Description: Marcus Jones interviews Louis Elisa, from the State Office of Environmental Affairs. Jones notes that Elisa is a neighborhood environmental activist in Roxbury. Elisa and Jones walk through Roxbury and Franklin Park while they talk. Elisa talks about the need for the environmental movement to open up to minorities. Elisa notes that many people do not believe that African Americans are committed to the environment. Elisa talks about his efforts to improve his own neighborhood. Elisa notes that he is trying to prevent the dumping of garbage on a nearby vacant lot. Jones and Elisa discuss the rehabilitation of Franklin Park in Roxbury. Elisa says that the Franklin Park Coalition sought corporate funding to clean up the park, leading to a public/private partnership. Elisa talks about the need to give young people access to the outdoors. He adds that access to the outdoors and recreational activities might decrease violence in the city. Following the edited story is additional footage of Elisa and Jones walking through the city as they discuss environmental issues.
1:00:05: Visual: Shots of the exterior of the Saltonstall Building on Cambridge Street in Boston; of Louis Elisa (State Office of Environmental Affairs) and Marcus Jones (WGBH reporter) exiting the building. Marcus Jones reports that Elisa works in the Saltonstall Building for the State Office of Environmental Affairs. Jones notes that Elisa is a neighborhood environmental activist in Roxbury. V: Footage of Elisa being interviewed by Jones on the street. Elisa says that the environmental movement is often associated with rural and suburban areas; that many urban residents are concerned about the environment. Jones notes that Elisa is an African American urban resident; that the environmental movement has not done enough to reach minority and urban constituents. V: Footage of Elisa being interviewed by Jones. Elisa says that the environmental movement has been shortsighted; that many people see a great divide between rural and urban areas. Elisa says that many people do not believe that African Americans are committed to the environment. Elisa says that the environmental movement does not understand that African Americans use and enjoy parks and open spaces. Elisa says that the environmental movement needs to open up to minorities. Shot of Elisa and Jones walking down a Roxbury street. Jones reports that problems with crime and violence take precedence over environmental issues in Roxbury; that a group of environmentalists in Roxbury are trying to make a difference. Jones notes that Elisa and his neighbors have been trying to get a lot near his apartment building cleaned off. V: Shots of Jones and Elisa walking through an abandoned lot. Audio of Elisa saying that the lot is an eyesore; that the lot is an affront to the residents of the community. Elisa says that he called the city of Boston to complain about garbage being dumped on the lot. Elisa says that the city told him that the owner of the lot could do what he wanted with the lot. Elisa says that the neighboring houses are looked after carefully. Jones reports that Franklin Park is an example of an environmental success story in Roxbury. V: Shot of a golfer hitting a golf ball at Franklin Park. Footage of Elisa saying that a group of Roxbury residents including Elma Lewis got together to advocate for Franklin Field Park; that the advocates began to clean up the park. Elisa says that the park was created by Frederick Law Olmsted (landscape architect); that the park is an asset for the city. Elisa says that the advocates found corporate funding to clean up the park. Elisa says that the rehabilitation of the park is an example of a public-private partnership. Shots of golfers walking across the fairway at the golf course at Franklin Park; of the golf course. Shot of Elisa and Jones walking along a path in Franklin Park. Audio of Elisa saying that it is important for young people to have access to parks, campgrounds, ice skating rinks and coastal areas. Elisa says that more access to the outdoors might decrease violence in the inner city.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/18/1990
Description: Compilation of Christopher Lydon stories. Christopher Lydon interviews Bill Lee (pitcher, Montreal Expos) at Fenway Park. Lee discusses the possibility of a baseball strike. Lee talks about unions and his feelings about baseball. Lee says that he is no longer "addicted" to baseball. Three essays by Robert J. Lurtsema about the coming of summer, the coming of fall and barnacles. Lydon reports on the upcoming preliminary elections for the Boston City Council. Lydon analyzes voting patterns in various districts and the political networks of some candidates. Lydon notes that there has been little voter interest in the campaign. The report includes interviews with and profiles of candidates Maureen Craven Slade, Craig Lankhorst, and Stephen Michaels. Lydon reports from the Boston Celtics' practice court in Brookline. Lydon interviews Ernie DiGregorio (basketball player) and Nate "Tiny" Archibald for the report. Lydon's second report on the upcoming preliminary elections for Boston City Council includes footage from interviews with several candidates including Maura Hennigan, James Kelly, David Scondras, Charles Yancey, Ed McNamara, and Michael McCormack. The candidates talk about voter anger and apathy, the city's fiscal crisis, the need for better city services and the policies of Kevin White (Mayor of Boston). Lydon interviews Donald Woods (South African journalist) about South Africa. Woods criticizes the US veto of the United Nations condemnation of the South African invasion of Angola. Woods says that the white minority in South Africa must negotiate with the black majority in order to avoid a civil war. Woods compares the political situations in South Africa to that of Northern Ireland.
1:00:04: Christopher Lydon interviews Bill Lee (pitcher, Montreal Expos) at Fenway Park. Lee says that he is happy to come back to Fenway Park to play a game. V: Shots of Montreal Expos practicing at Fenway Park. Lee says that he is disappointed to see changes at Fenway Park. He criticizes the disappearance of the bleacher seats, the installation of plastic seats and the increase in advertising at the park. Lydon asks Lee about the baseball strike. Lee says that the players had to strike to maintain the status quo; that unions in the US are being pushed out of existance by a "conservative" government; that he fears the advent of an Orwellian future in this country. Lee says that the issue of uncompensated free agency was not important to him; that he does not believe in free agency. Lee talks about the concept of free agency. He says that the baseball system is destined to fail because it is based on a "false foundation." Lee digresses, talking about the fact that Fenway Park is built on a landfill. Lee says that he is no longer "addicted" to baseball; that he does not need to play at the professional level; that he is playing professional baseball because his "old lady" wants him to. Lee says that the season has been exciting so far. He digresses again, talking about raising fish on an Indian reservation in Bellingham. Lee says that the US needs to give land back to Native Americans. Lydon and Lee shake hands as the interview ends. 1:04:27: Robert J. Lurtsema's essay on beach plums and the coming of summer. Segment is accompanied by shots of beach plums; of trees; of a deserted dirt road lined with bushes and trees. 1:06:59: Robert J. Lurtsema's essay on the coming of fall and the need to adapt a slower tempo as the year draws to a close. Segment is accompanied by shots of trees and the landscape in a small park. 1:09:51: Robert J. Lurtsema's essay on barnacles, which cover the rocks along the coast. Segment is accompanied by shots of barnacles-covered rocks along the ocean shore; of a marsh at sunset. 1:13:02: Christopher Lydon stands outside of Boston City Hall. Lydon reports that the preliminary elections for City Council seats are ignored by voters in non-mayoral election years; that six out of seven residents did not vote in the preliminary City Council elections four years ago. Lydon reports that City Council candidates represent areas of the city with a politically active electorate. V: Shot of a map of Boston. South Boston, Dorchester, and West Roxbury are highlighted in red. Lydon reports that some sections of South Boston, Dorchester, and West Roxbury had voter turnouts as high as 30% four years ago. V: Shot of the same map of Boston. Areas around South Boston, Dorchester, Hyde Park, and West Roxbury are highlighted in yellow. Lydon reports that neighborhoods with high percentages of white families and homeowners have higher voter turnouts; that these voters have often supported candidates like Louise Day Hicks (former Boston City Councilwoman) and Joseph Timilty (former mayoral candidate). Lydon reports that East Boston, the Back Bay, Allston/Brighton, the South End, Mattapan, and Roxbury usually have low voter turnouts. Lydon reports that City Councillors Rosemarie Sansone, John Sears, and Lawrence DiCara will not seek reelection this year; that the three councillors are popular with younger, progressive voters. Lydon reports that the young, progressive voters tend to live along the waterfront and in the West End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and the Back Bay. V: Shots of DiCara, Sansone and Sears. Shot of the highlighted map of Boston with the waterfront, the West End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill, and a few other neighborhoods highlighted in green. Lydon says that progressive voters like a polished candidate. Lydon reports that there has been little interest in the campaign; that there have been few advertisements and little media attention. Lydon says that a good political organization is crucial to the candidates. V: Shots of candidates meeting with voters. Lydon says that "house party politics" is at the heart of the campaign; that Kevin White (mayor, City of Boston) has the best organized political network in the city; that his support will help the "Kevin seven" candidates. Lydon reports that police officers have a network which may help Ed McNamara (City Council candidate); that fire fighters may organize to help Joe Maher (City Council candidate). Lydon says that roots in a politically active neighborhood, a good political network, a polished image, and a recognized name are all assets in the race for a City Council seat. V: Shot of signs for City Council candidates Brian Hickey, Frederick Langone, and Ray Flynn. Lydon reports that Maureen Craven Slade (candidate, Boston City Council) was not endorsed by The Boston Globe or by White; that she has a very well-connected family. Lydon reports that Craven Slade uses her maiden name. Lydon reviews the political careers of her father, mother, brother and cousin. Lydon notes that her mother was a legendary City Councilwoman in the 1960s. V: Footage of Lydon interviewing Craven Slade. Craven Slade says that she has 60 first cousins in her political organization. Footage of Craven Slade saying that many voters remember her mother; that many of her mother's former supporters have formed a political network promoting her candidacy. Lydon reports that Craig Lankhorst (candidate, Boston City Council) is a progressive candidate who has been endorsed by the Boston Globe; that his support is strong in "non-voting" neighborhoods. V: Footage of Lankhorst saying that he is campaigning city-wide; that he has connections in Brighton and in African American neighborhoods. Lankhorst says that he is also concentrating on Ward 16 and West Roxbury; that he needs all of his supporters in the "non-voting" neighborhoods to get out to the polls. Lydon reports that Stephen Michaels (candidate, Boston City Council) has roots in West Roxbury, a polished image and support from White. V: Footage of Lydon interviewing Michaels. Michaels says that he was a community activist in West Roxbury; that he has family and friends in Dorchester and South Boston; that he has an endorsement in the Beacon Hill District. Michaels says that it is impossible to campaign city-wide in the primary. Lydon reports that Michaels's surname has been shortened from a longer Polish name; that the Polish clubs all know about his Polish background. 1:20:41: Lydon reports on Press Day at the Boston Celtics' practice court in Brookline. V: Shots of Celtics' players shooting baskets while the press stands around the court; of Robert Parish (player, Boston Celtics). Footage of Ernie DiGregorio (basketball player) talking to Lydon about Channel 2. Shot of Larry Bird (player, Boston Celtics) talking to a reporter. Lydon reports that DiGregorio was a star at Providence College; that DiGregorio is trying out for a spot on the Celtics' team. V: Footage of DiGregorio saying that he will make the team if he is good enough; that he feels no pressure. Footage of Nate "Tiny" Archibald (player, Boston Celtics) saying that DiGregorio will have to learn how to run the plays out on the court. Lydon reports that DiGregorio will have to compete with Archibald for playing time. Lydon jokes about being taller than Archibald. He humorously speculates about his potential for a career in basketball. 1:22:28: Lydon reports that eighteen candidates are running for nine seats on the Boston City Council; that the candidates have been campaigning across the city. V: Shots of Raymond Flynn (candidate, Boston City Council) walking to church with his family; of Lydon interviewing Maura Hennigan (candidate, Boston City Council) in front of the Park Plaza Hotel; of a campaign sign for Charles Yancey; of Lydon interviewing James Kelly (candidate, Boston City Council) in South Boston. Lydon says that the candidates have reported apathy and anger among the voters. V: Footage of Craig Lankhorst (Boston City Council candidate) saying that city residents who have been affected by cuts in the city budget and city services are upset; that residents who have been unaffected by cuts seem to be cynical and apathetic. Footage of Hennigan saying that voters talk about wanting change, but vote for the same candidates over and over. Footage of Kelly saying that voters feel like the City Council has no influence; that Kevin White (Mayor, City of Boston) holds all of the power. Footage of David Scondras (Boston City Council candidate) saying that voters are frustrated; that they do not understand where the city's money is going. Lydon says that the City Council elections have been overshadowed by controversy between the White and the state over the Tregor Bill. V: Footage of Charles Yancey (Boston City Council candidate) with campaign signs; of a Boston Fire Department station. Lydon says that City Council candidates have ignored the mayor's warning of a money crisis; that the candidates are campaigning for better services to city residents. V: Footage of Scondras saying that the city has not collected $60 million in back taxes; that the Tregor Bill exists to pay off a few wealthy interests who can be put off; that the city has not been managed efficiently. Scondras says that emergency money marked for city services must be used for those services. Footage of Kelly saying that White has a history of hiding the true financial figures; that he is not sure if there is a fiscal crisis. Footage of Hennigan saying that the voters have confused the Tregor Bill and Proposition 2 1/2; that the city is facing a fiscal crisis. Footage of Yancey saying that the city is facing a budget crunch due to Proposition 2 1/2; that some of the cuts in services were not necessary; that there is excess spending elsewhere in the administration. Lydon reports that Ed McNamara (candidate, Boston City Council) is a former FBI employee and former police commissioner. V: Footage of McNamara campaigning outside of a Roche Brothers' supermarket. He says that the city is faced by a cash shortage; that the city is not faced with a fiscal crisis. Lydon reports that none of the six incumbent City Councillors support White; that City Council resistance to White's policies will continue no matter who is elected. V: Shots of City Council members in the City Council chambers. Footage of McNamara saying that the voters' mandate is "anti-administration." Footage of Hennigan saying that voters want police officers and fire fighters back on the street; that voters want the City Council to make Proposition 2 1/2 work; that voters want the council to stand up to the mayor on issues instead of politics. Footage of Michael McCormack (candidate, Boston City Council) saying that voters want city services restored; that voters want the council to control the mayor's spending. Footage of Kelly saying that voters want the City Council to work with the mayor when he is right and oppose the mayor when he is wrong. Kelly notes that the mayor is rarely right. 1:27:25: Christopher Lydon interviews Donald Woods (South African anti-apartheid activist). Woods talks about the US veto of the United Nations condemnation the South African invasion of Angola. Woods says that the US veto encourages the white minority to believe that the US condones their actions; that the US veto allows the Soviet Union to pose as a friend of the black South Africans. Woods says that it is possible to avoid a civil war in South Africa only if western governments put pressure on the white minority. Woods says that the white minority must negotiate with black South Africans to allow the drafting of a democratic constitution. Lydon asks Woods about parallels between South Africa and Northern Ireland. Woods says that Northern Ireland and South Africa are similar in the tactics used by the minority to control the majority. Woods says that there will be no peace in Ireland until the British pull out of the country. Lydon comments that the minority in both countries are well armed and resistant to pressure. Woods says that there are "myths" surrounding the minorities in both countries; that Ian Paisley (leader of the Democratic Unionist Party of Ireland) may be full of "hot air;" that the Protestants in Northern Ireland must realize that they are Irish and must learn to live in Ireland; that South African whites must realize that they live on a black continent.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/01/1981
Description: Interview with Attorney General Francis Bellotti about investigating corruption and the McKee-Berger-Mansueto (MBM) scandal.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/07/1978
Description: Carmen Fields reports that Dr. James Williams, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will fast each Wednesday in April outside of the office of the president of MIT. Williams is protesting the lack of diversity among the faculty at MIT. There are fourteen African Americans in a faculty of 900 professors. Interview with Williams, who talks about the role of professors as role models and the need for a diverse faculty. He says that he is trying to encourage minority students to fight for change. Interview with MIT spokesperson Ken Campbell, who talks about the university administration's efforts to hire more minority faculty. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Meg Vaillancourt reports on the annual Black/Jewish Seder supper
0:59:01: Visual: Footage of Dr. James Williams (professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology) being interviewed. Williams says that his mother inspired his current protest actions. Williams talks about his mother as a sensitive and caring person. Carmen Fields reports that Williams will fast and work outside of the office of the president of MIT. V: Shots of the door of the president's office; of Williams working at a table near the door. Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that minority students must act; that minority students must not be discouraged by institutional intransigence. Williams says that minority students must act decisively to effect change. Shot of Williams working at the table outside of the president's office. Fields reports that Williams is an MIT graduate; that Williams is dissatisfied with the lack of African American faculty at the school. Fields notes that there are fourteen African American faculty members in a faculty of 900 professors. V: Shot of a building on the MIT campus. Shot of Williams speaking to a group of students of color. Fields reports that Williams believes that African American students and all students need African American role models. V: Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that he is trying to be a role model for minority students through his protest. Williams says that professors are role models even if they do not want to be. Williams says that professor can choose what kinds of role models to be. Fields reports that MIT believes that Williams has reason to protest. V: Footage of Ken Campbell (MIT spokesperson) being interviewed. Campbell says that the university agrees with Williams; that there are too few minority faculty members. Campbell says that two more African American faculty members have been hired since Dr. Charles Vest (president, MIT) became president of the university. Campbell says that the school needs to make more progress. Fields reports that Williams believes that protest is still necessary. V: Footage of Williams being interviewed. Williams says that people must still act in the face of slow-moving institutions. Williams says that people must not give up in defeat.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/03/1991
Description: Deborah Wang reports on a labor dispute concerning the Boston Harbor Cleanup project. Wang notes that labor have signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), in which the unions have promised not to strike if the MWRA agrees to hire only union workers for the project. Interview with John Cruz of J.B. Cruz Construction, who says that many minority businesses would like to bid on the project. Cruz can afford union wages but cannot afford union rules. He says that his business is more efficient because his workers are not unionized. Interview with Richard Fox of the MWRA), who says that the MWRA wants to avoid a work stoppage during the project. Interview with Joe Nigro of the Building Trades Council, who says that unions give workers good healthcare and pensions. Wang reports that Cruz and other non-union contractors may challenge the agreement in court. Following the edited story is additional b-roll footage of construction workers and construction sites.
1:00:08: Visual: Shots of two African American men moving a heavy object from the basement of a building; of a truck belonging to the J.B. Cruz Company; of rowhouses being renovated in Roxbury. Deborah Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company has been building and renovating homes in Roxbury since 1948. V: Shots of two African American men lifting a heavy object onto the back of a truck. Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company hopes to bid on the Boston Harbor Cleanup project; that the Boston Harbor Cleanup project is the largest public works project to date. V: Shot of an African American man working on the wiring of a home. Footage of John Cruz (J.B. Cruz Construction) being interviewed by Wang. Cruz says that he hopes the project will have a 30% minority set-aside; that minority businesses see the program as a great opportunity. Shots of an African American man operating a tractor; of rubble being transported out of a building on a conveyor belt. Wang reports that the J.B. Cruz Company may not be able to bid on work for the Harbor Cleanup project because the J.B. Cruz Company runs an "open shop" using non-union labor. Wang reports that the city's unions do not want non-union workers to participate in the project. V: Shots of two African American construction workers examining a document; of a construction worker measuring a pipe. Footage of Cruz saying that the union policy is discriminatory. Cruz says that he has been fighting discrimination all of his life. Shots of a construction worker operating a backhoe; of a construction worker using a welding torch. Wang reports that the unions are in control of the Boston Harbor Cleanup project; that the unions have signed a labor agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Wang notes that the unions have promised not to strike during the ten-year project. Wang adds that the unions consider the no-strike clause as a major concession. V: Shots of a construction site; of a worker descending stairs on a piece of scaffolding; of a construction worker using a mallot. Footage of Richard Fox (MWRA) saying that a work stoppage during the project could cost millions of dollars. Fox says that the MWRA wanted an agreement which guaranteed good relations with labor and construction workers. Shot of two construction workers walking on a job site; of a construction worker working in a subterranean structure; of a construction worker operating a backhoe. Wang reports that the unions fought for a clause stating that all workers on the project must be union members. Wang notes that Cruz must enroll all of his workers in a union if he wants to bid on the Harbor Cleanup Project. Wang reports that Cruz says that he can afford union wages but cannot afford union rules. V: Shots of construction workers working at a construction site; of Cruz being interviewed by Wang. Shots of a gravel truck at a construction site; of the driver of the gravel truck. Footage of Cruz saying that his business runs more efficiently because his business is not subject to union work restrictions. Shots of workers shoveling rocks down a chute into a building. Footage of Joe Nigro (Building Trades Council) saying that unions try to give workers good healthcare and a healthy pension. Nigro says that Cruz pays his workers low wages; that Cruz does not offer health and welfare benefits. Wang stands at a construction site. Wang reports that unions have a highly skilled work force; that unions get most of the jobs on big construction projects. Wang notes that unions can often dictate the labor terms on big construction projects. V: Footage of Cruz being interviewed by Wang. Cruz says that the unions are threatened by open-shop contractors because they are more efficient. Shots of a construction site near Boston Harbor. A worker climbs on a half-built structure. Another worker stands on a large piece of equipment. Wang reports that other non-union contractors are unhappy about the labor agreement for the Boston Harbor Cleanup project. Wang notes that a trade group may challenge the agreement in court; that the lawsuit could signal further delays for the Harbor Cleanup Project. V: Shots of construction workers at a site near Boston Harbor; of the Boston skyline; of large equipment operating in the harbor.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/26/1989
Description: Marcus Jones reports that Mamie Till-Mobley (civil rights activist) received a lifetime activism award from a Massachusetts senior citizen action group. Jones reports that Till-Mobley's son, Emmett, was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955. Jones notes that Till-Mobley's determination to bring the murderers to justice has been an inspiration to other African Americans. Jones notes that the Eyes On The Prize series has brought attention to Till-Mobley's role in the civil rights movement. Jones' report includes footage from Eyes on the Prize. Jones reports that James Farmer (civil rights activist) also received an award from the organization. Jones' report features footage of Farmer and Till-Mobley at a press conference after the awards ceremony. Jones interviews Till-Mobley, who discusses her role in the civil rights movement. Jones notes that Till-Mobley has organized the Emmett Till players, who travel with Mobley to spread the message of the civil rights movement. Jones' report includes footage of performances at the awards ceremony by Ericka Elcy and Patrice Richardson of the Emmett Till Players.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Mamie Till-Mobley talking about the civil rights movement. Till-Mobley says that she wanted the world to see the horrible events taking place in the US. Marcus Jones reports that the brutal murder of Emmet Louis Till startled the nation in 1955; that Emmet Louis Till was from Chicago; that Emmet Louis Till was visiting relatives in Mississippi in 1955. Jones reports that Emmet Louis Till said "Bye, baby" to a white woman when exiting a grocery store; that Emmet Louis Till's body was found in the Tallahatchie River a few days later. V: Footage from Eyes On The Prize of Emmet Louis Till's funeral. Shots of a black and white photo of Emmet Louis Till; of Bryant's grocery store in Mississippi; of a river. Footage from Eyes on the Prize of Mamie Till-Mobley at a press conference. Shots of whites seated in an audience. Jones reports that Till-Mobley's determination to bring her son's murderers to justice was an inspiration to other African Americans. V: Black and white footage from Eyes On The Prize of Rosa Parks (civil rights activist); of Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights leader); of a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama; of white people seated at the front of a bus. Footage of Mamie Till-Mobley and James Farmer (civil rights activist) at a press conference in Boston in June of 1988. Till talks about her quest for justice in 1955. Shots of reporters at the press conference. Till-Mobley and Farmer embrace. Jones reports that Till-Mobley and Farmer received lifetime activism awards from a Massachusetts senior citizen action group. V: Shots of members of the action group seated in a room. Footage of Alfred Saunders (member of the senior citizen action group) greeting Till-Mobley. Footage of Saunders saying that Till-Mobley's commitment to justice inspired the civil rights movement. Footage of Ericka Elcy (member, Emma Till Players) performing in front of the members of the senior citizen group. Elcy says that people must be committed to their goals and life's work. Jones reports that Till-Mobley has organized a group in Chicago called the Emma Till Players; that the young people in the Emma Till Players travel with Till-Mobley to spread the message of the civil rights movement. V: Footage of Patrice Richardson (member, Emma Till Players) performing. Richardson reciting a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr. Shots of Till, Farmer and the audience applauding for Richardson. Footage of Till-Mobley talking about how her role in the civil rights movement may have gotten lost in history. Till-Mobley says that her role in the movement stems from an "ugly" incident; that no one wants to remember "ugly" incidents. Footage from Eyes On The Prize of Till-Mobley in 1955. Till-Mobley says that she hopes that her son's death will mean something to other oppressed people. Shots of Till-Mobley at her son's funeral. Jones reports that the Eyes On The Prize series has shed light on Till-Mobley's role in the civil rights movement. V: Footage of Till-Mobley being interviewed by Jones. Till-Mobley says that she is interested in seeing a renewal of activism; that kids today need to be directed toward positive ways of living; that drugs and gangs are a problem for youth today.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/24/1988
Description: Marcus Jones reports that supporters of the proposed city of Mandela, Massachusetts, are raising the issue again. Voters rejected the 1986 proposal to incorporate the Greater Roxbury neighborhood into a new city. Supporters of the proposal have put together a video to educate voters about the benefits of forming a new city, by Maverick Video. Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) is shown in the video. Interview with Curtis Davis (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) about the video and about the Mandela proposal. The referendum question on Mandela will be on the ballot again this year. Review of the boundaries of the proposed city and the specifics of the proposal. Marcus Jones notes that the 1986 referendum question received national media attention. Marcus Jones' report includes footage of Davis, Andrew Jones and other Mandela supporters at a press conference in 1986 and footage from an episode of the Phil Donahue Show in 1986 with community leaders Mel King (community activist), Andrew Jones, Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council). Marcus Jones reports that the referendum question has not received as much media coverage this year. He adds that Mandela supporters may try again in the future if the referendum question is defeated again this year. Jones' report includes footage from Say Brother of Andrew Jones talking about Mandela and footage of Bruce Bolling at a press conference. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item:Members of Boston's African American community voice their support for Bush
1:00:15: Visual: Footage from Say Brother of Andrew Jones (co-founder, Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) in June of 1987. Jones says that he is not sure that the people do not want Mandela. Marcus Jones reports that voters in the predominantly African American neighborhoods of Boston overwhelmingly rejected the referendum quesion on the incorporation of Mandela in 1986. V: Shots of African American residents crossing under the elevated train tracks on Washington Street in Roxbury; of a map of the boundaries of the proposed city of Mandela. Marcus Jones reports that many believed the issue to be dead. V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council) addressing an audience in November of 1986. Bolling says that the issue of incorporation has been put aside "for once and for all." Marcus Jones reports that proponents of Mandela have raised the issue again; that Mandela proponents have put together a videotape to educate voters about the virtues of forming a new city. V: Footage from Maverick Video of the pro-Mandela videotape. The videotape shows Andrew Jones talking about building a new city hall for the city of Mandela. Footage of Curtis Davis (co-founder, Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) being interviewed by Marcus Jones. Davis says that many people have liked the videotape. Davis says that the videotape is biased in favor of the proposal; that the videotape does not try to fool the voters. Marcus Jones reports that Davis and Andrew Jones were responsible for putting the Mandela referendum question on the ballot in 1986; that the referendum question will be on the ballot again this year. V: Footage of Davis, Andrew Jones, and other Mandela supporters at a press conference in front of the state house in October of 1986. Footage of Davis being interviewed by Marcus Jones. Davis says that the city of Mandela would be predominantly African American; that the residents of the Greater Roxbury neighborhoods have common concerns. Davis says that those issues are best addressed by a local neighborhood government. Marcus Jones reports that Roxbury, Mattapan and parts of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the South End, and the Fenway would form the proposed city. Marcus Jones reports that the referendum question gained national attention in 1986. V: Footage from the Phil Donahue Show on Mandela on October 30, 1986. An African American male audience member says that he supports Mandela. African American community leaders Andrew Jones, Mel King (community activist), Bolling, and Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) are guests on the show. Stith says that the incorporation of Mandela would signal a retreat from the progress made by the civil rights movement. Marcus Jones reports that the Mandela question has not received as much media attention this year; that the proponents of Mandela are presenting their case in a calmer atmosphere. V: Footage from the pro-Mandela videotape. The videotape shows Andrew Jones talking to a group of African American women outside of a housing project building. Marcus Jones reports that Mandela supporters are campaigning for the passage of the referendum question; that the supporters may try again in the future if the referendum question is defeated this year. V: Footage of Davis saying that a narrow defeat will inspire supporters to work harder for passage of the referendum. Footage from the pro-Mandela videotape.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/27/1988
Description: David Boeri reports that the referendum question on the creation of Mandela, Massachusetts, was soundly defeated in the 1986 elections. Supporters of incorporation of a new city from the Greater Roxbury neighborhood are raising the issue again. Community leaders gathered at a press conference in support of the issue. Those present included Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project), Chuck Turner (teacher), and Byron Rushing (State Representative). Jones and Rushing speak out in favor of Mandela. They criticize the city of Boston for not dealing effectively with problems in the Roxbury neighborhood. Boeri reports that the Roxbury neighborhood is suffering from an epidemic of violence and drug-related crime. He notes that Mandela supporters believe that crime could be fought more effectively if Roxbury were an independent city. Interviews with Mandela supporters Sadiki Kambon and Donald Madrey talking about the problems in the neighborhood. City Councilor Bruce Bolling talks about street violence. Footage of William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) and Ray Flynn at a press conference.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) at a press conference. Supporters stand behind him. Jones says that the time has come to "free Mandela, Massachusetts." Shot of Mandela supporters with Jones including Chuck Turner (teacher). David Boeri reports that the referendum question on Mandela, Massachusetts was overwhelmingly rejected by voters in the 1986 elections. Boeri notes that Mandela supporters are raising the question again. V: Footage of Byron Rushing (State Representative) at the press conference. Rushing asks if it is better to be a poor neighborhood in a rich city, or a poor city in a rich state. Boeri reports that little has changed in Boston's African American neighborhoods since 1986; that Mandela supporters can exploit the fact that little has changed in their favor. Boeri notes that Roxbury may be worse off than it was in 1986. V: Shot of white police officers at a crime scene. Roxbury residents stand behind police cordons. A pool of blood appears on the street. Footage of Sadiki Kambon (Mandela initiative supporter) saying that Roxbury continues to suffer from high unemployment, poor housing, an increase in the infant mortality rate, and a high drop-out rate from schools. Shot of two white police officers patrolling a residential street in Roxbury. Boeri reports that drug-related crime and violence have created a crisis in the community. V: Shot of a Boston Herald newspaper article featuring a photo of Darlene Tiffany Moore (Roxbury resident and shooting victim). Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking to the press on August 22, 1988. Bolling says that there is open warfare going on in the district. Footage of Donald Madrey (Roxbury resident and Mandela initiative supporter) saying that Roxbury residents are living in fear from crime. Madrey says that it seems like all of the drugs in the state of Massachusetts are being dropped in Roxbury. Shot of African American residents crossing Washington street underneath elevated train tracks in Roxbury. Boeri reports that supporters of the Mandela initiative say that crime could be fought more effectively if Roxbury were an independent city. V: Shot of a group of African American men outsde of Joe's sub shop on Washington Street in Roxbury. Footage of Jones at the press conference saying that an independent city has its own police force which can set its own priorities. Jones says that the Boston Police Department is corrupt; that an independent police department could establish a better relationship with the community. Footage of Rushing saying that officers of the Mandela Police Department would live in the city; that the police officers would be living on the streets where crime takes place. Boeri notes that Boston city officials have declared war on drugs and crime in Roxbury. V: Shot of William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) speaking at a press conference. Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) stands at his side. Shot of two white police officers stopping an African American man in order to search him. Footage of Rushing at the press conference. Rushing says that the city has not responded to questions about why they have not applied for federal funds for anti-drug campaigns in the city.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/24/1988
Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on black South African leader Nelson Mandela's visit to Madison Park High School. Vaillancourt reports that a large crowd waited in the hot gymnasium for Mandela to arrive. She adds that Madison Park High School was one of many stops on Mandela's itinerary during his visit to Boston. Vaillancourt's report includes footage of the crowd in the gymnasium and footage of a musical group performing traditional African music. Vaillancourt reports that the crowd erupted in ecstatic cheers when Mandela arrived. Vaillancourt's report also includes footage of Mandela's arrival at the high school. Members of the crowd are on their feet as they cheer. Mandela talks about the importance of education to today's youth. Vaillancourt reports that Mandela also spoke of the struggle against apartheid and the importance of sanctions. Vaillancourt notes that many people in the crowd consider Mandela to be a hero. Vaillancourt's report includes shots of Mandela with Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) and his entourage on stage at the high school.
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of a crowd filling the bleachers of a gymnasium at Madison Park High School on June 23, 1990. The crowd claps and applauds. Shots of crowd members on the bleachers. Meg Vaillancourt reports that many Roxbury residents waited at Madison Park High School for an opportunity to see Nelson Mandela (black South African leader). Vaillancourt notes that Mandela is a hero to many people of color; that the Roxbury community used the Mandela visit as an opportunity to showcase its strenghts. V: Footage of Roxbury community members performing for the audience. A musical group in African dress plays on African instruments. African-American girls perform a dance in front of the audience. A man plays a rhythm on a drum strung around his neck. Vaillancourt reports that Mandela's plane arrived late at Logan Airport; that a luncheon at the John F. Kennedy Library ran long. Vaillancourt reports that every stop on Mandela's itinerary ran long; that a faithful crowd at Madison Park High School waited while chanting his name. V: Shots of the crowd standing on the bleachers. The crowd sings, claps and chants. Many crowd members hold up signs welcoming Mandela. Vaillancourt reports that the gymnasium was sweltering; that the crowd stayed to wait for Mandela. Vaillancourt notes that the crowd erupted in cheers when Mandela arrived. V: Shots of members of the crowd; of people fanning themselves. Footage of Mandela approaching the stage as the crowd cheers. Mandela and Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) wave at the crowd. Mandela raises his clenched fist. Mandela is accompanied by an entourage including Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Vaillancourt reports that the crowd's ovation for Mandela lasted five minutes. V: Shots of the crowd on its feet. The crowd cheers for Mandela. Vaillancourt reports that Mandela spoke of the struggle against apartheid and the importance of sanctions. V: Footage of Mandela addressing the crowd. Mandela says that he and others are concerned by the high drop-out rate among schoolchildren in Boston. Mandela says that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Shots of the crowd. Vaillancourt reports that Mandela emphasized education. Vaillancourt notes that the drop-out rate in Boston Public Schools is nearly 40%. V: Footage of Mandela addressing the crowd. Mandela says that many students leave school because of poverty and frustration. Mandela urges students to stay in school. Shots of the crowd. Many members of the crowd fan themselves. Vaillancourt reports that Mandela spoke briefly; that Mandela's visit to Madison Park High School was the high point of Mandela's visit for many Roxbury residents. V: Footage of Mandela addressing the crowd. Mandela tells the crowd that he loves them. The crowd cheers. Mandela greets community leaders who are on stage with him, including Shirley Owens Hicks (State Representative), Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) and Byron Rushing (State Representative). Themba Vilakazi (South African exile) and Louis Elisa (NAACP) are on stage with Mandela.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/25/1990
Description: Marcus Jones reports on a referendum question concerning the incorporation of a new city made up of Boston's minority neighborhoods, which would be called Mandela, Massachusetts. Interview with Andrew Jones of the Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project about the proposal. Jones reports on the local and national controversy generated by the referendum question. Footage from a press conference with Mandela supporters and officials from East Palo Alto, California. Jones' report also features footage from an episode of the Phil Donahue Show. African American community leaders Andrew Jones, Mel King, Bruce Bolling, and Charles Stith debate the question with Donahue. Jones reports that the referendum is not expected to pass. Chuck Turner, a teacher, and Nathan Allen, the Executive Director of Lena Park Community Development, debate the question at tan Urban League Forum.
1:00:07: Visual: Shot of the referendum question concerning the incorporation of Mandela, Massachusetts on the 1986 election ballot. Marcus Jones reports that the referendum question on Mandela, Massachusetts has generated much publicity. V: Footage of Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project) saying that minority neighborhoods have a "colonial relationship with the city of Boston;" that the city of Boston has treated minority residents like "second-class citizens." Jones explains that the ballot question asks whether minority neighborhoods should break ties with the city of Boston in order to incorporate a new city. V: Shot of African American residents crossing under the elevated train tracks on Washington Street; of a map of the proposed border of the new city. Jones notes that the new city would encompass Roxbury, Mattapan, and parts of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the Fenway, South End and Columbia Point; that proposal supporters have chosen Mandela as the name for the new city. V: Shots of young African American men standing in front of Joe's Sub Shop; of a newspaper article with a headline reading, "Flynn says Roxbury secession would halt progress." The article includes a photo of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) with Reverend Michael Thomas (Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church). Jones reports that Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is urging residents to vote against the proposal; that supporters of the proposal have brought in officials from East Palo Alto, California. Jones notes that East Palo Alto was formed by seceding from Palo Alto. V: Shot of proposal supporters at a press conference with officials from East Palo Alto. Campaign signs supporting the proposal read, "Vote yes on question 9. Land control, A new city. Mandela, Mass." Jones notes that the referendum is getting national exposure; that Phil Donahue (talk show host) broadcast his show live from WCVB today. V: Shot of the front page of The New York Times; of an article in The New York Times. Footage of the Phil Donahue Show (national TV talk show) from October 30, 1986. Donahue challenges supporters of the proposal, saying that the racial problems will worsen if minority neighborhoods secede from the city. African American community leaders Andrew Jones (Greater Roxbury Incorporation Project), Mel King (community activist), Bruce Bolling (President, Boston City Council), and Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) are guests on the show. Jones says that the issue behind the proposal is land control, not race. Bolling says that African American leaders and other leaders are poised to take control of city government; that the new leaders need to take advantage of the opportunity to bring the city of Boston together. Jones reports that African American community leaders debated the question at a Urban League Forum. V: Footage of Chuck Turner (teacher and community activist) saying that a victory for the referendum will force the Flynn administration to "open the books of the city." Turner talks about the large amount of land to be developed in minority neighborhoods. Footage of Nathan Allen (Executive Director, Lena Park Community Development) saying that the proposal for a new city is not financially feasible; that the new city would be incorporated with a deficit of $100 million; that community residents would be jeopordized by a large deficit. Jones stands at the back of the Urban League Forum. Jones reports that 71% of voters oppose the referendum, according to a poll.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/30/1986