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Profile in Courage award

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the Profile in Courage Award, which was presented to Carl Elliot by Edward Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at the John F. Kennedy Library. Elliot was a congressman from Alabama who voted to support civil rights in the 1960s. He was voted out of office and shunned by society as a result of his political beliefs. Vaillancourt reviews Elliot's record as a Congressman. Edward Kennedy and Elliot speak at the ceremony. Caroline Kennedy unveils a statue of John F. Kennedy on the grounds of the J.F.K. Library. Vaillancourt's report also includes footage of the civil rights movement from the Eyes on the Prize series. Vaillancourt reports that the Profile in Courage Award is named for the book, Profiles in Courage, written by John F. Kennedy. She notes that the award is given to elected officials who are not afraid to take risks in order to advance society.
1:00:11: Visual: Black and white footage of John F. Kennedy (former US President) addressing the nation in 1963. He encourages US citizens to support civil rights. Black and white footage from Eyes on the Prize of the civil rights movement. Shot of a white uniformed official grabbing American flags from the hands of African American civil rights protesters. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Carl Elliott (Profile in Courage Award winner) was a congressman from Alabama who voted with Kennedy to support civil rights. V: Shot of Elliott at the Profile in Courage awards ceremony. Vaillancourt reports that racial politics were a divisive issue in Alabama at the time. Vaillancourt notes that Alabaman elected officials included George Wallace and Bull Connors, who were active opponenets of civil rights. Vaillancourt notes that four young girls lost their lives in a racially motivated church bombing in Birmingham in 1963. V: Black and white footage of the civil rights movement from Eyes on the Prize. Shots of a march by opponents to civil rights; of George Wallace (former Governor of Alabama) addressing a crowd; of a tank rolling through the streets. Shots of police officers using fire hoses against civil rights demonstrators. Shots of a funeral procession. Vaillancourt notes that Elliott voted his conscience in 1963; that Elliott was voted out of office in 1964. V: Shot of Elliott at the awards ceremony. Footage of Edward Kennedy (US Senator) speaking at the ceremony. Edward Kennedy says that Elliott would merit his own chapter in an updated version of John F. Kennedy's book, Profiles in Courage. Edward Kennedy says that Elliott was a courageous man. Vaillancourt says that Elliott was honored today at the John F. Kennedy Library for sixteen years in public service. V: Shot of Elliott. Shot of an man addressing the audience at the ceremony. Elliott, Edward Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy (daughter of John F. Kennedy), and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (widow of John F. Kennedy) are among those seated on stage. Shots of the audience at the ceremony. Footage of Elliott addressing the audience at the ceremony. Elliott says that intelligence and competence are not affected by skin color. Vaillancourt stands in front the J.F.K. Library. Vaillancourt reports that the Kennedy family honored Elliott with the first Profile in Courage Award. V: Footage of Edward Kennedy addressing the audience at the ceremony. Edward Kennedy says that he hopes the award will encourage US citizens to value political courage in its elected officials. Edward Kennedy says that he hopes more elected officials will do what is right. Edward Kennedy shakes Elliott's hand. Shots of the media at the ceremony. Vaillancourt reports that Elliott supported legislation to help his poorest constituents; that Elliott helped to write the National Defense Education Act. Vaillancourt notes that Elliott sponsored Medicare and other federal programs. Vaillancourt reports that Elliott's constituents began to see Elliott as too liberal; that Elliott was voted out of office and shunned by local society. Vaillancourt reports that Elliott's law practice lost business; that Elliott now lives on his social security checks. V: Footage of Edward Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Caroline Kennedy rising to present the award to Elliot. Caroline Kennedy presents the award to Elliott. The media takes photographs. Shot of the award. Footage of Elliott addressing the audience at the ceremony. Elliott jokes that he never had access to poll numbers when he was an elected official. Vaillancourt reports that Elliott will receive a $25,000 stipend. Vaillancourt notes that the award is named for the book written by John F. Kennedy; that the award is meant to encourage elected officials to take risks. Vaillancourt adds that the award honors John F. Kennedy's call to public service. V: Footage of Caroline Kennedy unveiling a stutue of John F. Kennedy on the grounds of the J.F.K. Library. The audience applauds. Shots of the statue. Footage of Elliott addressing the audience at the ceremony. Elliott says that he was not "ahead of his time." Elliott says that he was "behind the times that ought to be." The audience applauds. Edward Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis rise to their feet.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/29/1990

Quotas and civil rights

Description: Meg Vaillancourt opens report with person on the street interviews on quotas, affirmative action, and civil rights. Vaillancourt interviews Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) and Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) about the debate concerning minority hiring quotas as a part of civil rights policy. Vaillancourt notes that George Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year because he said the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Nelson opposes affirmative action programs and quotas. Nelson says that the Civil Rights Bill compromises the rights of some in order to benefit others. Wilkerson says that quotas were never a part of the Civil Rights Bill as it was written. Wilkerson says that the Civil Rights Bill would allow women and people of color to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Wilkerson accuses the Republican Party of bringing up quotas in order to undermine the passage of the Civil Rights Bill. Vaillancourt reports that the future of the bill remains uncertain. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of George Bush speaking in October of 1990 and footage of construction workers at a construction site. Vaillancourt's report also features footage from interviews with people on the street about minority hiring quotas. This tape includes additional footage from From Montgomery to Memphis. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Controversy surrounds David Duke's visit to Boston and Carmen Fields reports on the history and present activities of the Ku Klux Klan
1:00:06: Visual: Footage of a white man being interviewed on the street. The man says that African Americans claim to have been discriminated against for many years. The man says that now it is "every man for himself." Footage of a white woman being interviewed at Downtown Crossing. The woman says that businesses should not be required to hire a certain number of minorities; that equal rights are important. Footage of an African American woman being interviewed on the street. The woman says that there is a assumption that people of color and women cannot compete with white men; that this assumption gives quotas a bad name. Shots of people walking through Downtown Crossing. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the majority of people interviewed today at Downtown Crossing opposed job quotas. Vaillancourt asks if job quotas are the issue when it comes to civil rights. V: Footage of Avi Nelson (radio talk show host) being interviewed. Nelson says that quotas are not part of civil rights. Nelson says that people who get jobs because of quotas keep out other people who are more qualified to do the job. Footage of Dianne Wilkerson (attorney) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that she does not understand all of the controversy surrounding job quotas. Wilkerson that no one has publicly admitted being forced to hire people of color or women. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson believes that Republicans use the term quotas because they know that the word has a negative connotation. Vaillancourt reports that Wilkerson prefers the term "remedy." V: Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that there is no "quota bill." Wilkerson says that there is a bill to restore the civil rights of women and people of color. Wilkerson says that Supreme Court decisions of the late 1980s had a devastating impact on the ability of women and people of colors to file lawsuits in cases of discrimination. Vaillancourt reports that Nelson is a republican; that Nelson opposes the ideas of affirmative action. V: Footage of Nelson being interviewed. Nelson says that the grievances of history can never be fully redressed; that it is impossible to achieve a state of equality for all people. Nelson says that the government should commit itself to granting equal opportunity for all in the structure of the laws from this day forward. Nelson says that the government cannot remedy the disadvantaged backgrounds of certain individuals. Footage of George Bush (US President) speaking on October 22, 1990. Bush says that he has long been committed to affirmative action. Vaillancourt reports that Bush vetoed a Civil Rights Bill last year. Vaillancourt notes that Bush said that the bill would encourage the use of quotas by employers. Vaillancourt reports that the word "quota" never appeared in the Civil Rights Bill vetoed by Bush. Vaillancourt notes that the bill shifted the burden of proof onto employers; that employers would need to show that they did not discriminate. Vaillancourt adds that an Congressional effort to override Bush's veto failed by a handful of votes. V: Footage of workers at a construction site. Shot of a worker moving dirt in a wheelbarrow. The worker dumps the dirt outside of a building. Shots of workers digging holes at a construction site. The workers are of diverse races. Footage of Wilkerson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Wilkerson says that supporters of the Civil Rights Bill were not advocating quotas; that quotas were never mentioned in the legislation. Vaillancourt remarks that some people call job quotas the "Willie Horton" of civil rights. Wilkerson agrees with Vaillancourt's remark. Wilkerson says that Bush and David Duke (Louisiana state representative) are in agreement. Wilkerson says that the Republican Party is trying to distance itself from Duke; that the Republican Party and Duke are in agreement on this issue. Footage of Nelson being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Nelson says that the Republican Party has a problem with Duke; that the Democratic Party has a problem with Louis Farrakhan (leader, Nation of Islam). Nelson says that he occasionally agrees with Duke; that he does not embrace Duke as fellow traveler. Nelson says that opponents of the bill do not want to deny civil rights of US citizens. Nelson says that the bill would compromise the civil rights of some in order to give benefits to others. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats in the US House of Representatives have tried to rename the bill this year in order to change the tone of debate; that House Democrats are emphasizing its benefits for white women. Vaillancourt reports that Democrats fear that they will again be accused of promoting quotas. Vaillancourt reports that Senate Democrats have not yet proposed a new bill; that Senate Democrats fear a repeat of last year's debate and Republican victory.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/28/1991

Ralph Abernathy

Description: Jan von Mehren reports that Ralph Abernathy (author and civil rights activist) has written a book about his experiences in the civil rights movement with Martin Luther King, Jr. Von Mehren notes that Abernathy signed copies of the book in Cambridge; she adds that the book is called, And The Walls Came Tumbling Down. Von Mehren reports that the book is controversial because Abernathy has revealed King's human side and his faults. Von Mehren's reports includes footage of the book signing in Cambridge. Michael Dorn (Cambridge resident) says that he would rather not know compromising information about his heroes. Von Mehren interviews Abernathy. Abernathy says that King would have wanted him to write this book. Von Mehren notes that Morris Dees (Southern Poverty Law Center) is one of the leading critics of the book. Von Mehren reviews Abernathy's career in the civil rights movement. Von Mehren's reports includes footage of Abernathy speaking at the Cambridge Baptist Church, and later gathered in the church with Mel King and others. Von Mehren's report also includes clips of Abernathy and King from the film, From Montgomery to Memphis. After the edited story, there is additional black and white footage from From Montgomery to Memphis.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/08/1989

Sailor William Pinkney

Description: Carmen Fields reports that Captain William Pinkney is on a solo quest to sail around the five great capes of the world. Pinkney has already rounded three of the capes and children from around the world are tracking his voyages. Interview with Pinkney, who talks about his next voyage around Cape Horn. He says that he wants children from disadvantaged backgrounds to realize that it is possible to achieve one's goals through hard work and determination. Fields' report includes photos of Pinkney on his boat, footage of Pinkney addressing a group of people and footage from Pinkney's video logs of his journey.
0:59:24: Visual: Footage shot from a boat of rough seas. Footage of Captain William Pinkney (sailor) addressing a group of people. Pinkney says that he was told at age fourteen or fifteen that he had a bleak future. Pinkney says that he was told that he would probably be dead at age twenty from drugs or violent crime. Pinkney says that he was told that he would probably be incarcerated if he was not already dead. Shot from a boat of a sunset over the ocean. Footage taken by William Pinkney of his boat sailing into a harbor. Footage of Pinkney addressing the group. Pinkney says that his seventh grade teacher taught him not to believe what he was told. Carmen Fields reports that Pinkney set out from Charlestown Navy Yard on a boat last August; that Pinkney is on a quest to visit the five great capes of the world on his boat. Field reports that Pinkney has already rounded the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin of Australia and the South East Cape under Tasmania. V: Shots of color photos of Pinkney in his boat. Footage of Pinkney being interviewed by Fields. Pinkney says that he has covered 14,000 miles so far; that he will wait out the winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Pinkney says that it is iceberg season in the Southern Hemisphere. Pinkney says that his next voyage will be from Hobart, Tasmania to Cape Horn. Fields reports that children from around the world are tracking Pinkney's voyage; that Pinkney is making the voyage in order to set an example for young people. V: Footage taken by Pinkney of a group of schoolchildren in Tasmania. The schoolchildren wave and say, "Hello America." Footage of Pinkney being interviewed by Fields. Pinkney says that a dream can become a goal through hard work. Pinkney says that the goal can become a reality if a person is willing to pay the price to succeed. Pinkney says that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other children, must learn that it is possible to achieve their goals and dreams. Fields reports that Pinkney's 47 foot boat is computer-equipped; that Pinkney was able to repair his own steering device at sea. V: Shots of the computer on Pinkney's boat; of rough seas surrounding Pinkney's boat. Fields reports that Pinkney believes that sailors must be resourceful when they are out at sea. V: Footage of Pinkney being interviewed. Pinkney says that his voyage taught him that the present time is what counts. Pinkney says that he never saw any media coverage of the Gulf War while at sea; that he was focused on his journey. Footage from Pinkney's video log from September 8, 1990. Shot of a sunrise near Bermuda. Fields reports that Pinkney will attempt to round Cape Horn next; that Cape Horn is one of the most difficult stretches of water in the world. V: Footage of Pinkney being interviewed. Pinkney says that Cape Horn is "the graveyard of ships"; that many clipper ships were lost there. Pinkney says that Cape Horn is a challenge for all sailors. Pinkney says that he looks forward to the challenge. Pinkney says that he is confident that he will do it.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/22/1991

Sarah Small

Description: Christopher Lydon interviews Sarah Small, who runs the Protestant Ministry at the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. Lydon and Small pray together before the interview. Small talks about her admiration for Martin Luther King, Jr. and her involvement in the civil rights movement. She says that she learned a lot about herself after spending time in jail for participation in the civil rights movement. Small talks about her commitment to helping those in need. She comments on the status of African Americans in US society. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Banks agree to improve access to banking services in low-income neighborhoods and Julian Bond at Harvard University
1:00:10: Visual: Footage of Sarah Small (United Campus Ministries) being interviewed by Christopher Lydon at Packard Manse in Roxbury. Lydon reports that Small runs the Protestant Ministry at the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. Lydon says that Small grew up in rural North Carolina; that Small is a devout Christian. Lydon reports that their interview began with a prayer. V: Footage of Small and Lydon praying together as they hold hands. Footage of Small saying that she has always had great faith in God. Small says that she has always seen great leaders as humans. Small tells a story about how she refused to stand up for Lyndon Johnson (former US President), saying that she only stands up for Jesus. Small talks about how much she loved and admired Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights leader). Small says that King was a leader who was led by the holy spirit. Small says that King knew he had a limited time to accomplish his goals. Lydon reports that Small found her political and spiritual direction when she was in jail in the 1960s. V: Footage of Smalls being interviewed by Lydon. Small says that she ended up in jail a lot; that jail became a restful haven for her. Small says that she is thankful for having gone to jail. Small says that she overcame many fears through going to jail and through her participation in the civil rights movement. Small says that she realized that she is free to do what she wants and to not do what she does not want. Lydon reports that Small often played music for the crowds before King's speeches. Lydon notes that Small's front door at the Packard Manse is always open. V: Shots of Small playing the piano and singing; of three children clapping along with the music. Footage of Small talking about helping the less fortunate. Small says that she feeds and shelters those in need. Small says that she is not afraid to keep her door open, despite the violence on the streets. Small says that she does not own anything that she would not give away to someone else. Lydon reports that Small believes that people need to realize the complexity of real equality. V: Footage of Small being interviewed by Lydon. Small says that African American children learn things twice. Small says that African American culture is different from white culture; that African American children need to learn both cultures. Small says that African American children are not given credit for learning both cultures. Small says that one group of people should not be able to determine cultural standards. Small compares American culture to a vegetable soup. Small says that African Americans are the untapped resource of the US.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/15/1990

William Atkinson

Description: Christy George interviews Dorchester residents about the William Atkinson murder case. Reverend David Venator (United Church of Christ) says that the state could have filed more charges against the defendants; that violations of the civil rights of minorities have become commonplace. Venator says that the Dorchester community needs to deal with the racial prejudice which provoked the death of William Atkinson (Boston resident). Christy George (WGBH reporter) comments that Venator has condemned racial prejudice more severely than Francine Atkinson (William Atkinson's sister). Venator says that he can condemn racial prejudice because he is white; that he does not condone any kind of violence. Venator says that the Atkinson case is an example of a civil rights violation; that he has never experienced racial violence to that degree as a white man. A white male Dorchester resident says that Atkinson's death was not an isolated incident. The man notes that the Dorchester community has reacted strongly and quickly against Atkinson's death. The man says that the Dorchester community intends to see justice done in this case. George asks a white female Dorchester resident if she thinks that the media attention given to the Atkinson case helped bring about a more thorough investigation and the filing of stronger charges. The woman says that the media coverage is a result of the strong reaction against Atkinson's death by members of the Dorchester community. George comments that many white Dorchester residents are supporting the cause of William Atkinson. The woman says that Dorchester residents of all races are working together to fight racial violence and to make Dorchester a safer community. The tape includes footage of court proceedings in Suffolk Superior Court. George Hurd (Judge, Suffolk Superior Court) presides over the courtroom. The lawyers for the defendants identify themselves. The five defendants each plead not guilty to the charges against them. The charges are read out loud. John Kiernan (Assistant District Attorney) makes bail recommendations for the five defendants
0:00:32: Visual: Reverend David Venator (United Church of Christ) says that the state could have filed more charges against the defendants; that violations of the civil rights of minorities have become commonplace; that these violations are not always committed by the same individuals. Venator says that communities must face up to the disease of racial prejudice; that the Dorchester community needs to deal with the racial prejudice which provoked the death of William Atkinson (victim). Christy George (WGBH reporter) comments that Venator has condemned racial prejudice more severely than Francine Atkinson (William Atkinson's sister). Venator says that he can condemn racial prejudice because he is white; that he does not condone any kind of violence. Venator says that the Atkinson case is an example of a civil rights violation; that he has never experienced racial violence to that degree as a white man. A white male Dorchester resident says that Atkinson's death was not an isolated incident. The man wonders if there would have been arrests made in the case if the Dorchester community had not reacted strongly and quickly against Atkinson's death. The man says that the Dorchester community intends to see justice done in this case; that there has been harassment of some individuals involved in the Atkinson case. The man says that he hopes this case will call attention to the need for reform of the legal system. George asks a female Dorchester resident if she thinks that the media attention given to the Atkinson case helped bring about a more thorough investigation and the filing of stronger charges. The woman says that the media coverage is a result of the strong reaction against Atkinson's death by members of the Dorchester community. The woman says that members of the community want to see justice done in the Atkinson case. George comments that many white Dorchester residents are supporting the cause of William Atkinson. The woman says that Dorchester residents of all races are working together to fight racial violence and to make Dorchester a safer community. 0:07:06: V: Reporters and bystanders stand in a lobby. 0:07:13: V: Court proceedings in Suffolk Superior Court. Shots of Judge George Hurd (Suffolk Superior Court), the audience and the crowded courtroom. Hurd rules on a motion. 0:08:42: V: Court proceedings in the arraignments of Francis Devin, William Joyce, Paul MacGregor, Michael Nowacki and Edward Tuffo in the William Atkinson case. Hurd listens as the bailiff reads the names of the defendants. John Kiernan (Assistant District Attorney) speaks to the judge. Neil Connolly (attorney for MacGregor and Tuffo), Odin Anderson (attorney for Nowacki), Pamela Hattern (attorney for Devin) and George Donovan (attorney for Joyce) approach the podium to identify themselves. Audio is muffled. Devin, Joyce, MacGregor, Nowacki and Tuffo can be seen standing in the courtroom behind the lawyers. 0:11:06: V: MacGregor steps up to the microphone and pleads not guilty to five indictments. Nowacki steps up to the microphone and pleads not guilty to four indictments. Tuffo steps up to the microphone and pleads not guilty to four indictments. Devin steps up to the microphone and pleads not guilty to four indictments. Joyce steps up to the microphone and pleads not guilty to four indictments. Shot of all five defendants standing up in the courtroom. Kiernan makes bail recommendations for the defendants. Kiernan notes that Joyce is serving a suspended sentence for an incident in April of 1981. Donovan steps up to the microphone to confirm Kiernan's facts about Joyce. Kiernan makes recommendations on Joyce's bail.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/31/1982