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Alex Haley

Description: Marcus Jones reports that Alex Haley discussed African American history and his work at a Black History Month event at Harvard University. Haley is in great demand as a speaker during Black History Month. Haley speaks to students and faculty. Interview with Haley, who talks about how he came to write the novel Roots. Haley also discusses the importance of African American history and the importance of Black History Month. Haley believes that Black History Month is important because it draws attention to African American history; he is concerned about a lack of historical awareness among African Americans. Jones's report is accompanied by footage from the television series based on Roots.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Alex Haley (author) walking into a building with two other men. Marcus Jones reports that February is the busiest month of the year for Haley; that February is known as Black History Month. V: Shot of Haley standing up as an a small audience applauds for him. Footage of Haley being interviewed by Jones. Haley says that he will speak at thirty-two different venues during the month of February, 1991. Jones reports that Haley discussed history and his work with students and faculty at Harvard University today; that Haley will speak at Salem State College this evening. V: Shots of Haley speaking to students in a room at Harvard University. Shots of the students. Shot of the cover of Haley's novel, Roots. Jones reports that Haley told the story of his own family in Roots; that Haley is in great demand as a speaker during Black History Month. V: Footage Haley being interviewed by Jones. Haley says that people tend to talk about black history as if it is separate from American history. Haley says that black history is a part of American history; that people who claim to know American history must be familiar with black history. Haley says that American history has many components; that historians of American history must also know Native American history. Jones reports that Haley says that he does not court controversy. Jones reports that Haley is known for documenting the life of Malcolm X (African-American leader); that Malcolm X is a controversial figure. V: Shot of the cover of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Footage from the TV series, Roots. Jones reports that history is always controversial; that Haley learned the power of history when he traced his family tree back to Africa. Footage of Haley being interviewed by Jones. Jones asks Haley about his motivation for writing Roots. Haley says that he had heard family stories from his grandmother and her sisters; that his initial motivation was curiousity. Haley says that the civil rights movement made him begin to think about Africa and his roots there; that his grandmother had told him stories handed down about Africa. Footage from Roots. Jones reports that all newcomers to the US are aware of their roots; that Haley is concerned about the lack of historical awareness among African Americans. V: Footage of Haley being interviewed by Jones. Haley says that most images of cowboys in the old west are of white cowboys; that more than half of the cowboys in the old west were African American. Haley says that it is important for young African Americans to know that African Americans were also cowboys. Haley says that young African Americans need to know the part played by their people in American history. Haley says that young African Americans cannot grow up thinking that they are the same as white people. Haley says that young African Americans need to be able to identify with other African Americans. Shots of Haley speaking to students at Harvard; of the students. Jones reports that Haley is not a critic of the limited attention given to black history during one month per year. Jones reports that Haley does not see Black History Month as "tokenism." Jones says that Haley sees Black History Month as an opportunity to encourage people to explore their roots. V: Footage of Haley being interviewed by Jones. Haley says that Black History Month is necessary because it sets aside a block of time to concentrate of black history. Haley says that he hopes that successive Black History Months in the coming years will leave a strong imprint on the popular perception of black history. Footage from Roots.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/25/1991

Franklin Park Zoo

Description: Marcus Jones reports on the Franklin Park Zoo's programs in celebration of Black History Month. The zoo's Black Arts Festival celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture. There are various performances, including rapping, dancing, and storytelling. Interview with spokesperson Barbara Levitoff, who talks about the important link between the zoo and the community. Following the edited story is b-roll of animals at the zoo, including antelope, wildebeests, and zebras.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of a young African American man rapping into a microphone. Another young African American man breakdances behind him. Footage of a breakdancer performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Footage of an African American woman telling a story to a class of elementary school students. Most of the students are African American or minority. Marcus Jones reports that the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates Black History Month with programs including singing, dancing, and storytelling. V: Footage of Barbara Levitoff (Franklin Park Zoo spokesperson) saying that the Franklin Park Zoo is a "community zoo"; that the Franklin Park Zoo is using its community resource room for Black History Month programs. Jones reports that the Black Arts Festival at the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture; that the program focuses on the African wildlife at the zoo. V: Shots of the storyteller; a breakdancer spinning on his head; of a zebra. Footage of white woman telling a story to a room of schoolchildren; of white and African American rappers and breakdancers performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Jones reports that the program features folklore, poetry, and rap music; that the rap music has a "pro-achievement and anti-drug" message. Jones says that the programs provide a positive boost for a public resource which is struggling to improve its image and facilities. V: Shots of gnus at the zoo. Footage of Levitoff saying that cities need zoos; that the public likes zoos. Marcus Jones stands on the snowy grounds of the Franklin Park Zoo. Jones reports that renovations at the zoo are scheduled to be completed in 1989; that the zoo will have an African theme. Jones notes that the Black History Month programs are a way for the zoo to strengthen its links with the community; that the zoo is a resource for people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/18/1987

African Americans in Rockwell paintings

Description: Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge exhibit a collection of Norman Rockwell's paintings in celebration of Black History Month. The paintings in the exhibit depict African Americans, often in subservient positions, as well a his later works depicting moments in the Civil Rights Movement and African American history. People from the museum give historical context. Closeups on many of the paintings. Following the story is b-roll of the exhibit and individual paintings.
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Maureen Hart Hennessey (curator, Rockwell Museum) saying that American painter Norman Rockwell's work tells a lot about how America viewed the civil rights movement. Hennessey points out that there was often a lag time between the occurrence of an actual event and the publishing of a Rockwell painting portraying the event. Hennessey says that it took time before these events entered "the mainstream consciousness." Shots of the Rockwell paintings, The Problem We All Live With and Murder in Mississippi. Shots of visitors on a tour of the Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA. Carmen Fields reports that the Rockwell Museum is commemorating Black History Month by exhibiting Rockwell's work featuring African Americans. V: Shots of paintings on display for the exhibit. Fields notes that Rockwell's first piece of work featuring an African American was from 1934. V: Footage of a tour guide at the Rockwell Museum speaking to visitors. She stands in front of a painting. The tour guide talks about illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post done by Rockwell. The tour guide notes that the Saturday Evening Post was aimed at white readers; that African Americans were often pictured in a subserviant position or not at all. Shots of two pieces of art hanging on the wall of the museum. Fields says that Peter Rockwell was the model for The Boy in the Dining Car, which was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in the 1940s. V: Shot of The Boy in the Dining Car. Footage of Hennessey being interviewed by Fields. Hennessey says that the painting focuses on the white boy in the painting; that many people are more drawn to the African American waiter who is standing beside the table in the painting. Hennessey notes that most white Post readers encountered African Americans as workers in subserviant positions. Fields reports that none of Rockwell's work from the late 1940s to the early 1960s featured people of color; that Rockwell was caught up in the turbulence of the 1960s while working for Look Magazine. Fields notes that one of Rockwell's most famous paintings portrays school desegregation in the South. V: Shots of a male tour guide at the Rockwell Museum talking to visitors. Shots of visitors in the gallery. Shots of paintings in the gallery. Shot of the painting, The Problem We All Live With. Footage of Hennessey saying that Rockwell paid great attention to detail. Hennessey talks about Rockwell's efforts to capture the details of the painting, The Problem We All Live With. Footage of a tour guide at the Rockwell Museum speaking to visitors about the painting, Murder in Mississippi. Shots of the tour guide; of the painting. The tour guide talks about the details of the painting. Fields reports that Look Magazine opted to publish a less detailed version of the painting, Murder in Mississippi; that the original was too graphic. V: Shot of a less detailed version of the painting. Fields reports that Rockwell used his neighbors as models for his paintings of African Americans; that his neighbors were the only African Americans in the area. V: Shots of black and white photographs of Rockwell's models. Footage of Hennessey talking about an African American family who lived in Stockbridge. Hennessey says that the children of the family were used as models in the paintings The Problem We All Live With and New Kids in the Neighborhoodl Shot of the painting, New Kids in the Neighborhood. Fields reports that Rockwell has been described as apolitical; that his works were commissioned by others. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Rockwell sitting in front of his painting, The Golden Rule. Shots of the painting The Golden Rule. Audio of Hennessey saying that Rockwell was a "social commentator." Hennessey says that Rockwell could have retired when he left the Saturday Evening Post in 1963; that Rockwell began doing paintings about the civil rights movement after 1963. Hennessey says that she believes that Rockwell supported the civil rights movement.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/24/1989

Bobby Seale

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

James Weldon Johnson

Description: Carmen Fields reports that the US Postal Service will issue a postage stamp bearing James Weldon Johnson's image in honor of Black History Month. Johnson was a poet, lawyer, diplomat, composer, and former director of the NAACP. Johnson is the composer of "Lift Every Voice," which is known as the "black national anthem." The Madison Park High School Choir performing "Lift Every Voice. Interview with professor Samuel Allen of Boston University, who was a student of Johnson's. He talks about Johnson's life and his legacy. Allen reads two of Johnson's poems. Fields report is accompanied by photos of Johnson and a shot of the postage stamp bearing his image.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of the Madison Park High School Glee Club singing "Lift Every Voice." Carmen Fields reports that "Lift Every Voice" is known as the "black national anthem"; that the words to the song were written by James Weldon Johnson; that Johnson was a poet, diplomat, educator and the first African American lawyer in the state of Florida. V: Shots of a black and white photo of Johnson; of the caption beneath the photo. Fields reports that Johnson fought for anti-lynching laws as the executive director of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People); that Johnson also wrote lyrics for operas with his brother. Fields reports that Samuel Allen (professor, Boston University) was one of Johnson's students at Fisk University in the 1930s. V: Shot of a painting of Johnson. Footage of Allen being interviewed by Fields. Allen says that Johnson was "a Renaissance man." Allen notes that Johnson was an artist, writer, and diplomat. Allen reviews Johnson's accomplishments as US consul in Venezuela and in Nicaragua. Fields reports that Johnson is known for his poetry; that Johnson's poetry reflects the religious fervor in African American culture. V: Shot of a book of poetry held by Allen. Footage of Allen talking about and reading Johnson's poems, "The Creation" and "God's Trombones." Allen says that Johnson tried to immortalize the sermon of an African American preacher. Shot of a black and white photograph of Johnson. Fields reports that critics accused Johnson of hypocrisy for using religious themes in his poetry. V: Footage of Allen saying that Johnson was an agnostic. Shot of an image of Johnson on a US Stamp. Fields reports that "Lift Every Voice" was once seen as an unpatriotic and divisive song; that the song is now sung by school choirs and in churches. Fields notes that the US Postal Service will issue a stamp in honor of Johnson; that the stamp includes musical notation from "Lift Every Voice." V: Footage of the Madison Park High School Glee Club singing "Lift Every Voice." Shot of the US postal stamp featuring Johnson's image. Footage of Allen reading the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/01/1988

African Meeting House

Description: Carmen Fields reports on the restoration of the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill. The Meeting House is the oldest African American church in the nation and it was gutted by fire in 1973. Interview with Philip Hart (Board of Directors, African Meeting House) and Ruth Batson (Director, African Meeting House). Hart talks about the significance of the Meeting House. Batson talks about plans for music, scholarly debate, and religious services at the Meeting House. Fields notes that a series of rededication programs will begin soon. Footage of construction workers and staff at the Meeting House and photographs documenting the history of African Americans in Boston.
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of woodworkers and construction workers doing restoration work at the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill. Carmen Fields reports that the African Meeting House is being restored; that the African Meeting House is the oldest African American church in the nation. V: Shots of the exterior of the Meeting House; of a commemorative stone reading, "A gift to Cato Gardner. First promoter of this building, 1806." Footage of Fields interviewing Philip Hart (Board of Directors, African Meeting House). Hart says that Frederick Douglass (abolitionist) spoke at the Meeting House; that the Meeting House was important to the Underground Railroad. Hart talks about the history of the Meeting House. Hart says that the Meeting House hosted notable figures and the average citizens. Shots black and white images of Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison (abolitionist). Fields reports that the Meeting House was gutted by fire in 1973; that a series of rededication programs begin on Sunday. V: Shots of the interior of the Meeting House with scaffolding; of white and African American workers involved in the rededication programs. Shots of Ruth Batson (Director, African Meeting House); of a black and white image of the Meeting House; of a 19th century photograph of a group of African Americans. Footage of Batson saying that she would like to have music, scholarly debate, and special religious services in the Meeting House. Batson says that the building will serve multiple purposes; that she hopes it will unite the people of Boston. Shots of photographs by Hamilton Smith, documenting the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century African American community. Fields notes that photographs by Hamilton Smith will be part of a permanent exhibit at the Meeting House. Field adds that the nineteenth-century African American community was centered on the north slope of Beacon Hill. V: Shot of a black and white photo of three African American women; of a black and white image of the Meeting House. Footage of Batson saying that the African American community began on Beacon Hill; that the African American community must celebrate their heritage. Footage of Hart saying that the building is a reminder of the role of the African American community in the history of Boston. Shots of black and white images of African Americans in the nineteenth century. Shot of the exterior of the Meeting House. Footage of Batson saying that she can hear the voices of past generations when she stands in the building.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/09/1987

Jeter family business

Description: Alexandra Marks reports on the Jeter family's business. These entrepreneurs started Jet-A-Way trash disposal and recycling business in Boston in 1967. Interview with Jesse Jeter on the lack of media attention on successful African American people and other minority businesses. He also talks about the racism he experiences in some of his business relationships. Interview with Ed and Darlene Jeter on the hard work they put into their business. They also discuss the help that affirmative action has given their company. Footage from the NAACP's Leadership Development Training Conference. Interview with entrepreneur William Singleton, president of Quest, who talks about the lack of financing for minority companies. Following the edited story is additional b-roll footage of the Jet-A-Way company at work. Recycling yard, dumpsters, heavy machinery.
1:00:07: Visual: Shots of machinery sorting trash at a Jet-A-Way sorting facility. Alexandra Marks reports that Jet-A-Way owns a state-of-the-art trash-sorting plant; that Jet-A-Way is a multi-million dollar Boston company; that Jet-A-Way recycles trash, industrial waste, and construction debris. V: Footage of Jesse Jeter (marketing director, Jet-A-Way) being interviewed at the facility. Jeter says that they recycle materials from projects as far away as South Korea and Japan. Marks reports that Jeter's parents started Jet-A-Way in 1967; that Jet-A-Way is one of the fastest-growing minority firms in the US. V: Shots of bales of paper being moved around a warehouse; of Jeter watching standing in the warehouse as a white worker maneuvers a piece of equipment. Shot of a Jet-A-Way truck. Footage of Jeter being interviewed by Marks. Jeter says that people are not familiar with successful African American entrepreneurs; that the media concentrate on crime, drug and poverty in the African American community. Marks reports that Jeter says that people make prejudicial assumptions about many minority businesses. V: Footage of Jeter being interviewed by Marks. Jeter says that people will second-guess the decisions of a minority firm. Jeter says that prospective clients will ask to see the client lists of minority firms; that prospective clients doubt the legitimacy of minority firms. Jeter says that his firm services MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the John Hancock Company, and the Town of Newton. Footage of Ed Jeter (Jet-A-Way) and Darlene Jeter (Jet-A-Way) being interviewed. Ed Jeter says that the company has succeeded through hard work. Marks reports that Darlene and Ed Jeter have seen the company through several economic downturns; that they are good businesspeople. V: Footage of Ed Jeter being interviewed. Ed Jeter says that the company benefitted from minority quotas that were in place when the business began. Footage of Darlene Jeter being interviewed. Darlene Jeter says that Jet-A-Way formed good business relationships with their early clients; that they have served some clients for over twenty years. Marks reports that business success was the theme of a last week's NAACP Leadership Development Training Conference. Marks reports that prominent African American women modeled business fashion; that young entrepreneurs worked the crowd at the luncheon. V: Footage from the NAACP Leadership Development Training Conference. Shot of an African American man singing and playing the piano at the luncheon. Shot of an African American woman modeling a dress on a catwalk. The audience at the luncheon applauds. Shot of a second African American woman modeling an outfit. Shot of William Singleton (President, Quest Publishing Company) talking about his company to two conference attendees. Footage of Singleton being interviewed at the conference. Singleton says that most people do not see the activity of African American entrepreneurs; that African American entrepreneurs are underfinanced and working hard. Marks reports that Singleton's company publishes the magazine "Black History Is No Mystery." Marks notes that Singleton believes that the lack of financing for African American entrepreneurs is due to ignorance. V: Shot of Singleton talking to conference attendees at a table. Footage of Singleton being interviewed at the conference. Singleton says that financers do not understand how the African American community works; that people are starting to understand. Marks reports that there are challenges for African-American businesses. V: Shots of workers sorting trash and debris on an assembly line. Jesse Jeter surveys the operation in the facility. Footage of Jesse Jeter being interviewed. Jesse Jeter says that racism exists in Boston and in the US. Jesse Jeter says that racism affects contracts, business relationships, and personal relationships. Shots of machinery moving trash in the Jet-A-Way facility; of Jeter directing operations in the facility.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/29/1991

Patriots Day reenactment

Description: Hope Kelly reports on the annual reenactment on Patriot's Day of the ride of American Revolutionary leader William Dawes. Kelly notes that Dawes's ride is overshadowed by that of Paul Revere (American revolutionary leader). Dawes began his ride to Lexington in 1775 from the site of the First Church of Roxbury. Tom Plant (Roxbury historian) organizes the annual reenactment at the First Church of Roxbury. Plant and others in colonial costume participate in the reenactment. Interview iwth Plant and Butch Redding (Roxbury resident) about the reenactment and the rich history of the Roxbury neighborhood. Kelly reports that many historians overlook the sacrifices made by black soldiers during the American Revolution.
0:59:28: Visual: Shot of a man in colonial costume leading a horse to the front steps of the First Church of Roxbury. Shots of the weathervane and steeple of the church; of the steeple of the church. Hope Kelly reports that there has been a church located on the site of the First Church of Roxbury for 350 years; that William Dawes (American revolutionary leader) began his ride to Lexington in 1775 from the site of the First Church of Roxbury. Kelly notes that Paul Revere (American revolutionary leader) did not make his ride alone. V: Footage of Tom Plant (Roxbury historian) dressed in colonial costume. He speaks to a small crowd in front of the First Church of Roxbury. Plant says that many people forget that Dawes rode one of the most historic rides in American history. Plant says that Roxbury residents are thankful that Roxbury is a part of that history. Shots of a small crowd listening to Plant. Kelly reports that Plant is the president of the congregation of the First Church of Roxbury; that he is president of the Historical Society of Roxbury Highlands. Kelly says that Plant is the organizing force behind the annual re-enactment in Roxbury. V: Shots of Plant speaking; of men on horseback in colonial costume. Kelly reports that Plant sent William Dawes off on his ride with a blessing at the re-enactment. V: Footage of Plant giving a blessing. Shots of the man playing Dawes in the re-enactment; of the audience applauding. Footage of Plant being interviewed by Kelly. Kelly asks Plant what he was thinking about during the re-enactment. Plant says that he is often transported back to colonial times when he walks the streets of Roxbury. Plant says that he felt like he was transported back during the re-enactment. Shots of "Dawes" and another man on horseback riding away from the church on horseback. Footage of the audience singing as the men ride away. The audience includes Byron Rushing (state representative) and Butch Redding (Roxbury resident). Redding is dressed in colonial dress. Kelly reports that a small crowd was present to celebrate a neglected part of history. V: Footage of Butch Redding (Roxbury resident) being interviewed. Redding says that Roxbury is rich in both white American history and African American history. Shot of the crowd outside of the church. Kelly reports that many African American soldiers fought in the American Revolution; that they were treated with ambivalence by the American army. Kelly notes that the exclusion of people of color was the norm in the eighteenth century; that many forget the sacrifices made by soldiers of color in the American Revolution. V: Shots of Plant addressing a small audience from the pulpit of the First Church of Roxbury; of audience members. Footage of Plant addressing the audience about the role of African Americans in history.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/15/1991

Jackie Robinson part 1

Description: This tape features Marcus Jones's first report in a three-part series on the life of Jackie Robinson (baseball player) in honor of the fortieth anniversary of Robinson's entry into major league baseball. Jones reviews the history of African Americans in professional baseball. He notes that the Negro League was successful in the 1930s and 1940s. Jones reports that Robinson was one of three African American players to try out for the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s. Jones reports that Robinson was signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first African American in major league baseball. Jones notes that Robinson encountered virulent racism and even received death threats. Jones reports that Robinson went on to become one of the greatest players of all time and was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Jones' report includes footage from interviews with Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter), Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger), Rachel Robinson (wife of Jackie Robinson), and Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles). Jones' report also features footage and photographs of Robinson and early African American baseball players. Jones' report is accompanied by footage from the films The Jackie Robinson Story and The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars. Tape 1 of 3
1:00:17: Visual: Shots of a Red Sox baseball player signing autographs for fans at Fenway Park. Text on screen reads, "Jackie Robinson's American Dream." Marcus Jones reports that Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the major leagues. V: Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball. Jones talks about the history of African Americans in baseball. V: Black and white photographs of early African American baseball players including John "Bud" Fowler, Moses Fleetwood Walker and Wellday Walker. Jones talks about early African American players including Fowler and the Walker brothers. V: Footage of Larry Whiteside (Boston Globe sportswriter) saying that racial issues in Major League Baseball reflect the racial issues in American life. Footage from the film, The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars. Jones talks about the formation of the Negro Leagues. Jones reports that African American players still wanted to break into the major leagues; that some tried to pass as Latino. V: Footage of Whiteside talking about racism in early baseball. Jones talks about the success of the Negro League in the 1930s and 1940s. V: Black and white footage of Negro League baseball games. Black and white shots of players including Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige, and Jackie Robinson. Black and white photos of teams from the Negro League. Jones reports that three African American players were given a one-day tryout for the major leagues at Fenway Park in Boston. V: Black and white shots of African American fans; of the exterior of Fenway Park. Footage of Whiteside talking about the events leading up to the tryouts. Whiteside says that Marvin Williams, Sam Jethroe, and Robinson were given tryouts. Black and white footage of players at Fenway Park; of Jethroe; of Robinson; of the exterior of Fenway Park. Jones reports that the Red Sox did not give any of the players a spot on the team; that Branch Rickey (Owner, Brooklyn Dodgers) signed Robinson to play for the Brooklyn farm team. V: Black and white footage of Red Sox players at Fenway Park; of Rickey. Black and white footage of Robinson and Rickey signing a contract. Shot of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Dodgers purchase Robinson, first negro in modern major league baseball." Footage of Rickey talking about his efforts to warn Robinson about the abuse that Robinson would receive in the major leagues. Footage from the film, The Jackie Robinson Story. Jones reports that Rickey challenged Robinson to hold his temper in the face of racial slurs and hostility; that Robinson moved into the Dodgers' starting line-up in 1947; that Robinson played great baseball despite the racial hostility. V: Black and white footage of the press and fans at a baseball game; of Robinson playing for the Dodgers. Black and white shots of African American and white fans cheering for Robinson. Footage of Clem Labine (former Brooklyn Dodger) saying that Robinson had no fear; that Labine had never played with a more exciting player than Robinson. Jones talks about the extreme pressure under which Robinson played. V: Shots of a newspaper headline reading, "Robinson reveals written threats;" of a hand-written letter to Robinson reading, "We are going to kill you if you attempt to enter a ballgame at Crosley Field." Footage of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson's wife) talking about the threatening letters received by Robinson. Footage of Labine saying that he received hate mail after a photo of him and Robinson was printed in the paper. Shot of a black and white photo of Labine with his arm around Robinson. Labine says that Robinson received a lot of hate mail. Footage of Frank Robinson (Baltimore Orioles) saying that few people would be able to perform under pressure like Robinson did. Black and white footage of a newscaster speculating on Robinson's performance. Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball for the Dodgers. Jones reports that Robinson's first year in baseball was outstanding; that Robinson was named Rookie of the Year for the National League. V: Black and white footage of Robinson receiving the Rookie of the Year award; of the Dodgers playing in the World Series in 1947. Jones reports that Robinson's fondest memories were of playing in the World Series; that Robinson was the first African American player to play in a World Series. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Robinson. Audio of Robinson saying that his goal was to break the color barrier; that he wanted to show that African American and white players could play together. Black and white footage of Robinson playing baseball. Shot of a Dodgers' team photo with Robinson. Jones reports that Robinson played for 10 years in the Major League; that Robinson was the MVP in 1949; that he appeared in the World Series six times. V: Black and white shots of fans at a stadium; of Robinson; of the Dodgers World Series victory in 1955; of Robinson being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jones reports that Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Jones stands in front of Freedom National Bank in Harlem. Jones reports that Robinson turned his attention to civil rights, business, and politics at the end of his baseball career.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/04/1987

African American identity

Description: Marcus Jones reports that some African American leaders, including Jesse Jackson, are promoting the use of the term "African American" instead of the term "black." Comedian Charles Cozart on the Arsenio Hall Show. Interview with Northeastern lecturer Robert Hayden, who promotes the use of the term. Hayden says that it is an accurate term that reflects the roots and history of African Americans. Interview with Elma Lewis, the Director of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, who believes that the term "black" is more inclusive. Lewis says that not all black people in the US are Americans. Interviews with students and teachers at the Ellis School in Roxbury about which term they prefer. Following the edited story is additional footage of Jones speaking to students and teachers at the Ellis School. Jones answers questions about his report on Jackie Robinson and the race relations of the time. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Boston School Committee is deeply divided over whether to renew the contract of Laval Wilson
1:00:11: V: Footage from the Arsenio Hall Show. Charles Cozart (comedian) tells jokes in front of the audience. Marcus Jones reports that the African American community is debating the use of the term "black." Jones notes that Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) is urging the use of the term "African American" instead of "black." V: Shots of Jackson addressing an audience. Shots of African Americans in the audience. Footage of Robert Hayden (Lecturer, Northeastern University) saying that many people of color have been calling themselves "African Americans" for years. Hayden says that many universities have departments of African American studies. Hayden says that people of African descent were living in Boston in the eighteenth century; that those people referred to their community as "African." Hayden says that the term is "accurate" and "useful." Footage of Elma Lewis (Director, National Center of Afro-American Artists) being interviewed by Jones. Lewis says that she does not have to follow the trend. Jones notes that Lewis is opposed to using the term "African American." V: Footage of Lewis saying that Africa is a whole continent. Lewis says that the terms "Nigerian American" or "Jamaican American" are more appropriate than "African American." Lewis says that the term "black American" is more inclusive. Footage of Jones addressing a class at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury. Jones asks how many of the students are aware of the debate surrounding the term "African American." A few students raise their hands. Jones says that he asked students and teachers at the Ellis School in Roxbury about the terms "African American" and "black." V: Shots of students. Footage of an African American female student saying that it does not matter which term is used. Footage of a Latina teacher saying that there should be no mention of race in identification terms. Footage of an African American teacher asking if the term would be extended to "Afro-English" for blacks living in England. Footage of an African American male student saying that he likes the term "brown." Footage of a female student saying that it doesn't matter. Footage of Hayden saying that the term might inspire some to think about their African roots. Hayden says that some people might begin to look into their family histories. Footage of Lewis saying that it is important to teach children to be proud of their African roots. Lewis says that not all black people in the US are American; that all black people in the US are black. Shots of African Americans walking on a street; of a group of students walking away from a school.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/15/1989