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Mel King with Barney Frank

Description: Barney Frank (US Representative) and Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) shake hands in front of the Massachusetts State House. Frank has endorsed King for mayor of Boston. Christy George interviews King in front of the State House. King talks about the current policies of the White administration and White's recent appointments to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). King says that his administration would eliminate the BRA in order to consolidate city development under a community development office. King criticizes White for making mayoral appointments without regard for his successor. King adds that the current police commissioner must be forced to resign. King says that the Boston City Council should not approve White's new housing proposal. He adds that the City Council should wait until the next mayor is elected before making new policy.
1:00:05: Visual: Mel King stands in front of the State House with his supporters and talks to the media about his candidacy for mayor. He talks about the "politics of inclusion." A reporter asks King how he feels about being "Barney Frank's second choice." King says that Barney Frank (US Representative) makes good choices; that he is glad to be one of Frank's choices. Mel King thanks the media. He shakes hands with Frank. Frank and King speak to one another. 1:01:12: V: Christy George sets up an interview with King. George asks King if Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) is consolidating power. She also asks him about mayoral appointments to city jobs. King says that political patronage is unfortunate; that White has not considered his appointments from the viewpoint of his successor. King says that the police commissioner must be asked to resign; that the new administration must work around the commissioner if he refuses to resign. George comments that the business community is wary of King and Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston). She asks if White is making appointments to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) before the mayoral elections in order to satisfy the business community. King says that the new administration must take a balanced approach to development; that the needs of the whole city must be considered. King says that his administration would consolidate the development functions of the city; that his administration would work to eliminate the BRA board as it is now; that a community development office would oversee development in the neighborhoods and in the downtown area. George notes that White's appointments to the BRA are not unusual for a mayor leaving office. King says that these candidates will be "holdovers"; that "holdover" appointments should only be allowed for a minimum period of time; that these appointments undermine public confidence in government. George asks King about White's plans to create a Neighborhood Housing Trust. King says that he hopes that the Boston City Council will not approve the program until a new mayor has been elected. King says that he will lobby the council not to approve the program. George ends the interview.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/21/1983

POS following Flynn inauguration

Description: Reporter Christopher Lydon interviews attendees of the inauguration of Ray Flynn as Mayor of Boston, in the Wang Center. The crowd cheers as Flynn and former mayor Kevin White pass by. Lydon interviews attendees of the inauguration in the lobby of the Wang Center. Interviewees express concerns about unemployment, crime, the restoration of city services and the city budget. Cynthia Silveira (Dorchester resident) says that she appreciates Flynn's commitment to diversity and unity but is suspicious of his past voting record on racial issues. Lydon interviews people outside of the Wang Center. Harry Spence (Boston Housing Authority) says that Flynn delivered a "solid" speech, but will face difficulties in delivering city services and achieving racial harmony. George Keverian (State Representative) says that Flynn is the right person to unite the city. Louise Day Hicks (former member of the Boston City Council) says that Flynn must strike a balance between downtown concerns and neighborhood interests. Hicks says that South Boston is the "center of the city." Hicks speaks to Dapper O'Neil outside of the Wang Center. Felix Arroyo (Latino activist) hopes that Flynn will deliver on his promises; Arroyo believes that it will be difficult for Flynn to integrate the city's neighborhoods. Elma Lewis (African American activist) says that she and others will work with Flynn to improve the city. Lewis adds that she is "always looking for diversity." Claire Crawford (Boston resident) says that Flynn is a "people's mayor." Flynn exits the Wang Center and gets in his station wagon; crowd cheers. Lydon interviews James Kelly (South Boston Information Center). Kelly expresses reservations about Flynn's proposal for District Advisory Councils. Thomas Menino (Boston City Council) compliments Flynn's inaugural speech.
1:00:00: Visual: Christopher Lydon interviews a white male about the inaugural speech of Ray Flynn (Mayor, City of Boston) at the Wang Center for the Performing Arts. The man says that Flynn gave a strong speech; that he is optimistic about Flynn's administration. The man says that Flynn will face challenges in improving the schools. Lydon speaks informally to the man. 1:00:45: V: Uniformed officers march up the stairs in the lobby of the Wang Center. People are gathered in the lobby. The audience cheers as Flynn exits a room and proceeds up the stairs. Flynn's young daughter holds his hand as he walks up the stairs. Flynn stops to greet bystanders as he passes. Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and Kathryn White (wife of Kevin White) proceed up the stairs after Flynn. 1:02:12: V: Lydon interviews a white man who is a Dorchester resident. The man says that Flynn is the first mayor since Josiah Quincy to have a "sense of the city"; that Flynn is familiar with the neighborhoods and the downtown. Lydon interviews a white middle-aged man about Flynn's speech. The man says that Flynn's speech was very good; that Flynn understands that the government exists to serve the people. The man says that Flynn will face a challenge in restoring city services during an economic crisis. An older white woman says that Flynn's speech was "wonderful." The woman says that Flynn will face a challenge in reducing unemployment; that Flynn's emphasis on unity was important. Cynthia Silveira (Dorchester resident) says that Flynn's speech was good; that she hesitates to trust Flynn because of his past voting record on racial issues. Silveira says that it will be difficult for Flynn to give his full attention to Boston neighborhoods; that she appreciates his commitment to diversity and unity. An older Irish woman recognizes Lydon from television. Her companions explains that they are from the region of Ireland where Flynn's family is from. The second Irish woman says that the speech was "wonderful." An older white woman says that Flynn will be a good mayor if he delivers what he promised in the speech; that it will be difficult for Flynn to reduce the crime rate. An older white man says that Flynn has the right idea; that Flynn will "economize." 1:06:59: V: A crowd streams out of the doors of the Wang Center. Lydon interviews Harry Spence (Boston Housing Authority). Spence says that Flynn delivered a "solid" speech; that it will be difficult for Flynn to deliver services and to achieve racial harmony. Spence says that Flynn's speech expressed his decency and commitment to the people. The crowd continues to exit the building. Groups of people are gathered outside of the doors. Members of the crowd greet Lydon. George Keverian (Massachusetts House of Representatives) greets Lydon and his two daughters. Keverian says that Flynn delivered a good speech; that Flynn's humanity was in evidence. Keverian says that Flynn is the right person to unite the people of Boston. Keverian continues to speak informally to Lydon and his daughters. 1:12:07: V: Louise Day Hicks greets Lydon. Hicks says that Flynn's speech covered many "interesting" and important topics; that South Boston is the "center" of the city. Hicks says that Flynn will need to strike a balance between the neighborhoods and the downtown interests; that Flynn needs to concentrate on affordable housing and crime reduction. Hicks confers with Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council) on the street outside of the Wang Center. Lydon interviews Felix Arroyo (Latino activist). Arroyo says that the city will be a better place if Flynn can deliver on his promises. Arroyo says that Flynn will face challenges in integrating the neighborhoods; that he appreciates Flynn's commitment to education. Shot of a black car pulled up to the curb in front of the Wang Center. Lydon asks Elma Lewis (African American activist) about Flynn's speech. Lewis say that Flynn put on a good "show"; that inaugural speeches do not mean much; that she and others will work with Flynn to improve the city. Lewis says that she has attended inaugurals for many years; that she would like to have seen "more diversity"; that she is "always looking for more diversity." 1:17:04: V: Claire Crawford (Boston resident) says that Flynn is a "people's mayor." Crawford says that Flynn will face challenges in eliminating racial discrimination. Flynn exits the Wang Center. He greets several groups of bystanders. Photographers crowd around Flynn's station wagon. Flynn clears snow from his windshield. Flynn gets in the car and drives away. The crowd cheers briefly. 1:20:37: V: Lydon interviews Jim Kelly (South Boston Information Center). Kelly says that Flynn gave a good speech; that parts of the speech "concerned" him. Kelly expresses reservations about the District Advisory Councils. Kelly says that Flynn face difficulties in providing services to the city during an economic crisis. Kelly says that the people of South Boston are happy to "have a say" in how the city is run. Lydon begins to interview Thomas Menino (Boston City Council). Menino says that Flynn made an excellent speech.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/02/1984

School committee picks superintendent

Description: The Boston School Committee holds a meeting in its chambers. Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) accuses School Committee members of playing political games during the process of electing a new superintendent. John Grady (Boston School Committee) reads a statement from Joseph Casper (Boston School Committee). The statement reads that Casper will vote for one of the other candidates because Joseph McDonough (Interim Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) withdrew his name from consideration. Jean McGuire (Boston School Committee) voices her support for one of the candidates. John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) talks about the search process. Edward Winter (Secretary, Boston School Committee) calls the roll. Dr. Laval Wilson wins the election, 9 to 4. Romero objects to a motion to make Wilson's election unanimous. School Committee members prepare to leave the room. Eileen Jones interviews Felix Arroyo (Latino community activist) about the vote. Arroyo says that he will support Wilson as superintendent. Jones interviews Jack E. Robinson (NAACP) about the vote. Robinson says that he is pleased that the three finalists were all minority candidates. Robinson says that Wilson was the right candidate for the job. Jones interviews Romero outside of the School Committee chambers. Romero says that she objected to making the vote unanimous because the record needs to reflect how each member voted. Jones interviews O'Bryant about the vote. O'Bryant says that he had never committed himself to a single candidate before the vote. O'Bryant says that Wilson is a strong candidate. He denies accusations that he switched his vote from another candidate. Jones does several takes of her reportage for the story.
0:59:53: Audio of Boston School Committee proceedings. Visual: The Boston School Committee meets in its chambers. A large crowd has gathered in the audience, including members of the media. Grace Romero (member, Boston School Committee) chastises members of the school committee for playing politics. Romero says that school committee members must conduct themselves better in the future. She briefly mentions relations between School Committee members and Hispanic voters. Joseph Casper (member, Boston School Committee) says that he cannot speak because he has lost his voice. Someone jokes that Casper "lost his voice two weeks too late." The audience applauds. John Grady (member, Boston School Committee) reads a statement from Casper. The statement reads that Joe McDonough (Interim Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) was his first choice to be superintendent; that McDonough has withdrawn his name from consideration. The statement reads that Casper will vote for another candidate this evening. The statement urges school committee members to salute the work of McDonough. Casper speaks softly to the other members after Grady reads the statement. 1:03:38: V: Jean McGuire (member, Boston School Committee) talks about the importance of the post of superintendent of schools. She voices her support for Dr. Peter Negroni (candidate for Superintendent of Boston Public Schools). John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) talks about the value of the search process for the candidates. He urges the committee to select a new superintendent with a significant majority. Nucci says that each of the candidates is qualified for the job. Nucci calls on Edward Winter (Secretary, Boston School Committee) to call the roll. Winter calls the roll of members, and each member indicates his or her choice for superintendent. School Committee members Abigail Browne, William Marcione, Kevin McCluskey and McGuire vote for Negroni. School Committee members Daniel Burke, Casper, Grady, John O'Bryant, Thomas O'Reilly, Shirley Owen-Hicks, Romero, Rita Walsh-Tomasini and Nucci vote for Dr. Laval Wilson (candidate for Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). The audience applauds after the vote has been taken. Marcione moves to make the election of Wilson unanimous. Romero objects to the motion. She explains that she does not want the record to reflect that Negroni received no votes. Shots of Winter; of Romero. Grady makes a reference to the rules pertaining to the motion. 1:08:26: V: Owens Hicks gathers her papers and prepares to leave the chambers. Romero does the same. Members of the audience are rising to leave the chambers. Groups of people stand speaking to one another. McGuire and Nucci stand at the front of the room, preparing to leave the chambers. O'Bryant greets an audience member. Burke and Julio Henriquez (aide to Burke) confer in the chambers. Two white men confer at the front of the chambers. 1:09:00: V: Eileen Jones interviews Felix Arroyo (Latino community activist) about the school committee vote. Arroyo says that the vote gives Wilson a clear mandate; that the city of Boston must work with Wilson to improve the schools. Arroyo says that he was not surprised at Wilson's election to the post. Arroyo says that he would have liked to have seen Negroni win the post; that he will fully support Wilson now that he has been elected. Jones asks for Arroyo's reaction to Romero's remarks. Arroyo says that he did not understand what Romero was trying to say in her remarks; that many Hispanics do not believe that Romero is representative of their community. 1:10:39: V: Jones asks Jack E. Robinson (NAACP) about his reaction to the vote. Robinson says that he is pleased with the result of the vote; that the School Committee made the right choice and acted with maturity in electing Wilson. Robinson says that it is significant that three minority candidates were the finalists for the post. Robinson says that the committee members elected Wilson on the basis of his qualifications. Robinson says that he was not surprised with the results; that the committee members had decided to put politics aside and vote for the best candidate. 1:11:43: V: Jones interviews Romero about the vote. Jones asks Romero why she objected to a unanimous vote for Wilson. Romero says that Negroni was a qualified candidate with support; that she does not want the record to show that he did not get any votes. Romero says that the motion for a unanimous vote is part of "a game" played by some members of the school committee. Jones notes that a unanimous vote would show full support for the winning candidate. Romero says that the committee should have showed unanimous support in the beginning; that the record needs to show how each member voted. Jones asks Romero what she had been trying to say to the Hispanic community in her earlier remarks. Romero says that O'Bryant has not delivered on his promises to the Hispanic community. 1:12:54: V: Jones sets up an interview with O'Bryant. Jones asks O'Bryant if he switched his vote from Negroni to Wilson. O'Bryant says that he never made a commitment to any candidate; that many assumed that he would support Negroni because he supported him in 1981. O'Bryant says that he initiated the search committee process for the Boston School Committee in 1978. O'Bryant emphasizes that he never committed to any candidate. O'Bryant says that he decided to support Wilson after making site visits; that his support for Wilson never wavered. Jones notes that Romero's earlier comments were directed at him. Jones says that Romero accused O'Bryant of making a promise to the Hispanic community that he would vote for Negroni. O'Bryant says that Romero is lying. O'Bryant says that he did not promise anything to any community. Jones asks O'Bryant if he was suprised at the vote. O'Bryant says that he was not surprised because Wilson is a strong candidate. O'Bryant says that the vote might have gone the other way if he had supported Negroni. 1:15:08: V: Jones stands in the Boston School Committee chambers. Jones reports that members of the school committee hope that Wilson visit Boston by the end of the week to work out details of his contract and to meet the community. Jones does two takes to the closing of the news story. Jones records an alternate closing in which she reports on Romero's objection to a motion to make the vote unanimous. Jones does two takes of the alternate closing to the news story.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/31/1985

Common Ground, Part 7

Description: Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Winship says that Boston is no longer portrayed as a racist city in the national media. He notes that the city is dedicated to healing its wounds. Martin Nolan organizes a discussion among audience members and panelists. Gerard Doherty (former State Representative) says that Irish Americans were fighting for their children's right to a good education. He adds that there were no racial problems in Charlestown before the busing crisis. Ron Formisano (Professor, Clark University) says that he is disappointed at the absence of the McGoff family and other members of the anti-busing movement. Nolan says that many leaders of the anti-busing movement declined invitations to attend the forum. Paul Grogan (Liaison to the Business Community for the Flynn administration) asks Lukas to comment on the leadership of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Lukas responds to Formisano, saying that the absence of the McGoff family is troubling. He says that he invited many members of the anti-busing movement to the forum. Lukas comments on White's career as mayor. He says that White was most effective in the early years of his tenure. He notes that White became less attentive to racial issues over the years, though he was effective in other areas. Lukas compliment's Garrity's courage and integrity. Lukas speculates as to whether a metropolitan solution to busing would have worked. He says that the court order should have tried to address class issues. Rachel Twymon (member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground) speaks to the audience. She says that children cannot be expected to attend school together until their parents can gather to discuss issues peacefully. Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground) addresses the meeting. She compliments Lukas on his novel and says that his novel allowed her to understand different people's perspectives on the busing crisis. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Winship. Tape 7 of 8
1:00:00: Visual: Thomas Winship (former editor, The Boston Globe) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Winship speaks as a member of a panel including Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools) and Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church). Winship says that Boston is no longer portrayed as a "racist city" by the national media; that Boston is now seen as a city dedicated to healing its wounds. Winship says that "the court order made the city face the music, and the melody gets better and better as each day goes by." The audience applauds. 1:00:52: V: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) invites questions from the audience. Gerard Doherty (former State Representative from Charlestown) refers to the comments of Elvira Pixie Palladino (former member, Boston School Committee) about respect and the comments of Paul Parks (former State Secretary for Education) about listening to others. Doherty says that Lukas's book neglected to mention the great commitment to education on the part of most Irish Americans. Doherty notes that there were no racial problems in Charlestown before "forced busing"; that Irish Americans were fighting for their children's right to a good education. Doherty says that Irish Americans felt as if the right to education was being denied to their children through forced busing. Doherty says that Charlestown residents support equal rights for all; that Charlestown residents want a good education for their children in neighborhood schools; that education is "the way out" for most Charlestown residents. The audience applauds. 1:04:17: V: Ron Formisano (Professor, Clark University) introduces himself and says that he is working on a book about the anti-busing movement. He comments that the absence of the McGoff family (family portrayed in Common Ground) at today's gathering is symbolic of the "historic alliance" in Boston between white protestants and African Americans. Formisano says that the absence of the McGoff family is unfortunate; that neighborhood leaders are also absent from today's gathering. Formisano points out that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is the only person present who was involved in "strenuous opposition" to the court order. Formisano asks if the leaders of the anti-busing movement were invited to the gathering. Nolan says that members and leaders of the anti-busing movement were invited to the gathering; that most declined to accept the invitation. Nolan says that Formisano is welcome to look over the list of invitees. 1:07:33: V: Paul Grogan (Liaison to the Business Community for the Flynn administration) asks if Lukas is disappointed in the leadership of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and Arthur Garrity (federal judge) during the busing crisis. Grogan asks how each man could have responded differently to the situation. Lukas approaches the podium. He says that he is happy to respond to Grogan's question and to Formisano's question. Lukas says that he is honored to have a distinguished panel and audience gather to discuss his book; that the absence of the McGoff family is "a blight on the evening." Lukas says that he had wanted all three families to rise as one after he introduced them. Lukas notes that the McGoffs accepted his invitation; that he does not know why they are not here. Lukas says that three or four dozen people from Charlestown were invited to the gathering; that he does not know how many are here. Lukas says that his intention was to bring all Bostonians together; that he did not intend to host a gathering of "Harvard professors and government officials." Lukas expresses his regret that the effort was "partially unsuccessful." Lukas says that Grogan's question is difficult. Lukas notes that one of the panelists talked about "heroes and villains"; that he hopes that the search for "heroes and villains" is in vain. Lukas says, "heroes and villains make good fairytales but bad history." Lukas says that he believes that people can transcend their history. Lukas says that Lisa McGoff (member of the McGoff family portrayed in Common Ground) is one of the people in the book whose actions are heroic; that Lisa McGoff learned to transcend her past. 1:13:09: V: Lukas says that he sees no one in the book as either a hero or a villain. Lukas says, "Kevin White will go down in history as a better mayor than he is presently perceived to have been, but not so good a mayor as he thinks he was." The audience laughs and claps for Lukas. Lukas says that White was a good mayor for the first two or three years; that White was less effective when he pursued his ambitions to be a national politician. Lukas says that White became less committed to race issues during the course of his tenure. Lukas says that he hopes that he gave full coverage in the book to the racism and race issues which led to the busing crisis. Lukas compliments panelist Sandra Lynch on her "deeply moving" presentation on racism in Boston. Lukas says that White was not committed to issues of racial justice; that White was effective in other areas. Lukas says that "history will treat Arthur Garrity much better than Boston has treated him." Lukas adds that Garrity was a "scapegoat"; that Garrity truly had no other course than to order busing as a remedy. Lukas says that he admires Garrity's tenacity, integrity and courage; that Garrity is not a "risk-taker." Lukas says that he wishes that Garrity had tried a metropolitan busing plan. Lukas notes that the anti-busing movement would have seen him as more understanding of their position. Lukas says that there is a slim chance that a metropolitan plan might have worked. Lynch, who is sitting on the panel, indicates that it would not have been legally possible. The audience laughs. Lukas says that the class issue needed to be addressed; that an effort to metropolitanize busing would have addressed the class issue, even if the effort failed. Lukas expresses his great respect for Garrity, despite his criticism. The audience applauds. 1:17:52: V: Nolan introduces Rachel Twymon (member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground). Twymon says that there has been something left "unsaid." Twymon notes that Garrity enforced the law; that people are often "very lonely" when they take an unpopular stand, even if it is right. Twymon says that adults cannot expect their children to go to school together if the adults cannot gather to discuss the issues peacefully. The audience applauds. Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground). Diver says that Lukas' book allowed her to "get into the heads" of other people. Diver talks about how she read and began to understand the perspective of each family. Diver says that the families were victims who experienced great pain; that the families were also "victimizers" who were fighting to protect their ideals, families or property. Diver says that Lukas' book is like "a window to the sky"; that the book provides understanding and wisdom which might lead readers to a "common ground." Shot of Joan and Colin Diver.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Common Ground, Part 8

Description: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas' novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Pearlstein sums up the issues discusses at the forum. Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) addresses the audience. Wilson says that issues of race and class can be mediated through the public schools. He adds that public education is a means of upward mobility for poor students. Wilson says that the city of Boston must commit itself to providing quality education in the schools. He says that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join him in the effort to improve the Boston Public Schools. John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation) gives closing remarks and ends the meeting. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 8 of 8
1:00:03: Visual: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Pearlstein speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former Editor, The Boston Globe). Pearlstein says that he is honored to be at the gathering with an audience of great intelligence and experience. Pearlstein sums up the issues discussed at the gathering. Pearlstein says that class issues were not given consideration during the busing crisis; that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) made the city of Boston face up to race issues; that many suffered during the busing crisis. Pearlstein refers to audience comments about dialogue between the opposing sides and the role of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston). Pearlstein refers to Lynch's presentation. Pearlstein notes that Lynch's role as an attorney in the case was to deny that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had any responsibility in the city of Boston's segregated school. Pearlstein notes that the Twymon children are very well behaved. Visual: Shots of the Twymon family in the audience. Pearlstein refers to comments by Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground) and Elvira Pixie Palladino (member of the Boston School Committee). Pearlstein notes that the gathering disagreed on the role of Arthur Garrity (federal judge) and on changes in the city's racial climate. Pearlstein refers to comments by Gerard Doherty (Charlestown resident) and Lukas. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Pearlstein talks about the viability of a metropolitan busing solution. Pearlstein says that suburbanites do not seem concerned about the state of Boston's schools. The audience applauds. Shots of the podium and the panelists from the back of the room. 1:06:42: V: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) introduces Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). Wilson approaches the podium. Wilson says that he is pleased to be in Boston. Wilson reads a quote from Isaiah. Wilson says that the past must inform the future; that Boston residents must accept their differences and move forward. Wilson says that he would like to work with diverse groups from the community to benefit Boston's schoolchildren. Wilson quotes Jack Beatty, who writes about class and race issues in his review of Common Ground. Wilson says that class and race issues can be mediated through the public schools; that quality education can provide upward mobility for poor youngsters. Wilson says that the city's public policy must reflect its commitment to quality education for schoolchildren. Wilson says that he wants to focus the city's attention on education. Wilson says that society must take responsibility for its schools and for the education of its children. Wilson notes that students are graduating from US high schools with poor literacy skills. Wilson quotes from the study, "A Nation at Risk," which reports on the state of education in the US. The report warns of "a rising tide of mediocrity" in US schools. Wilson says that society must demand quality education for the students; that the students are the future leaders of the society. Wilson compares hiring practices by the Boston business community to a "donut." Wilson says that corporations hire workers from the communities outside of Boston, instead of from within the city. Wilson says that he wants to improve the education in Boston Public Schools; that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join in that effort. Wilson says that the school system must help students to learn. Wilson asks for the cooperation of the audience in this effort. The audience applauds. 1:17:26: V: Shots of audience members including Eric Van Loon (attorney for the plaintiffs, Morgan v. Hennigan) and Jim Conway (Charlestown resident). Nolan addresses the audience. He thanks the John F. Kennedy Library and introduces John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation). Shots of the panelists. Cullinane thanks Mark Roosevelt (Executive Director, John F. Kennedy Library) for organizing the evening's events. Cullinane compliments Lukas on his book. Cullinane says that he is the son of poor Irish immigrants; that all parents want their children to succeed in life. Cullinane talks about how education is the first priority for many parents. Cullinane says that he wishes the book had talked more about each parent's commitment to education above all else. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Cullinane talks about how race and class are issues all over the world. Cullinane thanks the audience and invites them for cocktails and refreshments afterwards. The audience applauds. Audience members rise and prepare to exit the auditorium.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

ACORN, affordable housing

Description: David Boeri reports on a demonstration by members of ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), outside of the offices of Mayor Ray Flynn. Demonstrators advocate for more affordable housing in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Footage of Peggy Jackson (ACORN demonstrator) and Neil Sullivan (Director of housing policy for the Flynn administration) debating the administration's affordable housing policy. Boeri notes that the demonstrators demanded the deed to a vacant lot in order to develop affordable housing themselves.
1:00:03: Visual: Shot of a multi-colored, hand-drawn sign reading, "Welcome to the mayor's office." A group of demonstrators stand outside of the mayor's office chanting, "Mayor Flynn, come on out." One of the demonstrators holds a sign reading, "ACORN: Housing Now." The demonstrators are affiliated with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). V: Shot of an office telephone; of the demonstrators. Shot of a sign reading, "Shelter is our need. Give us the deed." David Boeri reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) refused to meet with the demonstrators; that the demonstrators are fighting for affordable housing in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan. V: Footage of Peggy Jackson (ACORN demonstrator) saying that her organization can build affordable housing if they are given one lot to build on. Boeri reports that the demonstrators say that the housing that the city calls "affordable" is not affordable for Roxbury residents; that the median income in Roxbury is $13,000. V: Footage of Jackson talking to Neil Sullivan (Director of housing policy for Flynn). Jackson says that fewer than 500 units of the city's affordable housing are affordable for Roxbury residents. Sullivan says that fewer than 500 housing units were built by the White administration between 1981 and 1983. Boeri reports that Sullivan blames the housing crisis on Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and a lack of federal money. Boeri reports that the Flynn adminstration is bundling low-income units with high-income units; that the Flynn administration is using the high-income units to subsidize the low-income units. V: Shots of Jackson; of the demonstrators. Footage of Sullivan saying that the Flynn administration has built over 500 low-income and moderate-income units in the first 6 months of 1986. The demonstrators respond that they cannot afford these units. Boeri reports that the demonstrators will have to incorporate themselves as non-profit developers before they can bid on a vacant lot. V: Footage of Sullivan telling the demonstrators that other groups have incorporated themselves and are bidding on land. Jackson tells Sullivan that the demonstrators do not have time to incorporate themselves; that another 3,000 people will be homeless before they are able to complete the legal paperwork. Shot of Sullivan. Boeri reports that the ACORN demonstrators ended up walking out; that the demonstrators say that they will take over the land next week. V: Footage of the demonstrators leaving the mayor's office.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/14/1986

Laval Wilson's frustration

Description: Marcus Jones reports that superintendent Laval Wilson is frustrated because the Boston School Committee has twice rejected his proposal to consolidate Boston high schools. Interviews with School Committee members John Nucci, Joseph Casper and John O'Bryant. Nucci says that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from some members of the Committee. Casper accuses the minority members of the School Committee of causing trouble for Wilson. O'Bryant resents Casper's accusations that the minority members of the Committee vote in a bloc. Jones notes that some critics accuse the committee of focusing too much on the daily operations of the schools and not enough on educational policy. Interview with City Councilor Michael McCormack. O'Bryant and Casper differ on how much parental participation they think should be encouraged by Wilson and the School Committee. A spokesperson for Wilson says that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Footage of a Boston School Committee meeting.
1:00:08: Marcus Jones reports that school officials are are concerned that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) may leave the Boston Public Schools. Jones notes that Wilson was frustrated after the Boston School Committee's second rejection of his plan to consolidate Boston high schools. Visual: Shots of Wilson and members of the School Committee at a meeting of the Boston School Committee. Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson is committed to the Boston Public Schools; that Wilson is frustrated by a lack of support from certain members of the School Committee; that this lack of support needs to be addressed. Jones reports that Wilson's consolidation plan for Boston Latin Academy, Boston Technical High School and Madison Park High School initially won council approval by a margin of 5 to 4; that the four minority votes were abstentions. Jones notes that School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant voted against the plan on a second vote. V: Shots of a plaque reading "Boston Latin Academy"; of the sign reading "Boston Technical High School," hanging above the door to the school; of the exterior of Madison Park High School. Shots of McGuire and O'Bryant at a School Committee meeting. Shots of Wilson. Jones notes that the proposal was defeated; that Wilson suggested that the School Committee should begin looking for another superintendent. V: Footage of Joe Casper (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the superintendent is getting "nailed" by the minority members of the School Committee; that the white members of the school committee are not causing trouble for Wilson. Footage of John O'Bryant (member, Boston School Committee) saying that the votes of the minority members of the School Committee are often split; that no one ever accuses white members of the School Committee of voting in a bloc. Jones reports that Wilson has won more battles with the School Committee than he has lost. V: Shots of Wilson and the School Committee members in a meeting. Shots of School Committee members John Grady, Kevin McCluskey, Casper and Thomas O'Reilly. Jones says that some critics see flaws in the ways that the School Committee is administering to the schools. V: Footage of Michael McCormack (Boston City Council) saying that the School Committee needs to focus on educational policy; that the operations of the schools should be left up to the superintendent. Footage of O'Bryant saying that Wilson does not consult parents on issues affecting the schools. O'Bryant says that parental participation in the school system should be encouraged. Footage of Casper saying that parents are being encouraged to attend the meetings to push for their special interests; that Wilson cannot be expected to cater to parents while running the schools effectively. Jones stands outside the offices of the Boston School Committee. Jones quotes a spokesman for Wilson as saying that Wilson has no intention of leaving his post. Jones notes that Wilson will have another encounter with the School Committee at next month's meeting. V: Shot of Nucci.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/21/1987

Cry Freedom, Donald Woods, Steve Biko

Description: Christopher Lydon reports on the release of the film Cry Freedom, based on the life of Steve Biko (martyred black South African leader). Lydon notes that the film is told from the perspective of Donald Woods (white newspaper editor). Lydon interviews Woods about apartheid and his relationship with Biko. Woods says that the black opposition in South Africa was forced to become violent in response to the brutal tactics of the white regime. Woods talks about his early opposition to Biko and the black movement; he says that he changed his opinion when he realized that Biko's positive message of black self-reliance was not anti-white. Lydon notes that Biko was killed in prison while Woods was exiled from South Africa. Lydon's report is accompanied by footage from the film and from the trailer of the film Cry Freedom. Editor's note: Additional footage from the film and the trailer of the film Cry Freedom, were edited out of the end of the tape.
1:00:00: Visual: Footage from the trailer for the 1987 film, Cry Freedom starring Kevin Kline and Denzel Washington. Christopher Lydon reports that the film Cry Freedom is a the story of Steve Biko (martyred black South African leader) told through the eyes of a white newspaper editor. V: Footage from the film, Cry Freedom. Lydon notes that the film Cry Freedom takes up where the 1982 film Gandhi left off. Lydon notes that Mahatma Gandhi (Indian leader) was born in South Africa. V: Footage of Donald Woods (South African journalist) being interviewed. Woods says that he has always considered Gandhi more of a South African than an Indian. Woods says that Gandhi was involved in the first attempts at non-violent protest in South Africa. Woods says that non-violent protest does not work very well in South Africa because the government forces are not afraid to use their guns. Woods says that the African National Congress (ANC) was forced to take up arms after fifty years of non-violent struggle. Woods says that the South African government does not respond to non-violent protests; that the South African government has forced the opposition to become violent. Woods says that black South Africans are not allowed to vote; that black South Africans are not allowed to campaign against anything. Woods notes that the South African government refuses to allow free speech or passive protests. Lydon remarks that the irony of the film Cry Freedom is that a white editor tells the story of a black victim. Lydon notes the same irony exists in his interviews with Woods. Lydon reports that Woods never wanted to equate the price he paid with the price paid by Biko. Lydon reports that Woods was exiled and banned from South Africa; that Biko was killed in prison. V: Footage from the film, Cry Freedom. Shot of Woods being interviewed. Footage of Woods being interviewed by Lydon. Lydon asks if Woods was converted by Biko. Woods says that Biko did not set out to convert him; that Biko set out to neutralize the activities and writings of Woods. Woods says that he had been writing editorials condemning black consciousness. Woods says that he mistakenly considered black consciousness to be racism in reverse at the time. Woods says that he began to realize that Biko's message was a positive message of black self-reliance. Woods says that black racism is not and never has been a factor in black politics in South Africa. Woods notes that the ANC was formed in 1912; that no credible black leader or organization in South Africa has ever been anti-white. V: Footage from the film, Cry Freedom.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/06/1987

Kevin White and Boston development

Description: Kevin White gives speech on Boston real estate development; then comments on his tenuous connection with Edward McCormack, denying any conflict of interest or impropriety. Interview with Ed McCormack.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/14/1989

Reactions to “Common Ground”

Description: The film Common Ground is based on a book about the history of school desegregation in Boston. Christy George reports that a group of people who were involved in school desegregation in Boston watched the film together last night. Afterwards, they hold a discussion of the film. Former Mayor Kevin White says that the film provoked strong reactions in everyone. City Councilor James Kelly and Former School Committee Member Elvira "Pixie" Palladino speak out against busing. George Walker, a member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground, speaks out against "closed communities." Jim Conway, a Charlestown resident, says that the film promotes a negative image of Charlestown. Lisa McGoff, a member of the McGoff family portrayed in Common Ground, and Cassandra Twymon, a member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground, also speak at the meeting. McGoff says that the film concentrates on the negative events of the busing crisis. Twymon says that the film gives an accurate portrayal of her experiences as an African American student in a white school. George's report includes footage from the film. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Jan von Mehren talks to students about school desegregation and race relations
1:00:03: Visual: Footage from the opening credits of the film, Common Ground from CBS/WHDH and Lorimar. Audio of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) saying that the film represents a piece of history; that no one should regret looking at piece of history. Christy George reports that the film, Common Ground, looks at the history of court-ordered school desegregation in Boston. George notes that a group of people who were involved in school desegregation in Boston watched the film together last night. V: Footage of White saying that everyone felt strong emotions after watching the film. V: Footage from the film, Common Ground. V: Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council) addressing the gathering at the screening on March 19, 1990. Kelly says that there was something sacred about Boston's neighborhoods. Kelly says that busing for school desegregation "was not worth it." Footage of Cassandra Twymon (from the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground) addressing the gathering at the screening. Twymon says that she is sorry that some people are "embarrassed" about what they did to Boston's schoolchildren. V: Footage from the film Common Ground. V: Footage of Elvira "Pixie" Palladino (former Boston School Committee member) addressing the gathering at the screening. Palladino says that forced busing always has been wrong and always will be wrong. Footage of George Walker (member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground) addressing the gathering at the screening. Walker says that people need to realize that "closed communities" do not work. Walker addresses Palladino by name. V: Footage from the film Common Ground. V: Footage of Jim Conway (Charlestown resident) addressing the gathering at the screening. Conway says that men did not walk around Charlestown with open cans of beer while the mothers were demonstrating against busing. Conway says that the producers' image of Charlestown is not accurate; that the nation will see that image in the film. Footage of Lisa McGoff (member of the McGoff family portrayed in Common Ground) addressing the gathering at the screening. McGoff says that she did not attend any anti-busing meetings in barrooms; that the meetings did happen. McGoff says that bad things did go on in Charlestown. V: Footage from the film, Common Ground. George reports that Common Ground is a risky series for network television to air; that CBS is devoting four hours of prime time to the series. George reports that the movie is based on a book that tells the story of Boston's busing crisis through the experiences of three families. George reports that the book focuses on the experiences of Rachel Twymon, a widow who believed in the importance of education for her children. George reports that the book also focuses on the experiences of Alice McGoff, who believed in the importance of neighborhood communities. V: Footage from the film, Common Ground. George reports that the book also focuses on the adolescent experiences of Cassandra Twymon and Lisa McGoff. V: Footage of McGoff addressing the gathering at the screening. McGoff says that she and Twymon were kids who were trying to understand the situation as it happened. McGoff says that the film only shows the negative events during the busing crisis. McGoff says that the students were "guinea pigs"; that the success or failure of school desegregation has little to do with them. V: Footage from the film, Common Ground. V: Footage of Twymon addressing the gathering at the screening. Twymon says that people acted like the African American students were going to take over the school. Twymon says that she only wanted "to do her time" in school and return home. Twymon says that she did not want to deal with the added stress put on her by the busing crisis. Twymon says that she is glad the movie will air; that the movie gives an accurate portrayal of her experience. V: Footage from the film, Common Ground. George reports that the movie ends on a note of hope; that the argument at the screening continued after the film ended. V: Footage of Palladino addressing the gathering at the screening. Palladino says that now is not the time for this film. Footage of Walker saying that minorities are always told that the present is not the right time. Walker asks when the right time will come. Footage from the film, Common Ground.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/20/1990