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School Committee favor student assignments

Description: Hope Kelly reports that the Boston School Committee voted to restructure the student assignment system in the Boston Public Schools. She notes that the rigid geocode assignment system will be eliminated. School Committee members Thomas O'Reilly and Juanita Wade drafted a general plan that was accepted by the Committee. Some Committee members had reservations about the plan. Footage of the Boston School Committee meeting. Committee member John Nucci superintendent Dr. Laval Wilson speak out in favor of the plan. Committee member Jean McGuire criticizes the plan. Interview with Committee member John O'Bryant, who cautions the Committee not to act hastily. The members of the Committee vote on the plan. Three of the four minority members of the Committee voted against the plan. Interview with Wilson about the plan. Wilson says that he will work to resolve the concerns of Committee members who voted against the plan. The specifics of the plan have yet to be decided.
1:00:11: Visual: Shots of the members of the Boston School Committee seated at the front of the School Committee chambers during a meeting. Audience members are crowded into the room. Hope Kelly notes that the audience was packed into the chambers of the Boston School Committee for a meeting tonight. Kelly notes that the School Committee voted to eliminate the rigid geocode system of student placement. V: Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that the city has been waiting for a new plan for a long time. Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) saying that it is time for a change. Kelly notes that some School Committee members had reservations. V: Footage of Jean McGuire (Boston School Committee) saying that the new plan will restructure the school system. McGuire adds that the new plan does not implement great improvements. McGuire notes that the schools will still lack adequate foreign language programs, music programs, advanced studies programs, and computer access. McGuire says that the schools lack adequate funding. Kelly reports that some members were concerned about the hasty implementation of the new plan. V: Footage of John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) saying that the city of Seattle has taken two full years to implement a similar plan; that the city of Boston needs to take its time. Kelly reports that School Committee members Thomas O'Reilly and Juanita Wade drafted a general plan; that the plan was approved by the members. V: Shots of Nucci, O'Reilly and Wade conferring before the vote. Shots of the School Committee members casting their votes for the plan. Kelly reports that ten members voted to approve the plan; that the plan was rejected by three of the four minority members of the School Committee. V: Footage of Kelly interviewing Wilson. Kelly asks if the vote broke down along racial lines. Wilson says that there was biracial support for the plan; that some African American members of the committee voiced concern over the plan. Wilson says that he will work to resolve those concerns before he returns to the School Committee with recommendations. Kelly stands in the School Committee chambers. Kelly reports that tonight's vote was an endorsement of a general plan; that the specifics of the plan have yet to be decided. Kelly notes that Wilson has until January to work out the specifics of the plan. V: Shot of School Committee members seated in the chambers.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/28/1988

School committee vote on Wilson

Description: Marcus Jones reports that the Boston School Committee voted eight to five in favor of renewing the contract of superintendent Dr. Laval Wilson. Some members are opposed to renewing Wilson's contract and made an effort to postpone the vote on his contract renewal. Footage from a Boston School Committee meeting. Committee member Peggy Davis-Mullen proposes to postpone the vote on Wilson's contract. Committee member John O'Bryant says that he supports the renewal of Wilson's contract. Committee member Daniel Burke questions Wilson about the high drop-out rate in the Boston Public Schools. Wilson responds. Jones reports that Wilson has acknowledged the complaints of some critics by pledging to increase parental involvement in the schools and by pledging to improve the School Department's relations with unions.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Daniel Burke (Boston School Committee) at a meeting of the Boston School Committee. Burke remarks that a certain motion is out of order. Shots of the School Committee members seated at the meeting; of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) seated at the meeting. Marcus Jones reports that some members of the School Committee are opposed to the renewal of Wilson's contract; that those members made an effort to take the matter of Wilson's contract off of the agenda. V: Footage of Peggy Davis-Mullen (Boston School Committee) at the meeting. Davis-Mullen says that the decision is being forced; that the decision should wait until January. Davis-Mullen says that she does not like the way in which the decision is being made. Shot of Jones in the audience of the meeting. Jones reports that Wilson's supporters on the School Committee were able to keep the debate open. V: Footage of John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee) saying that he is prepared to support the renegotiation of Wilson's contract. Footage of Wilson saying that he has a good understanding of the school system; that he has made progress in improving the school system. Footage of Burke asking Wilson about the student drop-out rate. Wilson responds to Burke. Wilson says that reading and math scores have gone up and the drop-out rate has declined. Shots of the audience at the meeting. Jones reports that Wilson admits that he has not done enough to involve parents in the educational process. Jones notes that Wilson says that he will try to increase parental involvement and to improve the school department's relations with unions. V: Footage of O'Bryant saying that Wilson has made a lot of progress in improving the system. Shots of the members as they vote on a motion. Jones reports that the School Committee voted eight to five in favor of renewing Wilson's contract; that the details of the contract remain to be discussed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/11/1988

School uniforms

Description: Marcus Jones reports that Jack E. Robinson (President, National Association of Black Americans) is trying to get a voluntary school uniform program started in the Boston Public Schools. Jones notes that some schools have found that voluntary dress codes have led to better grades and behavior. He adds that opponents of school uniforms believe that they stifle creativity. Jones interviews Robinson about school uniforms. Jones reports that Robinson believes that students are more concerned about their clothes and possessions than they are about their studies. Jones quotes from a Boston Herald newspaper article about a nine-year old drug runner who impresses his friends with his clothes. Jones also interviews John Grady (Boston School Committee), Elizabeth Foley (Boston parent), and a Boston school child about school uniforms. Jones reviews some of the benefits to school uniforms.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of white elementary students in school uniforms rising to greet their teacher at the St. Columbkille School in Brighton. Shots of students in the classroom. Marcus Jones reports that uniforms are a long-standing tradition in private and parochial schools. Jones notes that supporters of school uniforms believe that uniforms help inspire discipline. Jones notes that opponents of school uniforms believe that they stifle creativity. V: Shots of white uniformed students in classrooms. Shots of African American uniformed students in an elementary school in Washigton DC. Jones reports that an elementary school in Washington DC and five elementary schools in Baltimore have instituted a voluntary dress code; that the schools have found that the dress code has led to better grades and behavior. V: Footage of Jack E. Robinson (President, National Association of Black Americans) being interviewed by Jones. Robinson says that school uniforms lead to a decrease in disciplinary problems. Jones notes that Robinson is trying to get a voluntary uniform program started in the Boston Public Schools. V: Footage of Robinson saying that adults wear uniforms; that business people wear suits; that people in all professions wear uniforms all over the world. Shot of a Boston Herald newspaper article with a headline reading, "He's the littlest pusher." Jones reports that Robinson says that children are more concerned about clothes and stylish possessions than they are about their studies. Jones quotes from the Boston Herald newspaper article; the newspaper article says that a nine-year-old drug runner impresses his friends with his clothes. V: On-screen text quotes from the Boston Herald newspaper article. Footage of John Grady (Boston School Committee) saying that he will support uniforms if they contribute to a good learning environment in the schools. Footage of Jennifer Foley (Boston public school student) saying that she would not want to wear the same colors all year long. Footage of Elizabeth Foley (parent) saying that students are entitled to their own identities. Jones reports that there are some good reasons to institute a school uniform program. Jones notes that parents can save money on clothing bills; that students have one less peer pressure to worry them; that teachers have one less distraction in the classroom. Johnson adds that Robinson has suggested that the community can profit by having the uniforms manufactured in the neighborhoods.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/09/1988

Simplex steering committee

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports on a protest by Cambridge activists against plans proposed by MIT to develop a parcel of land near Central Square. Protesters accuse MIT and the developer of misleading the public by underestimating the size and scope of the project planned for the Simplex site. Bill Cavellini from the Simplex Steering Committee and Ken Campbell of MIT discuss the plans for the site. Vaillancourt reviews the plans for the site. The protesters differ with MIT over the amount of low-income housing to be built on the site and on the definition of low-income housing. Bill Noble from the Simplex Steering Committee criticizes MIT's definition of low-income housing. Cambridge activists and the homeless community are at odds with one another over the most effective form of protest against the development. At a protest, a scuffle breaks out between one of the activists and a homeless man. Community activist Mel King tries to make peace between the two sides. The Cambridge City Council will soon vote on the planned development. Following the edited story is additional b-roll footage of students on the campus of MIT in warm weather.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of a group of protesters marching through a snowy lot near Central Square in Cambridge, chanting "We say no to MIT." Meg Vaillancourt reports that a small band of Cambridge activists are protesting the development of 27 acres of land owned by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); that MIT is working with Forest City Developers to build a multi-million dollar research and development complex; that the proposed site is known as the Simplex site. V: Shots of protesters standing near a sign for University Park at MIT; of the sign for University Park. Footage of a protest leader addressing the crowd of demonstrators. The protesters carry signs. Vaillancourt reports that the activists claim that developers deliberately misled the public; that the developers underestimated the size and scope of the project. V: Footage of Bill Cavellini (Simplex Steering Committee) saying that the developers told the public that they would build a $250 million development; that the developers will build a $500 million development. Cavellini tells Vaillancourt that the activists received documentation about the development from a confidential source. Cavellini says that Forest City Developers have been deceptive and have breached the public's trust. Footage of Ken Campbell (MIT) saying that the activists got hold of documents from October of 1987; that the Cambridge City Council approved the plan for the site in December of 1987; that the plan approved by the Council includes 400,000 square feet of housing. Shot of documents and information distributed by the opponents of the plan. Vaillancourt reports that the University Park Development Plan includes housing, a hotel and a 12-screen cinema; that a four- to six-screen theater had been discussed by the developer in public. V: Shot of a vacant lot in Cambridge, covered with snow; of a group of people standing outside of a house in Cambridge. Vaillancourt reports that opponents say that numerous zoning changes will be required to build the project, including the widening of streets and the removal of the city fire station in Central Square. V: Shot of a group of protesters; of a sign reading, "Cambridgeport has decided to stop MIT expansion." Vaillancourt says that MIT and the Simplex Steering Committee differ on how much low-income housing will be built on the site. V: Footage of Campbell saying that MIT has doubled the amount of affordable housing in the original proposal; that MIT is proposing 100 low-income units and 50 moderate-income units. Footage of Bill Noble (Simplex Steering Committee) saying that MIT's definition of low- and moderate-income is not accurate; that MIT is really proposing moderate- and middle-income units. Vaillancourt reports that there are many homeless people in the area; that activists and the homeless do not always agree on how to oppose the development. Vaillancourt says that the homeless do not think that the protesters are representing the interests of the homeless. V: Footage of a female protest leader addressing the demonstrators and the press. A scuffle breaks out between Cavellini and Carlos (homeless man). Footage of Carlos addressing the demonstrators. Carlos says that affordable housing is not the same thing as housing for the homeless. A female protester yells that Carlos does not represent the views of the community. A shouting match ensues. Vaillancourt reports that Mel King (community activist) tried to bring the two sides together. V: Footage of King addressing the crowd. King says that the two sides must unite to fight against the greed of MIT. Members of the crowd cheer. Vaillancourt reports that the Cambridge City Council will vote on MIT's proposal on Monday.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/07/1988

South Boston attitudes on integration

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents are opposed to the city's plans to integrate public housing projects. Residents are hostile to Mayor Ray Flynn when he attends a community meeting in South Boston to discuss plans for integration, with Doris Bunte of the Boston Housing Authority. Vaillancourt notes that South Boston residents have not changed their attitudes in the face of evidence that the BHA practices discrimination against African American tenants of public housing. Interviews with South Boston public housing residents about public housing integration. Many residents are opposed to integration. Some fear that the quality of life in the projects will decline after the housing projects are integrated. Others say that racial violence will be a result of integration. A few residents are not bothered by the prospect of integration. Vaillancourt notes that the controversy over public housing integration evokes memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Officials attempt to explain the new rules for the Boston Housing Authority's revised public housing tenant selection policy.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a white female South Boston resident looking out of the window of a housing project apartment. The woman says that she would like her neighborhood to remain white. Meg Vaillancourt reports that South Boston residents remain hostile to the idea of integration of public housing projects. V: Shots of white residents outside of a housing project in South Boston. Footage of a white female resident saying that South Boston should stay white; that there will be trouble if the housing projects are integrated. Footage of another white female South Boston resident saying that white residents have not received fair warning about the placement of African American families in white housing projects. Shots of white children playing with a hose outside of a housing project in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) announced plans to integrate South Boston housing projects in October; that Flynn tried to explain the policy at a community meeting in South Boston in January. V: Footage of Flynn and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) the community meeting in January of 1988. Flynn addresses the crowd. A white woman shouts out a comment. Footage of Flynn approaching the stage as the crowd jeers at him. Vaillancourt notes that the audience at the community meeting was hostile to Flynn. Vaillancourt stands in front of a housing project building in South Boston. Vaillancourt reports that there is mounting evidence of discrimination against African American families requesting apartments in public housing projects. Vaillancourt notes that the mounting evidence has not changed the attitudes of white South Boston residents. V: Footage of Vaillancourt interviewing a white male South Boston resident. The man says that there will be trouble if African Americans move into the South Boston housing projects. Footage of another white male South Boston resident saying that the residents want their neighborhood to remain as it is. Footage of a white female South Boston resident saying that she will not be bothered if an African American family moves into her building. She says that African American families need housing as much as white families do. The woman says that some people do not feel the same way as she does; that she hopes no one will bother the African American families who move into the project. Shots of white residents outside of a project building; of a white baby playing in a wading pool outside of a project building. Vaillancourt reports that the city's housing policy has kept the housing projects segregated for fifty years; that the city is now changing its policy. Vaillancourt reports that some residents feel that the new policy will be biased. V: Footage of a white female South Boston resident sitting in a wading pool. The woman says that the city should not make tenants identify their race; that the city should place tenants in an apartment without knowing their race. Shots of the woman and two children in the wading pool. Vaillancourt notes that talk of integration in South Boston raises memories of the busing crisis in the 1970s. V: Footage of a white male South Boston resident saying that school desegregation caused the decline of the Boston School System; that most South Boston residents send their children to private schools. The man says that he will move out of public housing if African American families move in to the projects. Shots of female parochial school students walking toward a housing project building. Vaillancourt reports that the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has not announced when the first African American family will move into the projects.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/16/1988

South Boston opposes integration

Description: Christopher Lydon reports that Mayor Ray Flynn attended a community meeting in South Boston to discuss public housing integration. Lydon notes that the audience was hostile in their opposition to the issue. Lydon's report includes footage from the meeting. City Councilor James Kelly speaks out against public housing integration. The crowd cheers. The crowd jeers at Flynn as he makes the case for a fair and equitable housing policy. Lydon notes that Kelly linked the housing integration issue to memories of school desegregation in the 1970s.
1:00:15: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) approaching the stage at a community meeting in South Boston. A noisy crowd yells and boos. The audience is seated at long tables. Footage of Leo Tierney (South Boston resident) saying that apartments in Roxbury should go to Roxbury residents. Tierney says, "Leave us the hell alone. Leave the blacks alone. Leave us to live in peace." The crowd cheers. Members of the crowd rise to their feet to cheer. Christopher Lydon reports that James Kelly (Boston City Council) addressed the crowd of South Boston residents at a community meeting; that Kelly stirred the emotions of the crowd by linking public housing integration to the memories of school desegregation in the 1970s. V: Footage of Kelly saying that "misguided" youth and adults will engage in violence if the public housing projects are integrated; that some South Boston residents will serve time for civil rights violations. Kelly says that Flynn and Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority) should be "hauled into court" if the city has refused to grant African American families access to their choice of housing projects; that Flynn and Bunte are more guilty of discrimination than South Boston residents. The crowd cheers for Kelly. Footage of Flynn addressing the crowd. Flynn says that he is here to tell the truth, not to campaign for votes. Flynn says that the city of Boston must provide fair and equitable housing for all.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/12/1988

State purchasing and South Africa

Description: Christy George reports that Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to divest its pension funds from South Africa five years ago. She adds that apartheid opponents are backing a selective purchasing bill that would bar the state from buying goods and services from companies who do business in South Africa. Ric Murphy, State Purchasing Agent, testifies in support of the bill in front of state legislators. Joseph Hermann, Chairman of State Administration Committee, wants the state to stop doing business with all countries with repressive governments. Hermann testifies before state legislators. Governor Michael Dukakis supports the bill. The bill will probably not be passed in time to help his presidential campaign. Former State Senator Jack Backman speaks in support of Dukakis. Georges' report is also accompanied by footage of scenes from apartheid South Africa and by footage of IBM workers and laborers in South Africa.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Themba Vilakazi (Director, Fund for a Free South Africa) speaking to an audience of apartheid opponents. Audience members applaud Vilakazi. Audience members hold signs protesting apartheid. Shot of two audience members holding signs reading, "Free South Africa." Christy George reports that Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to divest its pension funds from South Africa five years ago. George adds that apartheid opponents want the state to stop buying goods and services from companies who do business in South Africa. V: Footage from WGBX of Ric Murphy (State Purchasing Agent) addressing a legislative hearing at the State House. Murphy says that the state should not condone businesses who support apartheid. George stands in front of the Massachusetts State House. George reports that legislators wonder if divestment is the best way to help black South Africans. V: Shots of South African police officers beating protesters on a street in May of 1986; of protesters fleeing from a park in South Africa; of South African police officers. George reports that proponents of divestment say that the Massachusetts government buys goods and services from companies which pay taxes to support the South African government. Opponents of divestment says that American companies offer jobs and training to South African blacks. V: Shots of the exterior of the IBM headquarters in South Africa; of a black man in a business suit in front of the IBM building; of a factory in South Africa; of a white worker working in an automobile factory. George reports that Joseph Hermann (Chairman, State Administration Committee) wants the state to stop doing business with South Africa and other countries with repressive governments. V: Footage of Hermann saying that the state needs to reflect on the repression occurring in Northern Ireland, South Africa, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Liberia. George reports that Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) campaigns against apartheid; that Dukakis supports the proposed selective purchasing bill. V: Shot of Dukakis addressing a crowd. State leaders including George Keverian (Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives) stand behind him. Footage of Jack Backman (former State Senator) saying that Dukakis should be elected president as a candidate with no ties to South Africa. Shot of Royal Bolling, Sr. at the legislative hearing. George reports that the bill will probably not be passed in time to help Dukakis' presidential campaign.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/25/1988

Tent City affordable housing

Description: Hope Kelly reports that the Tent City Housing Complex in the South End will soon open. She notes that the housing complex is named for the protests that began on the site twenty years before. Kelly reviews the history of the Tent City site. Kelly's report includes photos of the protests at the Tent City site in the 1960s. Kelly interviews Betty Meredith (Executive Director, Tent City Corporation) and Michael Kane (Chairman, Tent City Corporation) outside of the housing complex. Kane and Meredith talk about the struggle by South End residents to get the housing complex built. Kane says that affordable housing was not a priority in this part of the city until now. Kelly interviews Mel King (community activist) about the Tent City site. Kelly reports that Copley Place was developed while the Tent City site was ignored. Kelly's report includes a time-lapse arrangement of shots documenting the construction of Copley Place. Kelly reports that 75% of the units in the housing complex are low- and moderate-income units. Kelly interviews Sophie Iglesias (Marketing Director) and Florcie Versailles (Tent City resident) about the housing complex..,
1:00:19: Visual: Shots from the window of a building on Copley Place. Shots of the high-rise buildings near Copley Place; of the South End. Hope Kelly reports on the long-standing controversy surrounding the Tent City site in the South End. V: Footage of Betty Meredith (Executive Director, Tent City Corporation) sitting outside of the Tent City Housing Development. Meredith says that she knew that South End residents would have to fight to get the housing development built. Shot of a man approaching the entrance to the Tent City Development with balloons in his hand. Shots of the exterior of the Tent City Housing Complex. Kelly reports that the Tent City Housing Complex will open tomorrow; that the housing complex is named for the protests that began on the site twenty years ago. Kelly reports that the city of Boston sold a parcel of land in the South End to William Fitzgerald (former Fire Commissioner of the City of Boston) in the 1960s; that Fitzgerald tore down the buildings on the land to make a parking lot. Kelly reports that the buildings on the land had been the homes and residences of many African American South End residents. Kelly notes that the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) had promised to replace the buildings in 1965; that South End residents began to protest on the site in 1968 because nothing had been built. V: Shots of South End residents protesting on the Tent City site; of a protest sign on the Tent City site reading, "People, not cars. This is a place where homes should be." Shots of graffiti on a building reading, "BRA, go away." Shots of police officers on the Tent City site; of tents erected to house the protesters; of Mel King (community activist) being arrested by police on the Tent City site. Footage of Mel King in the South End. King says that the protesters did not believe that the city should allow people to be displaced in order to build parking lots. Kelly reports that Meredith was one of the original Tent City protesters; that Michael Kane (Chairman, Tent City Corporation) joined the protest in the 1970s because nothing had been built. V: Footage of Kelly interviewing Meredith and Kane outside of the development. Footage of Kane saying that the protesters had to block the city from building market-rate housing and a 1400-car parking garage on the site. Kelly reports that the city developed the Copley Place area while ignoring the Tent City site. V: Shot of the Tent City site in the early 1980s. A time-lapse arrangement of shots shows the construction of buildings on Copley Place. Footage of Meredith saying that the protesters had to wait a long time for the development to be built because they did not have the money to develop the land themselves. Footage of Kane saying that affordable housing was not a priority in this part of the city during the 1970s. Kelly reports that Kane and Meredith give Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) credit for the development of the Tent City site. V: Shots of the exterior of the Tent City Housing Complex. Kelly reports that there are 369 units in the Tent City development; that 75% of the units are low- and moderate-income units; that 25% of the units are market rate. V: Footage of Sophie Iglesias (Marketing Director) standing in an apartment in the Tent City Housing Complex. Iglesias says that this one-bedroom apartment has a market rate of $1,000 per month. Shots of the exterior of the housing complex. Kelly reports that low- and moderate-income renters will pay one-third of their income; that some renters will pay as little as $200 per month. V: Footage of Iglesias saying that people are not fully aware of the great need for affordable housing in the city of Boston. Footage of Meredith saying that over 6,000 people applied for the low- and moderate-income units. Kelly reports that priority is given to former South End residents who have been displaced. V: Footage of Kelly interviewing Florcie Versailles (Tent City resident). Versailles says that she would not be able to afford to live in Tent City without help from the government. Shot of Versailles in the lobby of the housing developement. Versailles pushes a child in a stroller. Footage of Meredith saying that the housing development took a long time to build; that the development will be a nice place for people to live.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/29/1988

Visions for Boston

Description: Boston Society of Architects has organized a contest asking designers to rethink Boston for the future. Both fanciful and practical entries were encouraged. Exhibit of their drawings. Interview with Steven Cecil of the BSA committee that organized the event. He describes the goals of the contest and highlights some of the entries, including one by Boston architectural firm Communitas. Dramatic view from high window of Boston landscape Hancock tower in center.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/08/1988

Voter registration reform

Description: Sam Fleming reports on voter registration in Massachusetts. Fleming notes that many eligible voters in Massachusetts are not registered to vote. He notes that the percentages of unregistered voters are highest in minority communities. Fleming interviews Yvonne Footman (Dorchester resident) and other city residents about voter registration. Fleming's report includes footage of Footman registering to vote. Fleming interviews Charles Weeks (Office of the Massachusetts Secretary of State) and David Sullivan (Office of the Massachusetts Secretary of State) about voter registration. Sullivan and Weeks say that the State of Massachusetts is not doing enough to make voter registration easy and accessible. Fleming reports on voter registration initiatives at the state and national level. Fleming notes that Jesse Jackson (Democratic candidate for US President) has made increased access to voter registration part of his campaign platform. Following the edited story is b-roll of Jesse Jackson at the Democratic Convention,voter registration tables, polling booths, and city residents near City Hall Plaza.
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Jesse Jackson (African American political leader) speaking at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. Michael Dukakis (Democratic US presidential nominee) and Lloyd Bentsen (Democratic US vice-presidential nominee) stand on either side of him. Jackson talks about the importance of on-site voter registration. Sam Fleming reports that Jackson's platform slate has not been embraced by Dukakis; that Dukakis has agreed to work on voter registration. V: Footage of Yvonne Footman (Dorchester resident) registering to vote at a voter registration table in Dorchester. Registration workers examine her license and fill out a form. Fleming reports that many eligible voters in Massachusetts have never voted before. V: Footage of Fleming standing on a street in Boston. Fleming asks an African American man if he is registered to vote. The man says that he is not. Fleming reports that 27% of eligible voters in Massachusetts are not registered to vote; that the percentage of unregistered voters is highest in minority communities. V: Shots of residents walking near City Hall Plaza; of residents on the street in an African American neighborhood of Boston. Footage of Fleming asking an African American woman if she would vote if Jackson were on the ticket. The woman says no. Footage of Charles Weeks (Office of the Massachusetts Secretary of State) being interviewed by Fleming. Weeks says that some people do not think that their voices count. Fleming notes that Weeks is a former president of the Black Political Task Force. Fleming reports that Weeks says that voter registration is difficult in Massachusetts. Fleming reports that voters need to register at City Hall in Boston. Fleming notes that the Boston Election Commission is trying to set up portable voter registration centers. V: Shots of people walking near City Hall Plaza; of a voter registration table in Dorchester. Footage of Footman saying that she is not sure if she would have traveled to City Hall in order to register to vote. Shots of workers registering voters at the portable registration center in Dorchester. Fleming reports that State Election Officials say that Massachusetts is not doing enough to make voter registration accessible and easy for all. V: Shot of a bulletin board with voter registration information. Footage of David Sullivan (Office of the Massachusetts Secretary of State) saying that many voters in many states can register by mail; that four states have voter registration on election day; that some states allow voters to register at various state agencies. Sullivan says that Massachusetts has done none of these things. Fleming reports that a number of initiatives are under way on the state and national level; that an on-site, same-day voter registration initiative is under way. V: Shots of a poll worker sitting with a list of voters; of a voter entering a polling booth; of poll workers checking a voters name against the voter lists. Fleming reports that Massachusetts voters rejected an effort to allow registration by mail two years ago; that Massachusetts voters may resist other voter registration initiatives. V: Shot of Jackson at the Democratic Convention, flanked by Dukakis and Bentsen. Footage of Sullivan saying that a new law allows voter registration in high schools; that more needs to be done to improve access to voter registration.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/19/1988