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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

Boston EEOC office opens

Description: Thomas Saltonstall (Area Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) speaks at a press conference to mark the opening of a Boston office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Saltonstall introduces Robert Williams (regional attorney for the EEOC). Saltonstall discusses the EEOC's commitment to the elimination of race discrimination in employment and to equal opportunities for women, older workers and minorities; he announces the initiatives planned by the EEOC to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws. Saltonstall says that the EEOC will focus on voluntary compliance. Saltonstall discusses statistics illustrating the underrepresentation, or "opportunity gap," in the employment of women in management and of minorities in the city's overall work force. Saltonstall presents statistics illustrating the "opportunity gap" for minorities in the printing/publishing industry, the communications industry, investment companies, brokerage firms, and retail stores. Saltonstall talks about the concentration of Boston's minority workers in lower-paying jobs. Tape 1 of 2
1:00:05: Visual: A federal official from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the US Department of Labor stands at a podium speaking to the media at a press conference on the opening of a Boston office of the EEOC. The official commends Thomas Saltonstall (Regional Director, EEOC) and the General Services Administration (GSA) for the design and effective use of space in the new EEOC office. Shot of the EEOC seal on the front of the podium. The official says that the EEOC is committed to equal treatment and access for all citizens; that minorities and women must be given an equal opportunity to advance themselves in the workplace. The official talks about the need for society to renew its commitment to civil rights. The official thanks the audience. Shot of audience members. 1:05:16: V: Saltonstall introduces Robert Williams (regional attorney for the EEOC). Saltonstall talks about the need to redress the employment opportunity gaps which exist for minorities in Boston. Saltonstall says that he will focus on race discrimination in employment; that the EEOC is also committed to equal opportunities for women, older workers and other minorities. Saltonstall announces the initiatives which will be taken by the EEOC to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws. Saltonstall says that the EEOC will promote a program of voluntary compliance with the statutes; that the EEOC will expand its services to the public; that the EEOC will focus on eliminating broad patterns and practices of employment discrimination; that the EEOC will focus on improving the quality and impact of the lawsuits filed. Saltonstall notes that he does not want to preach or embarass anyone. 1:08:23: V: Saltonstall defines the term "opportunity gap." Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the opportunity gap existing in 1980 for women as officials and managers in the Boston area. Saltonstall says that Boston rates among the lowest of six cities in a survey measuring the percentage of women in managerial positions. Saltonstall notes that minorities make up 29% of the labor force in the city of Boston; that minorities make up only 8% of the work force in the metropolitan area; that this disparity is greater in Boston than in any other major city. Saltonstall explains that the metropolitan figure of 8% has been used to calculate opportunity gaps; that the metropolitan figure is low when applied to businesses in the city. Saltonstall defines minorities. Saltonstall explains how the statistics were compiled. 1:13:58: V: Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the opportunity gap for minorities in the business of security/commodity brokerage. Saltonstall explains that individual companies will have performances which are better or worse than the average. Saltonstall notes that an unnamed private company in the Boston area has been targeted for enforcement action by the EEOC; that the unnamed company employs between 500 and 1000 employees; that all of the employees are white and only 3 employees are women. 1:15:28: Visual: Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating the underrepresentation in the printing/publishing industry. Saltonstall notes that minorities are underrepresented as office workers and sales workers. Close-up shot of chart indicating statistical representation of minorities in jobs in the printing/publishing industry. Saltonstall says that many employers have claimed that they cannot find qualified minority employees to hire. Saltonstall says that there is not a shortage of qualified minority employees for low-paying clerical and sales positions. Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap widened for minority workers in the communications industry and other industries between 1970 and 1982. Close-up shot of the chart illustrating statistical representation of minority workers in the communications industry. Saltonstall notes that minorities are underrepresented in all white collar job categories in the communications industry except for office/clerical jobs. Saltonstall adds that many major companies in the communications industry failed to report statistics to the EEOC; that private employers are required by law to report statistics to the EEOC. 1:17:13: Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap widened for minority workers in food stores between 1970 and 1982. Saltonstall says that the statistics are "appalling"; that minority workers are underrepresented in all positions except as laborors and sales workers. Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating representation of minority workers in investment companies. Saltonstall says that the opportunity gap for minorities in investment companies widened between 1970 and 1982; that hiring for managerial positions tripled, while the number of minority workers in those positions decreased. Saltonstall notes that minority workers are underrepresented in all white collar jobs except for clerical positions; that all of the laborors working for investment companies are white; that all of the companies represented by the statistics are located within the city of Boston. Saltonstall refers to a chart illustrating minority worker representation in general merchandise stores. Saltonstall says that the retail industry should be hiring more minority workers because a significant share of their income comes from minority shoppers. Saltonstall notes that the opportunity gap for minority workers in general merchandise stores widened between 1970 and 1982; that the minority participation rate in the industry has declined since 1970. Saltonstall talks about the concentration of minorities in lower-paying jobs.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/19/1984

Ten O'Clock News broadcast

Description: Christopher Lydon and Gail Harris host a Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Christy George reports on a campaign debate between Republican US Senate candidates Elliot Richardson and Ray Shamie. The report includes footage of their debate at Faneuil Hall. Charles Bennett reports on the race between Democratic US Senate candidates Jim Shannon and John Kerry. Bennett reports that Shannon held a press conference to announce the endorsement of his candidacy by several leaders of Vietnam Veterans' groups. The report includes footage from the press conference featuring Shannon and Vietnam veterans Charles Harris and Sam Mullen. Bennett reviews Kerry's history as a Vietnam veteran and talks about Kerry's relations with veterans' groups. Bennett's report also includes footage from a campaign advertisement for Kerry. Lydon and Harris read headlines about Greg Bemis (arsonist) and a hepatitis outbreak in Worcester. Lydon reports on addresses to the B'Nai Brith convention by Ronald Reagan (US president) and Walter Mondale (Democratic candidate for US president). The report includes footage of both candidates addressing the convention. Harris reports on a power-sharing agreement between Israeli leaders Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Shamir. Harris's report features footage of Peres and Shamir at a press conference. Loretta Roach talks about school desegregation ten years later Christopher Lydon interviews in-studio guests Kim Marshall (Director for Curriculum, Boston Public Schools) and Loretta Roach (parent activist) about the state of Boston Public Schools ten years after the beginning of school desegregation. Marshall talks about the educational agenda for the schools; he says that the schools are beginning to improve. Roach says that she is more concerned about quality education than she is about integrated schools. Roach and Marshall say that the schools must concentrate on serving the present student population, which is poor and minority. Harris reads a news brief about school bus safety standards in the aftermath of a school bus accident in Rehoboth, Mass. Donna Hodge reports on Congressional efforts to protect the striped bass population in the Northeast. Hodge notes that there are disagreements between those who support a moratorium on striped bass fishing and those who are opposed to any quotas on striped bass fishing. Hodge's report includes footage from interviews with Kenny Baker (fisherman), Philip Coates (Director, Massachusetts Marine Fisheries) and Owen DeLong (Emergency Striped Bass Council).
1:00:02: Christopher Lydon and Gail Harris introduce the newscast. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. 1:00:54: Christopher Lydon reports on the debate at Faneuil Hall between Republican candidates for the Senate seat of Paul Tsongas (US Senator). Christy George reports on the debate. George says that the candidates disagreed on most of the issues. Visual: Footage of Elliot Richardson (candidate for US Senate) and Ray Shamie (candidate for US Senate) debating tax increases and the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). 1:04:15: Harris reports that Jim Shannon (candidate for US Senate) won the personal endorsement of a number of the leaders of Massachusetts' Vietnam Veterans groups; that opponent John Kerry (candidate for US Senate) is a Vietnam veteran. Charles Bennett reports that Shannon choreographed a "large-scale stunt;" that the media was invited to a press conference where the endorsement was announced. V: Footage from Vietnam- A Television History, of Kerry in Vietnam; of Vietnam protesters in Washington D.C.; of Kerry testifying about Vietnam before the US Congress; of a sign reading "Vietnam Vets against the war." Bennett reviews Kerry's history as a Vietnam veteran and as an activist protesting against the war. V: Footage of Charles Harris (Vietnam veteran) endorsing Shannon at the press conference with other leaders from Vietnam Veterans of Massachusetts Incorporated. Harris wears a pin reading "Vietnam Vets for Shannon." Harris talks about Shannon's sponsorship of a bill declaring a national POW-MIA recognition day. Footage of Shannon talking about the need to provide compensation to the victims of Agent Orange; about the need to improve treatment for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Bennett reports that Shannon made no mention of Kerry; that Sam Mullen (Vietnam veteran) seemed to represent the sentiment of some anti-Kerry veterans. V: Footage of Mullen saying that Kerry had an outstanding record of service; that he finds Kerry's political commercials offensive; that Kerry's performance was not "above and beyond the call" of duty. Footage of Kerry saying that he has a lot of support from veterans; that different veterans have different beliefs. Bennett reports that the veterans' endorsement of Shannon was intended as a rejection of Kerry. V: Footage of Shannon saying that he did not serve in the military. Bennett stands in front of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial. Bennett reports that some veterans may not support Kerry because he was a fierce opponent of the Vietnam War, as well as a war hero. V: Footage of a Kerry political advertisement focusing on the Vietnam War. Bennett reports that some veterans think that Kerry is denouncing the soldiers as well as the war in this political advertisement. V: Footage of Kerry saying that the soldiers were the victims of the Vietnam War; that he has fought to gain recognition for the contribution of the Vietnam veterans. Bennett reports that many veterans are conflicted by Kerry's dual roles as a war hero and an upper-middle class, well-educated war protester. V: Shot of the South Boston Vietnam Memorial. 1:08:39: Lydon and Harris read the news headlines. Harris reports that Kerry won the endorsement of the Black Political Task Force in Roxbury. Lydon reports that Greg Bemis (arsonist) pleaded guilty to 68 counts of arson; that Bemis admitted to setting more than 100 fires in the Boston area as a member of an arson ring in 1982 and 1983; that the arson ring included former Boston area police officers and fire fighters who were protesting the cutbacks resulting from Proposition 2 1/2. Harris reports that the outbreak of hepatitis in Worcester is being complicated by a rare Delta Virus; that this form of hepatitis is very serious; that city officials are trying to institute a program to vaccinate drug abusers who use needles. 1:10:08: Harris gives the weather report. WGBH promotions for the The Ten O'Clock News and Live From Lincoln Center. 1:11:34: Lydon reads the national news headlines. Lydon reports that Walter Mondale (candidate for US President) accused Ronald Reagan (US President) of "moral McCarthyism" and religious zealotry; that Mondale asked for respect of his religion, family values, and patriotism. V: Footage of Mondale and Reagan addressing the B'nai Brith convention in Washington DC. Lydon reports that Reagan talked about the importance of the separation of church and state. Lydon reports that Gerald Ford (former US President) said that Mondale never complained when Jimmy Carter (former US President) mixed religion and politics. Lydon reports on a humorous exchange between Geraldine Ferraro (Mondale's running mate) and a high school student in Independence, Missouri. 1:12:51: Harris reads the international headlines. Harris reports that Shimon Peres (leader, Israeli Labour Party) and Yitzhak Shamir (leader, Israeli Likud Party) have agreed on the details of a power-sharing agreement. V: Footage of Peres and Shamir at a press conference. Harris reports that the Labour Party will handle defense issues and the Likud Party will handle economic issues; that the parties are optimistic that the agreement will work. Harris reports that the US vetoed a resolution by the United Nations Security Council; that the resolution would have demanded that Israel lift restrictions on the movement of people in Southern Lebanon. Harris reports that the US representative rejected the resolution because it did not address the activities of Syrian and Palestinian forces in other parts of Lebanon. 1:14:13: Report on the winning lottery numbers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. 1:14:34: Christopher Lydon reports on the opening of Boston Public Schools. Lydon notes that it has been ten years since the beginning of busing and school desegregation. Lydon introduces in-studio guests Kim Marshall (Director for Curriculum, Boston Public Schools) and Loretta Roach (parent activist). Lydon notes that Marshall called the 1974 court order a "disaster" because it did not integrate the city with the suburbs. Marshall says that he thought few educational advancements could be made without integrating students of diverse social classes as well as students of different races. Marshall says that integration with the suburbs will never happen; that he is more realistic now. Marshall says that he is now concentrating on addressing the important issues on the educational agenda of the Boston Public Schools. Marshall talks about the need for good school principals, for high expectations for all students, for clear curriculum objectives, for test data about student performance, and for a safe climate in the schools. Marshall says that he was not focused enough on the realities of urban classrooms and schools in 1974. Lydon asks Roach what she has learned as a parent since the beginning of school desegregation in 1974. Roach says that the school system has improved; that there are some administrators in place who are concerned with accountability in education and high expectations for students. Roach says that the schools still have a poor record in dealing with racism. Roach says that the integration of social classes is not possible in Boston Public Schools; that the majority of students are African American, Hispanic, and poor. Lydon asks Roach if the court order has tried to address the needs of white students who have left the school system. Roach and Lydon agree that no one knows the whereabouts of the white students who are assigned to integrated public schools and do not show up. Marshall mentions the Jeremiah Burke School as an example of a school which has shown great improvements since desegregation. Marshall says that school administrators are focused on serving the students who are attending the schools. Lydon quotes Hubie Jones (Dean, Boston University) as saying that the Boston Public Schools are a "disaster." Marshall says that the system has just begun to make improvements; that the system has a very long way to go. Marshall notes that a new policy requires students to have an attendance rate of 85% in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Lydon quotes Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) as saying that Robert Dentler (Dean of Education at Boston University and advisor to the federal court) is a "social engineer." Lydon quotes Spillane's predictions that the Boston Public School System will continue to lose white students until it is once again a segregated system. Marshall says that the Boston Public School System has moved beyond school desegregation; that the school system needs to improve in order to attract new students. Roach says that urban schools across the country are in trouble; that African American parents are very concerned with the quality of education in the schools. Roach says that she is more concerned about quality education than she is about integrated schools. Roach says that she has invested a lot of time and effort in the Boston Public Schools; that she feels good about the kind of education her children are receiving. Lydon thanks Marshall and Roach. 1:22:43: Stock report: the Dow Jones average is listed at 1218.86; the volume of the New York Exchange is listed at 91,920,000. 1:23:03: Harris reports reports on school bus safety standards. Harris says that a school bus crash in January in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, could have been much worse without the safety standards adopted in 1977; that the National Transportation Safety Board has determined that Mary Jane Noons (Rehoboth bus driver) could not have avoided the crash; that the board is looking into further safety measures to protect children riding on school buses. 1:23:46: Harris reports that a Congressional committee will force Atlantic states to reduce their catches of striped bass or face a ban on striped bass fishing; that Maryland and Virginia lawmakers oppose quotas on striped bass; that Gary Studds (US Congressman from Massachusetts) and others support the quotas. Donna Hodge reports that Kenny Baker (fisherman) once fished primarily for striped bass. V: Footage of Baker preparing to go out on his boat in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; of Baker piloting his boat out of the harbor. Footage of Baker talking about the challenges involved in fishing for striped bass. Baker says that he feels fortunate to have been able to make a living from fishing for striped bass. Footage of Baker fishing off of his boat. Hodge says that the striped bass population has declined precipitously in Massachusetts. V: Footage of Philip Coates (Director, Massachusetts Marine Fisheries) talking about the decline of the striped bass population due to a combination of overfishing and environmental phenomena. Footage of Baker fishing from his boat. Shots of the coastline and the ocean. Hodge reports that striped bass migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to the North Atlantic every year; that an eleven-state coastal commission has been formed to protect the fish. Hodge reports that regulations on striped bass fishing are very tough in Massachusetts; that some fisherman believe the regulations are excessive. V: Shots of a man fishing off of a boat. Footage of Baker saying that regulations should be equally tough in every state; that a moratorium on fishing for striped bass should be imposed in all of the states along the coast. Shots of a bass being caught on a fisherman's line. Hodge reports that fishermen on Martha's Vineyard are preparing for the annual Striped Bass Derby. V: Footage of Owen DeLong (Emergency Striped Bass Council) saying that an immediate moratorium on striped bass fishing should be imposed along the whole east coast; that the Striped Bass Derby is inappropriate and morally wrong at this time. Footage of workers at a fish processing plant. Hodge reports on the need for uniform regulations among all states involved in striped bass fishing. Hodge reports that Claudine Schneider (US Congresswoman from Rhode Island) has proposed a three-year moratorium on striped bass fishing. V: Footage of DeLong saying that Studds, Edward Kennedy (US Senator) and John Chafee (US Senator) have all filed bills to regulate striped bass fishing; that strict regulations must be imposed in the next few months in order to save the species. Shots of an aquarium exhibit of striped bass. Harris reports that Studds has defended his plan as a compromise between those pushing for a moratorium on fishing and those who want no regulation at all. Harris notes that the organizers of the Striped Bass Derby on Martha's Vineyard have said that the competition will proceed as planned. 1:29:05: Harris and Lydon close the newscast. End credits roll.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/06/1984

Apartheid Protest

Description: Apartheid protesters gather in front of the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza in Boston, surrounded by press. Mel King (community activist), Charles Yancey (Boston City Council) and Willard Johnson (Head, TransAfrica) demand to see Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa). Police officers bar entry to the building. Johnson announces to the media that the protesters will ask for Blankstein's resignation from his post. He adds that they will ask Blankstein's law firm to sever ties with South Africa. Johnson and the others are eventually allowed to enter the building. Several takes of reporter standup. Police, protesters and the media wait outside of the building. Themba Vilakazi (member of African National Congress) is interviewed by the media, announcing the resignation of Blankstein, and noting that Blackstein doesn't want to talk to the media. Johnson, King and Yancey exit the building. Johnson reads a statement of resignation from Blankstein, which says he is not a supporter of apartheid. Johnson announces a victory for the protesters. Johnson, King and Yancey walk over to a group of protesters on the street. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) leads the protesters in a chant. Johnson announces the resignation of Blankstein. The crowd cheers.
1:04:34: V: Johnson tells the media that the protestors have asked for the right to meet with Blankstein; that they would like to ask Blankstein to resign from his post as honorary consul. Johnson says that the protestors are acting in the best interest of the public. Johnson says that the protestors are willing to meet with Blankstein outside of the building. Johnson says that Blankenstein must resign publicly; that his law firm must sever ties with South Africa. Johnson says that the police officer has gone inside to ask Blankstein to meet with the protestors. Johnson says that the protestors' goal is to force the resignation of Blankstein; that the protestors will focus next on other corporations with ties to South Africa. 1:06:30: V: Four protestors, including Yancey and Johnson, are let into the building. They are accompanied by Themba Vilakazi (member, African National Congress). Police officers stand guard at the entrance to the building. Protestors and the media wait on the sidewalk outside of the entrance. Tug Yourgrau reports from the sidewalk in front of the entrance. The chants of protestors are audible. Yourgrau reports that Blankstein has been honorary counsel to South Africa in Boston for two years; that Blankstein has refused to be interviewed on camera. Yourgrau reports that the protestors have promised to picket Blankstein's offices again of Friday; that a candlelight vigil has been planned on Sunday at the Boston Public Library. Yourgrau does several takes of his comments for the news story. 1:09:13: V: Police officers are lined up in front of the entrance to the building. The sidewalk is crowded with members of the media, protestors and bystanders. 1:10:13: V: Vilakazi talks to the media. Vilakazi reports that Blankenstein has signed a letter of resignation, which he will hand to the protestors. Vilakazi reports that Blankenstein has said that the actions of the protestors influenced his decision to resign. Vilakazi notes that Blankenstein has said that he does not support apartheid. 1:11:20: V: The media and protestors peer curiously into the lobby of the building. Johnson exits the building, accompanied by King and Yancey. Johnson reads a statement of resignation from Blankstein. Blankstein's statement describes his post as honorary consul. The statement denies that Blankstein is a supporter of apartheid. The statement reads that Blankstein does not wish to be made an apologist for the South African government. Johnson shows the letter to the media. Johnson says that Blankenstein's resignation is a victory for the protestors. Johnson says that the protestors will target other corporations with ties to the South African government. 1:14:02: V: Johnson, King and Yancey walk away from the building. The three men walk toward a group of protestors on the street. A large group of protestors is picketing on the sidewalk. The protestors chant, "Blankstein, resign." Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands on the bed of a pick-up truck, leading the chant through a bullhorn. Johnson takes the bullhorn from the man and addresses the crowd. Stith starts to cheer. King and Yancey stand on the bed of the pick-up truck with Johnson. Johnson announces Blankstein's resignation and holds up the letter. Johnson reads a portion of the statement from Blankstein. The crowd cheers as Johnson reads the statement. Shots of the crowd of protestors. The crowd chants, "Freedom, yes. Apartheid, no."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/04/1984

Apartheid Protest

Description: A group of apartheid protesters picket the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza in Boston. Police officers stand at the door to the consulate. Willard Johnson (Head of TransAfrica) speaks to the crowd of picketers through a bullhorn. Themba Vilakazi (member of the African National Congress) addresses the crowd, condemning the South African government and criticizing Ronald Reagan for engaging in a policy of "constructive engagement" with the South African government. City Councilor Charles Yancey addresses the crowd, praising Bishop Desmond Tutu and urging the protesters to engage in acts of civil disobedience to protest apartheid. Community activist Mel King addresses the crowd, calling for the resignation of Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa). King criticizes the Reagan administration's policies in South Africa and talks about the need for large companies to divest from South Africa. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands beside the speakers. Johnson expresses his support for Nelson Mandela and all those fighting apartheid in South Africa.
1:00:00: Visual: The WGBH camera crew sets up its equipment. A diverse group of anti-apartheid protestors picket the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza. More than 100 protestors carry signs and chant, "1, 2, 3, 4, let's close the consulate door." Shot of a white protest leader leading the chant with a bullhorn. 1:02:48: V: A police officer stands in front of the entrance to the building. He carries a two-way radio. Another officer stands with him. 1:03:20: V: The protestors continue to picket, chanting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, this consulate has got to go." Willard Johnson (head of TransAfrica) speaks to the crowd of picketers through a bullhorn. He urges them to keep the picket line moving. 1:04:19: V: Themba Vilakazi (member, African National Congress) speaks to the crowd about the struggle of black South Africans. Vilakazi criticizes the policies of the ruling government in South Africa. He says that the South African government in engaged in a brutal repression of the residents of black townships. Vilakazi says that the African National Congress (ANC) welcomes worldwide condemnation of the white regime. Vilakazi criticizes the policy of Ronald Reagan (US President) toward South Africa. Vilakazi condemns the Reagan administration's policy of "constructive engagement" with the ruling government. Vilakazi praises the actions of three US political leaders who encouraged an anti-apartheid sit-in at the South African embassy in Washington DC. Vilakazi encourages anti-apartheid protestors across the world. Shots of the picketers. Vilakazi talks about the ANC struggle for freedom in South Africa. Vilakazi closes his speech by saying, "We will win." The protestors chant, "We will win." 1:07:10: V: Johnson introduces Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Johnson says that Yancey introduced legislation in the City Council for the divestment of city funds from South Africa. Yancey talks about his "unceasing opposition" to the policies of apartheid. Yancey criticizes the repression of blacks in South Africa. Other protest leaders help Yancey to adjust the bullhorn. Yancey says that the international community cannot tolerate the apartheid policies of the South African government. Yancey talks about the previous day's visit to Boston by Bishop Desmond Tutu (South African anti-apartheid leader). Yancey notes that Tutu has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Yancey calls on all people to join the protest against apartheid. Yancey criticizes the federal government's policy toward South Africa. Yancey talks about the importance of acts of civil disobedience in opposing apartheid in South Africa. The crowd applauds. 1:10:15: V: The crowd applauds as Mel King (political activist) takes the bullhorn. King thanks the protestors for coming out to protest. Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands next to King. King challenges Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa) to come down from the consulate and speak to the protestors. King challenges Blankstein to resign in protest of the South African government's apartheid policies. King accuses the Reagan administration of engaging in racist policies in South Africa. King says that protestors will picket multi-national corporations who do business in South Africa; that large corporations need to divest from South Africa. King accuses these corporations of supporting apartheid. King talks about a South African trade union leader who has been jailed by the South African government. King says that the trade union leader has encouraged US protestors to push for corporate divestiture from South Africa. King calls for an end to Reagan's policies and an end to apartheid. 1:14:16: V: Johnson puts on a hat with a sign pinned to it. The sign reads, "For shame." Johnson addresses the crowd. Johnson quotes Nelson Mandela (ANC leader) as saying that he is prepared to die for a free South Africa. Johnson expresses support for Mandela and the black South Africans who are fighting apartheid.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/04/1984