document. The first paragraph of the document summarizes the educational mission of the Boston Public Schools. The last line of the document reads, "For young people to be successful, they have to be literate." Footage of students of different ages and races reading the document. Hope Kelly reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) believes that the Boston Public Schools must improve the reading skills of its students. V: Footage of Wilson at a press conference. Wilson says that students are reading below target levels. Footage of students reading the document. One boy has trouble with the word "literate." Kelly asks him what the word means. The boy answers correctly. Footage of an African American female student says that Wilson is right in saying that students need to be literate; of an Asian American male student saying that students must know how to read in order to get a good job. Footage of an African American male student and an Asian American male student standing together. Both boys say that students need to know how to read. Footage of Wilson says that not all of the schools are performing at the same level. Footage of an Asian American male student saying that he needs to read more books in order to become a better reader; of an African American male student saying that he is "a little good at reading, but not a lot." Footage of an African American male student saying that he is an average reader. Footage of an African American female student saying that her learning environment is not ideal; that her school needs better books. Footage of Wilson saying that school promotion standards are not rigorous enough. Footage of a group of female students. A white female student reads a portion of Wilson's speech about the need for improved reading skills; of an African American female student saying that everyone cannot be expected to read at the same pace. Footage of a white female student saying that her father is not a native English speaker; that he taught her to read. Footage of an African American female student saying that Wilson's standards should not be too strict; that high school students may drop out of school if strict standards are imposed. Footage of a male student saying that a parent is responsible for his or her child's performance in school; of an Asian American male student saying that the student is responsible for his or her performance in school. Footage of an African American male student saying that parents need to take responsibility for their children's performance in school; that parents need to help children with their homework every night. Footage of a white female student saying that she would like to be a doctor when she grows up; of a male student saying that he would like to be a basketball player; of an African American male student saying that he would like to be a lawyer.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/13/1987

School busing in Lowell

Description: Marcus Jones reports on tension over school desegregation in Lowell. Jones reports that Robert Kennedy (Mayor of Lowell) called on supporters of school desegregation to show support by riding buses with students in Lowell today. Jones' report includes footage of Kennedy addressing supporters, including Evelyn Murphy (Lieutenant governor of Massachusetts), Luis Tiant (former Red Sox pitcher) and Grace Corrigan (mother of astronaut Christa McAuliffe). Jones reports that George Kouloheras (Lowell School Committee) is a leader of the anti-busing movement in Lowell. Jones reports that Kuoloheras is campaigning to elect anti-busing candidates to the Lowell School Committee in order to overturn the present school desegregation plan. Jones interviews Kouloheras. Kouloheras says that he hopes that new school committee will reject busing and find another way to integrate schools. Jones also interviews Michael Kennedy (Regional Manager, National School Bus Service, Inc.) and Donna Senior (Lowell parent) about the bus routes in Lowell. Jones notes that the coming elections will decide how school desegregation is implemented in Lowell. Jones' report is accompanied by footage of students and school buses in Lowell. This tape includes additional footage of school buses on the streets in Lowell. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Christy George reports on student enrollment plans in the cities of Cambridge and Lowell
0:59:06: Visual: Footage of Robert Kennedy (Mayor of Lowell) addressing an audience. Supporters of the mayor stand behind him, including Evelyn Murphy (Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts), Luis Tiant (former Red Sox pitcher), and Grace Corrigan (mother of astronaut Christa McAuliffe). Kennedy says that he is glad to be with so many of "Lowell's friends." Marcus Jones reports that many supporters of school desegregation voluntarily rode school buses in Lowell today. V: Shots of Murphy, Tiant and Corrigan. Footage of Corrigan saying that she is happy to spend time with the schoolchildren of Lowell. Footage of Kennedy urges citizens to put aside their political differences and to ride the buses with Lowell schoolchildren. Jones reports that Kennedy called in supporters to build faith in the Lowell busing program. V: Shots of busing supporters walking on a sidewalk; of school buses on the street. Footage of Michael Kennedy (Regional Manager, National School Bus Service. Inc.) saying that he will need a few more weeks to finalize the bus routes in Lowell; that he will need to recruit bus drivers for the bus routes. Shot of a school bus pulling up to a school; of schoolchildren exiting the bus. Footage of Donna Senior (Lowell parent) saying that the bus routes are chaotic in Lowell; that there is a risk of someone getting hurt in the winter; that parents are waiting at bus stops until 4:00 or 5:00pm for their children to arrive home from school. Footage of George Kouloheras (Lowell School Committee) saying that the issue is political; that he is disappointed in the situation. Jones reports that Kouloheras opposes the city's busing plan; that Kouloheras is campaigning to elect anti-busing candidates to the Lowell City Council and to the Lowell School Committee; that these candidates may alter the state-mandated central enrollment plan. V: Shot of Kouloheras speaking to two white women on the street. Footage of Kouloheras saying that he hopes that four new members of the School Committee will be elected. Kouloheras says that he hopes that the new School Committee will reject busing and find another way to integrate schools. Jones notes that Robert Kennedy cast the swing vote which approved the city busing plan last spring. V: Footage of Robert Kennedy saying that the city can choose between taking control of desegregation or having the court make desegregation decisions. Jones stands in front of a school bus. Children board the bus. Jones reports that next Tuesday's elections are viewed as a referendum on the busing plan; that the election results will decide how the desegregation plan is implemented.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/26/1987

Sculptor John Wilson

Description: Marcus Jones reports that a sculpture by John Wilson will be installed on the lawn of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury. Wilson created seven-feet high sculpture name Eternal Presence to mark the 350th anniversary of the black presence in Boston. Interview with Wilson and Elma Lewis (Artistic Director, National Center of Afro-American Artists) about the sculpture. Wilson says that the sculpture is evocative and confrontational. He adds that he is interested in hearing feedback about the sculpture. Jones notes that Wilson grew up in Roxbury. Shots of the sculpture and footage of Lewis addressing spectators in a gallery of the Center. Exteriors of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
0:59:57: Visual: Footage of John Wilson (sculptor) saying that he has always expressed himself through art. Marcus Jones reports that Wilson grew up in Roxbury, not far from the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA). V: Shot of the exterior of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. Part of the yard is cordoned off. Jones notes that a collection of his work is being featured at the Center. V: Shot of Jones and Wilson walking through the Center. Shot of the foundation for Wilson's sculpture, outside of the Center. The area is cordoned off. Jones notes that Wilson has created a sculpture called Eternal Presence; that the sculpture will stand outside of the Center. V: Shots of the sculpture. Audio of Wilson describing it as a seven-foot high head of a black person. Footage of Wilson talking about the sculpture. Wilson says that he wants the sculpture to be evocative and confrontational. Footage of Elma Lewis (Artistic Director, NCAAA) saying that a man's culture must be understood by himself and others. Footage of Lewis addressing spectators in the gallery featuring Wilson's work. Lewis says that the sculpture will be installed on the lawn of the museum on October 4, 1987. Lewis tells a story about how she told a neighborhood boy that the museum was putting a sculpture of a boy like him on the lawn of the museum. Shots of the sculpture. Footage of Wilson saying that he is happy with the sculpture; that he will be interested in the response to the sculpture. Shot of Jones and Wilson talking. Wilson stands on one side of the sculpture. Jones stands on the other. Jones examines the sculpture.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/01/1987

Silver Shield rape

Description: Christy George reports on the outcome of the US Attorney's Silver Shield rape investigation. George notes that a grand jury determined that there was no case to be made against the officers involved. Frank McGee (attorney for William Dunn) and Peter Dowd (attorney for Juan Garcia) speak to the media about the grand jury's findings. Interview with Sadiki Kambon (Boston Black Coalition) about the reaction of the African American community to the findings of the grand jury. The African American community is still pushing for indictments in the case. George reviews the facts of the case and talks about the officers involved. George's report includes photographs of Lucia Kai (Roxbury resident), William Dunn (Boston Police Department), and William Kennefick (Boston Police Department). George's report includes footage of Jose Garcia (Boston Police Department) and Richard Armstead (Boston Police Department) and footage of a press conference with Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department), Albert Sweeney (Boston Police Department), Arthur Morgan (Boston Police Department), and Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader). Following the edited story is additional footage of Dowd and Garcia speaking to the media.
1:00:25: Visual: Footage of Frank McGee (attorney for William Dunn) saying that he is delighted that William Dunn (Boston Police officer) has been cleared by a full investigation by the US Attorney. Footage of Sadiki Kambon (Boston Black Coalition) saying that he did not expect any indictments from the investigation; that the investigation is a victory for the African American community; that the African American community will not allow anyone to murder people on their streets. Footage of Peter Dowd (attorney for Juan Garcia) saying that the allegations of a cover-up by the Boston Police Department have been proven false. Christy George reports that there have always been differing opinions on the Silver Shield rape case; that a federal grand jury has decided that there is no case. V: Shot of an African American man and a white man leaving a public building. Footage of Richard Armstead (Boston Police Department) walking down a street toward a house. George reports that Armstead said that an eyewitness told him that two white police officers raped an African American woman at the Silver Shield Club. V: Shots of black and white photos of Dunn and William Kennefick (Boston Police Officer. Shots of the exterior of the Silver Shield Club in Roxbury. Shots of Jose Garcia (Boston Police Department) and his lawyer walking outside of a Boston Police Department building. George reports that Armstead said that Garcia witnessed the rape. George notes that Garcia denies telling Armstead that he witnessed the rape or that he identified the victim as Lucia Kai (Roxbury resident). V: Shots of a color photograph of Kai. Footage of Garcia and Dowd approaching microphones set up outside of the police department building. Footage of George interviewing McGee. Shot of Armstead entering a house. George reports that Garcia will bring Armstead to court for slander. George notes that McGee says that Dunn may do the same. George notes that the African American community is still pressing for indictments in the case. V: Footage of Kambon being interviewed by George. Kambon says that the African American community did not expect indictments to be brought against white police officers for the rape and murder of an African American teenage girl. Kambon says that the grand jury did not have sufficient evidence to indict the officers. Footage of McGee saying that the grand jury had no probable cause to believe that a crime was ever committed. McGee says that the grand jury has exonerated Dunn. George reports that the findings of the grand jury echo investigations by the Boston Police Department, the District Attorney and the Attorney General. V: Shot of Dowd and another white man in the lobby of a building. Shot of a press conference with Francis "Mickey" Roache (Police Commissioner, City of Boston), Minister Don Muhammed (Roxbury community leader), Albert Sweeney (Boston Police Department), and Arthur Morgan (Boston Police Department). Footage of Kambon saying that David Boeri (WGBH reporter) came up with more evidence than the investigation by the office of the US Attorney. Kambon says that the official investigation was not aggressive enough. Footage of Dowd admitting that WGBH reporters found two police officers who had never come forward; that the officers should have known to come forward; that the testimony of the officers was taken into account by the grand jury. Dowd says that he does not know why the officers did not come forward at the beginning. George stands outside of a Boston Police Department building. George says that there are questions in the case which still need to be resolved. George notes that no one knows who killed Kai or why she was killed; that no one knows which police officer is lying.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/24/1987

South Boston housing project

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

South Boston public housing history

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

Striking Patriots

Description: Tony Collins press conference, explaining his defection from the striking union. Substitute Patriots practice at Sullivan Stadium. Interview with coach Raymond Berry speculates on chances with the new team. Patrick Sullivan press conference saying he thinks more Patriots will be coming back.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/01/1987

Tent City housing

Description: Low-income residents line up to become potential South End homeowners in Tent City project. Photographs from the 1968 tent city protest. Interviews with applicants and Tent City administrations on affordable housing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/13/1987

Tribute to Roland Hayes

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

Violence against Asian immigrants

Description: David Boeri reports on an increase in violence against Asians in Eastern Massachusetts. Boeri notes that refugees from Southeast Asia have become targets of violence in some white neighborhoods. Boeri interviews Elaine Song (Asian American Resource Workshop) about violence against Asians. Boeri quotes statistics from a study by Song on violence against Asians. Boeri reports that Song's research has found that acts of violence have become a part of daily life for Asians in the Boston area. Boeri interviews Sarann Phoung (Cambodian resident) about his experiences in East Boston and Chelsea. Boeri reports that Phuong is concerned about how younger Asians will respond to the violence. Boeri reports that Asian refugees may begin to strike back if the violence continues. Boeri's report is accompanied by photos of Asian crime victims.
1:00:01: Visual: Shot of a school photo of a young Asian boy; of a black and white photo of an Asian man and an Asian woman; of a white man assaulting an Asian man; of the frame of a burnt house. David Boeri reports on violence against Asians in Eastern Massachusetts. Boeri reports that a 13-year old Asian boy was allegedly killed by an 11-year old white boy; that an Asian man was beaten to death by a white man during an argument; that an Asian family was assaulted by whites; that the family's house was burnt down. V: Footage of Elaine Song (Asian American Resource Workshop) recounts incidents of violence and harassment against Asian Americans. Song says that she does not think that the situation can get any worse. Boeri reports that Song is the author of a study, "To Live In Peace...Responding to Anti-Asian Violence in Boston." V: Shot of the cover of Song's study. On-screen text shows quotes from Song's study. Boeri reports that Song's research has found that, "For many Asians, acts of violence...have become a part of daily life." V: Shots of two Asian women and a child walking on a street; of a residential street in Revere, MA. Boeri says that refugees from Southeast Asia have become targets in white neighborhoods in Revere. V: Footage of Song saying that Boston has a history of segregated and "turf-conscious" neighborhoods. Shot of Boeri talking to Sarann Phoung (Cambodian resident) on a street. Boeri and Phuong sit on a bench. Boeri reports that Phuong lived in East Boston until he and three other Cambodians were attacked and beaten by seventy whites. Boeri notes that Phuong moved to Chelsea; that Phuong still experiences hostility from whites. V: Footage of Phuong being interviewed by Boeri. Phuong says that Asians are targets of violence and harassment; that many incidents are not reported to police because many Asians do not like to make trouble. Phuong says that some Asians are afraid to report incidents in case the perpetrators seek revenge on the victims. Boeri reports that Phuong said that Asians are often victims of violence by whites and Latinos; that Phuong is concerned about how younger Asians will react to the continuing violence. V: Shot of two Asian boys walking on a street; of an Asian woman standing on a sidewalk. Boeri stands on a streetcorner in Chelsea. Boeri reports that there is no peace for Asians in neighborhoods in Chelsea, East Boston, Dorchester, Lowell, and other areas. Boeri notes that violence against Asians is a problem; that Asian refugees may begin to strike back if the violence continues.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/19/1987

Voluntary desegregation in Lowell

Description: Christy George reports that the city of Lowell has chosen a central enrollment plan to accomplish school desegregation in its public schools. George notes that central enrollment plans are implemented through magnet schools; she adds that students choose schools according to the programs they offer instead of by location. George interviews Robert Kennedy (Mayor of Lowell). Kennedy says that the Lowell School Committee opted for a central enrollment plan in order to avoid court-ordered desegregation of the schools. George reports that the city of Cambridge uses a central enrollment plan and has become a national model for school desegregation. George interviews Peter Colleary (Director of Student Assignments, Cambridge Public Schools) about central enrollment in Cambridge Public Schools. George's report includes footage of a meeting between Colleary and school officials from Rochester, NY. The officials from Rochester ask questions about central enrollment in Cambridge. George notes that opponents to school desegregation in Lowell believe that central enrollment is a form of mandatory desegregation. George interviews George Kouloheras (Lowell School Committee) about his opposition to the central enrollment plan. George notes that Cambridge had a successful school system even before the adoption of the central enrollment plan. She adds that the Cambridge model may not work in every city. George's report includes footage of buses in front of schools in Lowell, footage of a girls' soccer game in Cambridge, footage of school children in classrooms, and footage of buses arriving at South Boston High School in 1976. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on tension over school desegregation in Lynn
1:00:05: Visual: Shots from a moving vehicle of students in front of South Boston High School in 1976; of buses with police escort travelling up G Street to South Boston High School; of African American students exiting buses in front of South Boston High School. Christy George reports that the city of Lowell wants to avoid court-ordered school desegregation and forced busing. George reports that Lowell is opting for a voluntary school enrollment plan; that students choose three schools which they would like to attend; that students will be bused to one of those schools. V: Shots of elementary school students in a school cafeteria; of a bus pulling up to an elementary school. Footage of Robert Kennedy (Mayor of Lowell) saying that the Lowell School Committee acted responsibly; that the School Committee wanted to avoid court intervention in Lowell schools. Shots of a white teacher teaching in a racially integrated elementary school classroom in Lowell. Shots of students in the classroom. George reports that the central enrollment plan is implemented through magnet schools; that the magnet schools offer diverse programs; that students can choose the school which offers programs which appeal to them. George notes that racial balance can result from the magnet school system; that the system has worked well in the city of Cambridge. V: Footage of Peter Colleary (Director of Student Assignments, Cambridge Public Schools) saying that school choice has been successful for Cambridge Public Schools. George notes that Colleary matches Cambridge students with their schools; that some schools have increased minority enrollment from 9% in 1981 to 43% in 1987; that students are willing to choose schools outside of their neighborhoods. V: Shots of the Cambridge High School girls' soccer team playing a soccer game. Footage of Colleary saying that 65% of Cambridge Public School students do not attend schools in their districts. Shots of the exterior of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. George notes that the city of Cambridge owns many of its own buses; that half of the bus drivers work for the city. dShots of a school bus; of the exterior of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. George notes that the Cambridge Public School System has become a national model for desegregation. V: Shots of Colleary talking to a delegation from the public school system of Rochester, NY. Members of the delegation ask Colleary questions about the Cambridge Public School System. George notes that critics in Lowell see the Cambridge model as another form of mandatory desegregation. V: Shot of a school bus pulling away from an elementary school in Lowell. Footage of George Kouloheras (Lowell School Committee) saying that central enrollment plans "are a euphemism for forced busing." Kouloheras says that central enrollment does not improve the education in the schools. Footage of Colleary saying that 35% of Cambridge students are bused; that the students have chosen to attend schools outside of their districts. Colleary calls it "busing by choice." George stands in front of a school at dusk. George reports that Cambridge was providing good education in its schools before the implementation of the voluntary desegregation plan. George notes that the Cambridge model may not work in every city.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/26/1987

Ward 7 Democrats

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

William Celester

Description: David Boeri reports that Boston Deputy Superintendent of Police William Celester has been accused of sexual assault by a female employee of the Police Department. Boeri reviews the allegations. He notes that neither the department nor Celester will comment on the ongoing investigation. Interview with Rafe Kelly of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. Kelly talks about the case from the victim's point of view. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Callie Crossley reports on the documentary film Street Cop, set in Roxbury
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of William Celester (Boston Police Department) in uniform, sitting behind a desk. David Boeri reports that Celester has been attacked by community activists in the past; that he has been accused of ineffectiveness at fighting drug dealers. Boeri notes that Celester has been cleared of an accusation that he participated in the cover-up of a rape of an African American girl by white police officers. V: Shot of Celester in plain clothes as he enters a building; of Celester in uniform as he speaks to a reporter. Boeri reports that Celester's 19-year career in the police deparment has been threatened by another accusation. Boeri stands in the rain, outside of a residential house. Boeri reports that he obtained a copy of a Boston Police Department internal complaint, which accuses Celester of sexual assault against another employee in 1984. Boeri notes that the alleged victim says that Celester and a friend sexually assaulted her at the home of the friend. Boeri adds that the victim says that she went to the home because Celester had offered to help her study for a police entrance exam. V: Footage of Reverend Rafe Kelly (St. John's Missionary Baptist Church) being interviewed by Boeri. Kelly says that he believes the woman. Boeri says that Kelly listened in on a phone conversation between Celester and the victim in 1984. V: Footage of Kelly describing the conversation between Celester and the victim. Kelly says that Celester was making sexual advances to the victim over the telephone. Kelly says that he is sure that the voice on the telephone was that of Celester. Boeri stands outside of a police department building. Boeri reports that police department spokesmen will not comment; that a hearing of the charges against Celester is ongoing. Boeri says that Celester will not comment on the charges. Boeri says that Celester has told The Boston Herald that the victim is "half nuts" and that she came up with the story when he tried to fire her.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/31/1987

Wilson's School Reform Plan

Description: Christy George reports that Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has submitted a plan to reform the Boston Public Schools to the Boston School Committee. George notes that the plan represents Wilson's educational philosophy and his vision of how to improve the schools. The School Committee's vote on the plan has turned into a vote of confidence on Wilson. Interviews with School Committee members John Nucci and Joe Casper. Nucci supports Wilson's plan. Casper says the vote will decide if Wilson will lead the school system forward. School Committee members taking a vote. George notes that the Committee appears to have approved most of the plan. George notes that some parents are unhappy with the plan. Interviews with Doris Labitue (parent) and Peter Lowber (parent). Wilson with supporters at a press conference. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) speaks in support of Wilson's plan.
0:59:59: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) at a press conference with African American leaders including Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church). Wilson says the Boston School Committee does not need to approve every detail of his proposals as they are written. Christy George reports that Wilson was talking about compromise before the School Committee voted on his proposals; that Wilson is usually seen as being uncompromising. V: Footage of Wilson at a press conference on May 12. Wilson says that it is not unreasonable to expect a senior in high school to read at an eighth grade level or above. George reports that Wilson's frustration with the system has led him to muse publicly about leaving his post as superintendent. V: Shot of Wilson looking over the shoulder of a student in a classroom. Footage of Stith saying that Wilson's proposals for the schools make sense; that he wants Wilson to stay in his post. Footage of Wilson saying that he plans to stay in his post for a number of years. Shot of Wilson speaking to some elementary school children. George reports that the plan submitted by Wilson to the School Committee represents two years of work by Wilson; that the plan also represents Wilson's future in the School System. V: Footage of John Nucci (Boston School Committee) saying that the plan represents Wilson's vision and his philosophy on how to improve the school system; that he hopes the School Committee will approve the plan. George stands in the rear of the Boston School Committee chambers. The School Committee meeting is in progress. George reports that the referendum on Wilson's plan has turned into a vote of confidence on Wilson. V: Footage of Joe Casper (Boston School Committee) saying that the education plan has Wilson's "fingerprints all over it"; that "the honeymoon is over"; that this evening's vote will decide if Wilson will lead the school system forward. Footage of Edward Winter (Secretary, Boston School Committee) calling the roll for a School Committee vote. School Committee members Casper, William Donlan, John Grady, Kevin McCluskey, Jean McGuire, John O'Bryant and Thomas O'Reilly voting yes. Shot of Wilson conferring with O'Bryant and Nucci. George reports that the School Committee appears to have approved most of Wilson's plan; that some parents are unhappy with the plan. V: Footage of Doris Labitue (Boston parent) saying that she came out to voice her concern about the plan; that the School Committee does not seem interested in the opinions of parents. Labitue says that the members of the School Committee did not seem to understand the fine points of the plan. Footage of Peter Lowber (Boston parent) saying that the School Committe is afraid to reject the plan because they are afraid of losing Wilson as superintendent. George reports that the School Committee was still in session when she filed the report.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/22/1987

Women, Inc.

Description: Fritz Wetherbee profiles Katie Portis (President of Women, Inc.). Wetherbee reports that Women, Inc. is a service organization in Dorchester that provides housing, treatment, and other services for poor and drug dependent women. Wetherbee notes that one of the goals of Women, Inc. is to provide support for single mothers who want to keep their children. Wetherbee interviews Portis. Portis talks about the organization and her reasons for starting it. Wetherbee profiles Ethel, a resident at the Women's Inc. house. In an interview, Ethel talks about the help she has received from the organization. Wetherbee interviews Diana Christmas (residential counselor) and Linda Galloway (resident at the Women, Inc. house) about the organization. Wetherbee's report is accompanied by footage of the interior and exterior of the Women, Inc. house.
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of Katie Portis (President of Women, Inc.) saying that some people take drugs to help them cope with poverty, despair, and domestic abuse. Fritz Wetherbee reports that Portis had become frustrated with the desperate conditions under which some people are forced to live. Wetherbee notes that Portis started a revolution with one kind act. V: Footage of Portis talking about how she once offered to take care of a woman's baby while the woman went down the street to sign up for a methadone program. Shot of the exterior of the Women Inc. house in Dorchester. Wetherbee reports that Portis started Women's Incorporated in Dorchester; that Women's Inc. has provided support and stability to over 5,000 women; that many of those women have stopped using drugs and are living with their children. V: Shot of an Ethel P. (resident at the Women's Inc. house) with an infant. Ethel P. walks through a hallway and into a bedroom of the Women's Inc. house. Footage of Ethel P. saying that she had no direction when she was living on the street; that she had been to jail three times. Ethel P. says that Women's Inc. has given her a place to focus on herself and to kick her addiction. Shot of Ethel P. rocking her baby. Wetherbee reports that most of the women living at the Women's Inc. house have low self-esteem; that Women's Inc. tries to instill the women with a sense of pride. V: Footage of Diana Christmas (Residential counselor) that the residents have one-to-one and group counseling sessions. Shot of the exterior of the Women's Inc. house. Wetherbee notes that Portis is frustrated that Women's Inc. cannot help every woman who becomes a resident there. V: Footage of Portis saying that the goal of Women's Inc. is to encourage every woman to keep her child; that sometimes a woman is not ready to raise a child. Wetherbee says that Women's Inc. has more success than failure. V: Footage of Linda Galloway (resident at the Women's Inc. house) talking about the help and support she received from Women's Inc.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/24/1987

Zwelakhe Sisulu

Description: Christopher Lydon reports that the Nieman Foundation has awarded Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) the Louis Lyons Award. Sisulu has been jailed by the South African government and has not been charged with a crime. Michael Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) and Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Pride talks about Sisulu's courage. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African journalist to win the award. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu is the son of Walter Sisulu (founder of the African National Congress), who has been jailed since 1964 and is featured prominently in a new documentary film about the life of Nelson Mandela. Lydon's report includes photos of Zwelakhe Sisulu and footage from the HBO film Mandela. Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency) speaks about Zwelakhe Sisulu.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Mike Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) at a press conference. Pride talks about Zwelakhe Sisulu's great courage in the face of adversity. Shots of photos of Sisulu. Christopher Lydon reports that Sisulu's father was the founder of the African National Congress (ANC); that Walter Sisulu and Zwelakhe Sisulu are both in jail in South Africa. V: Footage from the Home Box Office (HBO) film Mandela. Lydon reports that Walter Sisulu is a major figure in the HBO film about the life of Nelson Mandela (ANC leader). Lydon notes that Mandela has been jailed since 1962; that Walter Sisulu has been jailed since 1964; that Oliver Tambo (ANC leader) has been exiled from South Africa. Shot of a black and white photo of Zwelakhe Sisulu. Lydon reports that Zwelakhe Sisulu has been jailed; that Zwelakhe Sisulu has not been charged with any crime. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu will be honored by the Neiman Foundation. V: Footage of Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African to have won the award. Max says that he hopes that Sisulu will be the last South African to win the award while in in prison. Footage of Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency). Lima speaks for Zwelakhe Sisulu, saying that apartheid is the cause of the trouble and disturbances in South Africa.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/18/1987