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Kelly vs desegregation

Description: Jan von Mehren reports that City Councilor James Kelly denies that Boston's public housing policy is discriminatory and plans to ask the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for proof of discrimination. He has proposed an alternative housing policy which allows tenants to choose where they want to live. Mayor Ray Flynn has agreed to present Kelly's plan to HUD for discussion. Kelly and Flynn attend a South Boston community meeting, where Kelly speaks out against housing integration. The crowd jeers at Flynn as he approaches the stage. Von Mehren's report is accompanied by footage of white and African American residents of housing projects in Boston.
1:00:06: Visual: Shot of James Kelly (Boston City Council) at a community meeting in South Boston. Shots of audience members at the meeting applauding; of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at the meeting. Audio of audience members booing Flynn. Jan von Mehren reports that Kelly called a community meeting in South Boston to discuss public housing; that Flynn attended the meeting; that Flynn was booed by the crowd. V: Footage of Kelly at the meeting. Kelly dismisses the findings of discrimination in Boston public housing. Shot of a sign for the Mary Ellen McCormack Housing Development; of white women and children of a park bench; of a white boy scrambling under a fence near a housing project in South Boston. Von Mehren reports that there are approximately 2,000 housing units in South Boston; that no African American families have been placed in South Boston since Flynn entered office. Von Mehren reports that Kelly will ask the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for proof of discrimination; that Kelly has come up with an alternative housing plan. V: Footage of Kelly speaking at the meeting. Audience members are crowded into the room. Kelly talks about his "freedom of choice" housing plan, in which no family would be placed in a neighborhood without their consent. Von Mehren notes that Kelly's plan would permit African American families to move into white housing projects; that Kelly's plan would not force white families to move into primarily African American housing projects. V: Shots of a racially diverse group of children outside of a housing project. Von Mehren stands at the entrance to the community meeting in South Boston. Von Mehren reports that Flynn has promised to discuss Kelly's plan to HUD; that he will not submit the plan if it is deemed discriminatory. V: Footage of Flynn at the meeting. Flynn says that he will try to achieve as much choice as is possible in the new plan; that the new plan will not discriminate. Von Mehren reports that Flynn made clear that he has an obligation to work with HUD. Von Mehren notes that Kelly was clear about his intention to fight for South Boston residents. V: Shots of Flynn at the meeting; of Kelly at the meeting; of audience members.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/01/1988

ACORN, affordable housing

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

Jobs Policy and Employment

Description: Christopher Lydon reports that Mayor Ray Flynn is requesting the creation of a Boston Employment Commission in order to boost the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs. The Flynn administration would like the Boston work force to be 10% female, 25% minority and 50% Boston residents. Interview with Flynn about employment in Boston. Interview with City Councilor James Kelly, who says that sanctions will be imposed unfairly on the construction industry. Interviews with Mel King and City Councilor Thomas Menino. Lydon notes that critics believe that compliance with the ordinance would cost jobs. Brief interviews with construction workers and white-collar workers about the proposed ordinance. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Minister Don Mohammad speaks out against drug traffic in Roxbury
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed on the street. The man says that he is from Boston. Hope Kelly (WGBH reporter) asks him which neighborhood he is from. The man says that he is actually from Billerica. The man says that he avoids telling people that he is not from Boston. Christopher Lydon reports that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is requesting the creation of the Boston Employment Commission; that the Commission's goal would be to boost the number of Boston residents working on Boston jobs. V: Footage of Flynn being interviewed. Flynn says that Boston is experiencing a significant growth period; that there are plenty of opportunities for everyone. Flynn says that people are not fighting over crumbs. Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed on the street. The man says that Flynn wants to put the "outsiders" out of work; that the "outsiders" are the true professionals who have been in the union for over ten years. Footage of another white male construction worker being interviewed. The man asks where he is supposed to go to work. The man says that the work is in the city of Boston; that he should be allowed to work there. Lydon reports that many construction workers fear displacement by the goals set by the Flynn administration. Lydon reports that the Flynn administration would like the Boston work force to be 10% female, 25% minority and 50% Boston residents. V: Shot of Boston City Hall. Lydon says that the present work force does not resemble Flynn's proposed work force. V: Footage of Hope Kelly interviewing construction workers at International Place. Two white male construction workers say that they are from North Attleborough. Another white male construction worker says that he is from Canton; that ninety percent of the workers on his job are not living in the city. Footage of Hope Kelly interviewing white-collar workers in Post Office Square. A white male says that he is a commuter. Another white male says that he is from Walpole. A white female says that she is from Newton. Another white female says that she is from Brookline. A third white female says that she is from Quincy. Lydon reports that Flynn's proposed ordinance would change the demographics of the work force in the public and private sectors. Lydon says that the greatest opposition so far comes from the unions; that the construction unions say that their field is being singled out. V: Shots of corporate workers crossing the street near Government Center; of a man carrying a brief case as he crosses the street. Shot of two white corporate workers conversing on the sidewalk. Shot of an African American construction worker talking to white colleagues. Shot of the State Street Bank building. Lydon reports that the unions have a political ally in James Kelly (Boston City Council and Sheet Metalworkers Union). V: Footage of James Kelly being interviewed. Kelly says that Flynn's ordinance talks about good faith efforts and voluntary agreements between the city and major corporations. Kelly says that sanctions will be imposed on construction companies. Lydon reports that the sanctions include potential fines against developers whose hiring practices do not meet the standards of the ordinance. Lydon notes that the mayor has issues two previous ordinances with similar goals. V: Shot of a backhoe excavating dirt at a construction site. Footage of Mel King (candidate for US Representative) being interviewed outside of his campaign offices. King says that the mayor has been unable to put "teeth" in the ordinance. Lydon reports that Flynn supporters point to progress. V: Footage of Thomas Menino (Boston City Council) being interviewed. Menino says that some trades are up to 20% and higher. Menino says that progress is being made. Menino says that the city has not yet imposed any sanctions on the construction trades. Lydon reports that King believes that sanctions are necessary. V: Footage of King being interviewed. King says that the ordinance needs "teeth." King says that there is no real monitoring process. Lydon reports that critics believe that compliance with the ordinance could cost jobs. Flynn disagrees with critics. Flynn says that at least six major public works projects are imminent. V: Shot of Flynn. Lydon reports that many workers do not believe Flynn. V: Footage of a white male construction worker being interviewed by Hope Kelly. The construction worker says that he does not believe Flynn. He asks Hope Kelly if she believes Flynn.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/24/1986

Third world health care advice

Description: Alexandra Marks reports that the infant mortality rate in Boston is higher than in many third-world countries. Marks interviews Dr. Ronald White of the Martha Eliot Health Care Center. White talks about the problems facing low-income populations in Boston. White talks about changes in US government policy that ended the link between health care policy and economic development policy. Marks interviews Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero, one of several experts from the developing world to visit Boston for a conference on the health care crisis. Guerrero explains that people's health is related to income and says that reducing poverty will improve people's health. White agrees with Guerrero's recommendations about attacking poverty. Marks reports that attendees at the conference recommended that the city of Boston levy a twenty-five cent tax on cigarettes to pay for new health care programs. Interview with Mayor Ray Flynn about the need for quality health care in the city. Marks' report also features footage of women and children at health clinics in Boston and footage from Frontline of Colombian cities and villages.
0:59:19: Visual: Footage from Frontline of native residents of a village in Colombia. Alexandra Marks reports that the infant mortality rate in Colombia is seventeen deaths per 1,000 infants. Marks notes that Boston is the home of some of the most sophisticated medical technology in the world; that the infant mortality rate in parts of Boston is higher than in Colombia. V: Shot of a young African American boy walking near parked cars. Audio of Dr. Ronald White (Martha Eliot Health Center) saying that medical officials and government officials must acknowledge the crisis in health care. Marks reports that White is director of the Martha Eliot Health Care Center; that the Center is an affiliate of Children's Hospital. Marks reports that the clinic is in the frontlines of the fight against disease and violence in Boston's low-income neighborhoods. V: Shot of the exterior of the Martha Eliot Health Care Center. Shot of a woman with an infant and a child entering the health care center. Footage of White being interviewed. White says that substance abuse, violence, AIDS, infant mortality, and the decreased life expectancy of minority males are all problems of the low-income population. Footage of Dr. Rodrigo Guerrero (Carvajal Foundation) being interviewed by Marks. Guerrero says that development is not a problem of resources. Guerrero says that people must be mobilized. Marks reports that Guerrero is in Boston to give advice to White and his colleagues. Marks reports that Guerrero is the executive director of a Colombian charitable foundation; that programs sponsored by Guerrero's foundation helped to decrease the infant mortality rate in Colombia. V: Footage from Frontline of children in a Colombian village. Marks reports that Guerrero is one of several experts from the developing world who gathered in Boston today; that the medical experts are here to help medical workers in Boston deal with the health care crisis. V: Shots of attendees at the conference; of a speaker at the conference. Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) being interviewed. Flynn says that people look at Boston as a center of medical expertise; that Boston needs to provide quality health care for poor and needy people. Marks reports that Flynn has pressured two of Boston's leading maternity hospitals into providing $3 million over three years to decrease the infant mortality rate. V: Shot of a Latina woman and infant in the lobby of a pediatric clinic. The woman enters an examination room, followed by a white female health care worker. Shot of the infant on an examination table. The two women stand over the infant. Marks notes that the hospitals will provide more doctors and midwives; that health clinics will receive funding for more prenatal care. V: Footage of Flynn being interviewed. Flynn says that there have been cuts in federal and state spending on health care; that the city must rely on private hospitals to provide quality health care for all people. Footage of Guerrero being interviewed. Guerrero says that his foundation began opening health clinics and schools in poor areas of Cali, Colombia. Guerrero says that his foundation had limited success at first. Marks reports that Guerrero believes that providing medical care is not enough. Marks reports that Guerrero switched his focus from the development of health clinics to economic development. Marks notes that Guerrero's program trained people how to open small businesses like soda shops and beauty parlors; that the program provided technical assistance and loans to the businesses. V: Footage of an urban area in Colombia; of residents and traffic on the streets; of small businesses in a commercial area. Footage of Guerrero being interviewed. Guerrero says that income is related to health. Guerrero says that an increase in a family's income will result in better health for family members. Footage of White being interviewed. White says that Guerrero's idea is an excellent one. White says that this idea was behind the construction of neighborhood health centers during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration's War on Poverty. White says that the neighborhood health centers were originally under the jurisdiction of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Marks reports that the health centers were shifted to the jurisdiction of the Office of Health, Education and Welfare during the Richard Nixon administration. Marks notes that the shift in jurisdiction marked the end of the connection between health care and economic status. Marks reports that White believes that this shift led to a decline in health care. V: Footage of a white female health care worker and a Latino woman in a medical examination room. An Latino infant is on the examining table. The Latino woman changes the boy's diaper. Footage of White being interviewed. White says that jobs must be provided in order to reduce violence. White says that economic development provides opportunities for people. Marks stands outside of the Martha Eliot Health Care Center. Marks reports that attendees at the conference recommended that the city of Boston levy a twenty-five cent tax on cigarettes to pay for new health care programs. Marks reports that the measure is expected to be controverial; that the measure will probably be opposed by merchants. V: Footage of White being interviewed. White says that new revenue is needed to provide minimal programs; that programs are needed to make headway against AIDS, violence, drug abuse, and infant mortality. Marks reports that it is unlikely that new taxes or new health or development programs will be funded during this economic crisis. Marks reports that it is possible that poor people in Colombia will lead longer and healthier lives than poor people in Boston. V: Footage of an infant being weighed on a medical scale. A Latina woman and a white female medical worker look on.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/26/1991

Infant mortality among minorities

Description: Report on an alarming increase in the infant mortality rate in Boston. Review of the statistics noting that the infant mortality rate among African Americans is 2.5 times the infant mortality rate among whites and that the increase was most pronounced in the Roxbury neighborhood. Interview with Dr. Bailus Walker, the Commissioner of Public Health, who says that the increase in the infant mortality rate is the result of a cutback in social programs from 1982 to 1984. Mayor Ray Flynn talks about the effects of cutbacks in social programs. The state has put $15 million toward reducing the infant mortality rate. Marian Wright Edelman, the Director of the Children's Defense Fund, speaks at a press conference, saying that the US has one of the highest infant mortality rates of any industrialized nation. The video cuts to black for 45 seconds during this story, from 00:01:34 to 00:02:15, presumably for graphics that weren't added to this copy. Following the edited story is additional b-roll footage of health care workers, parents and children at the Codman Square Health Center.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of a doctor examining a non-white baby with a stethoscope. Hope Kelly reports that the infant mortality rate in Massachusetts is nine out of 1,000 infants; that 22 of every 1,000 African American babies die; that the infant mortality rate for African Americans is 2.5 times higher than the infant mortality rate for whites. V: Footage of three young African American children playing outside of a housing project. Kelly reports that the infant mortality rate is 15 out of 1,000 for babies born in Boston; that the mortality rate for non-white babies born in Boston is 23 out of 1,000. V: Shots of a white child standing near a park bench; of a doctor examining a pregnant African American woman. Kelly reports that infant mortality rates have increased from previous years. V: Shots of an African American infant girl being undressed before a medical examination. Kelly reports that the state-wide infant mortality rate was 8.9 deaths per 1,000 babies in 1984. V: Video cuts out. Black screen is visible. Kelly reports that that the state-wide infant mortality rate was 9.1 per 1,000 babies in 1985. Kelly notes that the African American infant mortality rate was 17 per 1,000 babies in 1984; that the African American mortality rate was 22.1 per 1,000 babies in 1985. Kelly adds that the increase was drastic in the city of Boston. Kelly notes that the African American infant mortality rate in Boston was 11.7 per 1,000 babies in 1984; that the African American infant mortality rate in Boston was 15.4 per 1,000 babies in 1985. Kelly notes that the increase in the infant mortality rate was pronounced in the Roxbury area; that the infant mortality rate in Roxbury rose from 16.5 per 1,000 in 1984 to 23.4 per 1,000 in 1985. Kelly adds that the infant mortality rate in North Dorchester doubled from 1984 to 1985. V: Video cuts back in. Footage of Dr. Bailus Walker (Commissioner of Public Health) saying that he is concerned but not surprised about the rise in the infant mortality rate. Walker says that the infant mortality rate is the result of cutbacks made in social programs from 1982 to 1984. Kelly says that Walker and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) blame cutbacks by the federal government. V: Footage of Flynn saying that the rise in the infant mortality rate is attributable to dramatic cutbacks in nutrition programs, housing programs, and other social programs. Kelly says that the state put $15 million dollars toward an effort to reverse the increase in the infant mortality rate in 1985. V: Shots of the State House. Footage of Walker saying that it is too soon to see the results of the effort; that the data for 1986-1988 will show the results of the state effort. Shots of a Boston Globe front page article. The headline reads, "Hub infant deaths up 32%. Kelly says that Boston is home to some of the nation's most advanced medical centers. V: Shots of Boston City Hall; of signs for Boston Hospitals, including the New England Medical Center Hospital and Children's Hospital. Kelly reports that the Boston's Mission Hill neighborhood is very close to the Harvard Medical Complex and other hospitals. V: Shots of a child riding a go-cart outside of a housing project in Mission Hill; of a woman standing at the window of her aparment, holding an infant. Shots of African American children playing outside of the housing project. Kelly reports that the infant mortality rate in Mission Hill is 50 deaths per 1,000 births; that the infant mortality rate in Mission Hill is as high as the infant mortality rate in many third-world countries. Kelly reports that there are high infant mortality rates among African American communities across the nation. V: Footage of Marian Wright Edelman (Director, Children's Defense Fund) at a press conference. Wright Edelman says that an African American infant born in Washington D.C. is more likely to die than in infant born in Trinidad and Tobago; that the US and one other nation have the highest infant mortality rates among twenty industrialized nations surveyed. Footage of Walker saying that he will be concerned if this trend continues for three or more years; that a one-year "snapshot" does not yet indicate a trend.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/09/1987

Discrimination in lending

Description: Hope Kelly reports on a legislative hearing in Boston on alleged redlining practices by Boston banks. Kelly reports that the Federal Reserve Bank released a study finding evidence of redlining practices. Kelly notes that the banking industry reacted strongly to the accusations. Kelly's report includes footage from the legislative hearings. Barney Frank (US Congressman) and Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP) condemn redlining practices. Richard Pollard (Chairman, Massachusetts Banking Association) and Richard Syron (President, Federal Reserve Bank) say that they do not believe that the banks are engaged in redlining. Kelly reviews the findings of the study. She adds that the study does not conclude if the findings reflect redlining or discrimination on the part of lenders. Kelly quotes Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston), Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts), and Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) as saying the redlining practices cannot be tolerated. Kelly interviews Pollard. Pollard says that banks are not engaged in redlining. He adds that banks need to better serve the needs of minority communities. Kelly notes that the legislative hearing addressed solutions to the problem of redlining, but did not talk about the problem of racism. This tape includes additional footage of the legislative hearing, with various speakers both in agreement and disagreement with the study.
1:00:05: Visual: Footage of Barney Frank (US Congressman) at a congressional hearing in Boston. Franks says that people of color are being denied their rights because of their skin color. Hope Kelly reports that Frank and other officials said that there is irrefutable evidence showing that Boston banks are engaged in discriminatory lending practices. V: Footage of Benjamin Hooks (Executive Director, NAACP) saying that banks across the nation are engaged in discriminatory lending practices. Kelly reports that the banking industry reacted strongly to the comments. V: Footage of Richard Pollard (Chairman, Massachusetts Banking Association) saying that he does not think that Hooks read the study. Kelly reports that the Federal Reserve Bank issued a study on August 31, 1988. Kelly quotes the study as finding that "the number of mortgage loans. . .is 24% lower in black neighborhoods than in white, even after taking into account economic and other non-racial neighborhood characteristics that might contribute to such disparities." V: Shot of Hooks, Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts), Richard Syron (President, Federal Reserve Bank), and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) at the congressional hearing. Shot of Syron speaking. On-screen text and visuals detail the study findings. Kelly notes that the study does not conclude whether the findings reflect redlining or discrimination on the part of lenders. V: Footage of Syron speaking at the hearing. Syron says that he does not believe that Boston banks are engaged in redlining or discriminatory practices. Footage of Hooks saying that the African American community often knows through experience what the white community must find out through studies. Kelly reports that city and state officials were sympathetic to Hooks's viewpoint. Kelly quotes Flynn as saying that the findings are disturbing; that discriminatory practices cannot be tolerated. Kelly quotes Joseph Kennedy (US Congressman) as saying that "there is a serious problem of racially discriminatory lending in this city." Kelly quotes Dukakis as saying that "racial bias in any form is contrary to the very principles upon which this nation and Commonwealth were founded." V: Shot of Flynn, Syron, and Dukakis at the hearing. Quotes by Flynn, Kennedy and Dukakis appear written in text on-screen. Kelly reports that the bankers disagreed with the officials. V: Footage of Pollard being interviewed by Kelly. Pollard says that the study contains no evidence showing that banks are involved in the practice of redlining. Pollard admits that people in disadvantaged neighborhoods are ill-served by the financial community. Pollard says that bankers are part of the larger financial community; that bankers will be part of the solution to the problem. Shots of the congressional hearing; of Kennedy at the congressional hearing. Shots of Kweisi Mfume (State Representative) at the hearing; of attendees at the hearing; of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) at the hearing. Kelly reports that speakers at the hearing focused on solutions to the problem; that few talked about the larger issue of racism at the heart of the problem. V: Shots of Flynn; of attendees at the hearing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/29/1989

Election Day

Description: B-roll of campaign workers holding campaign signs and handing out flyers for mayoral candidates Ray Flynn and Mel King, and other political candidates. Poll workers check in voters at polling stations. Voters stand in line to vote. A poll worker holds a stack of absentee ballots. Exteriors of the Mel King for Mayor headquarters. Campaign staff members work and make telephone calls at the campaign headquarters of Flynn and King. A Flynn worker telephones voters to remind them to vote for Flynn. Campaign workers for King and Flynn are gathered outside of a polling station in the evening. Some campaign workers approach voters. One campaign worker remarks on the cold weather. Voters stand in line and vote at a polling station. Shot of a voting booth.
1:00:00: Visual: Shot of a street corner posted with campaign signs for Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) and Craig Lankhorst (candidate for Boston School Committee). Footage of campaign workers holding signs for Mark Roosevelt (candidate for Boston City Council), King, Lankhorst, and Abby Browne (candidate for Boston School Committee). The workers give out flyers to people as they enter a building. Shot of poll workers sitting at a table. Voters are lined up in front of the table. 1:00:48: V: Shots of campaign workers in front of a building, holding signs for Roosevelt, King, Browne, Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston), and others. Shots of the interior of a a polling station. Poll workers are seated at a table. Two women confer on one side of the room. One of the women examines a stack of absentee ballots, which she holds in her hands. Shot of a voter list being examined by a poll worker. Shots of poll workers at the table with the voter lists. Shot of the stack of absentee ballots on the poll workers' table; of the cover of the "City of Boston List of Registered Voters" for 1983. 1:04:17: V: Shots of the headquarters for the King mayoral campaign. King campaign signs are posted in the window. A man is heard speaking into a bullhorn, urging voters to vote for King. Shots of the crowded interior of the King headquarters. Several campaign workers are present. One campaign worker is organizing a ride to the polls for a voter. Shot of a sign for the Rainbow Coalition. 1:05:57: V: Shots of the interior of the Flynn campaign headquarters. Campaign workers are telephoning voters to remind them to vote for Flynn. 1:06:47: V: Shot of two campaign workers standing in front of a building, holding Flynn campaign signs. In the background is a King supporter with a King campaign sign. People are gathered in front of the building. Shot of the white King supporter talking to an African American man. Shots of the people gathered in front of the building; of two men walking away from the building. 1:08:18: V: Footage of a woman entering a polling station in the evening. She refuses the flyers offered to her by campaign workers. The campaign workers joke about how cold it is outside. The campaign workers hand out more flyers to voters as they enter the polling station. Shot of campaign signs covering a pole on the sidewalk of a busy street. 1:09:48: V: Footage of the interior of a polling station. Poll workers sit behind a table as they check in voters. A white voter is shown to a polling booth. Poll workers continue to check in voters. 1:12:00: V: Footage of an African American male voter checking in with the poll workers. Voters stand in line to enter the polling booths. Shot of a ballot on a voting machine with levers. Shot of voters feet as they stand in the voting booths.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/05/1983

Wilson's contract in jeopardy

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Boston School Committee is deeply divided over whether to renew the contract of superintendent Laval Wilson. Committee members discuss Wilson's contract renewal at a School Committee meeting. Committee member John O'Bryant says that he refuses to watch Wilson be lynched by members of the Committee who do not respect his professionalism. Vaillancourt reviews Wilson's record as superintendent. She speculates on how each member of the Committee will vote and quotes Committee member John Nucci as saying that Wilson's prospects look "gloomy." Vaillancourt reports accusations that Mayor Ray Flynn has been lobbying against Wilson. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on the debate over the terms "black" and "African American"
1:00:18: Visual: Footage of Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) addressing members of the Boston School Committee at a meeting of the School Committee. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Wilson is fighting for his job. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson told the School Committee at last night's meeting that the debate over his contract should be postponed. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson said that he did not have proper legal counsel with him at last night's meeting. Vaillancourt adds that there are deep divisions among School Committee members over the renewal of Wilson's contract. V: Footage from Say Brother of School Committee members John O'Bryant, Juanita Wade and Rita Walsh Tomasini at a School Committee meeting. Footage of Abigail Browne (Boston School Committee) saying that the School Committee must decide whether it will negotiate a new contract with Wilson. Browne says that Wilson does not need legal counsel if the School Committee decides not to negotiate a contract. Footage of Peggy Davis-Mullen (Boston School Committee) saying that she would like the School Committee to decide if it should renew Wilson's contract. Footage of John Nucci (Boston School Committee) saying that Wilson has made a respectful request not to negotiate this evening. Nucci says that he would not blame Wilson if he got up and left the meeting. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson and his supporters were prepared to walk out of the meeting; that they did not walk out of the meeting. V: Footage of O'Bryant speaking to a few School Committee members during a break in the meeting. O'Bryant says that he refuses to watch Wilson "be lynched" by Committee members who have no respect for his professionalism. Vaillancourt reports that the meeting was postponed until next week. V: Shots of audience members at the School Committee meeting; of Wilson standing alone at the meeting as he sips a beverage. Vaillancourt reports that some School Committee members are angry about Wilson's handling of a new student assignment plan; that some members fault Wilson for stalled contract talks with the teachers' union. Vaillancourt notes that Wilson is credited with an increase in student test scores; that Wilson is blamed for the School Department's $3 milllion deficit. V: Shots of a group of School Committee members conferring, including Davis-Mullen, Daniel Burke, Robert Cappucci, and Walsh-Tomasini; of Wilson conferring with another group of School Committee members, including Nucci, O'Bryant, and John Grady. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson asked for a raise and a housing allowance; that the School Committee voted in the fall to begin negotiations with Wilson. Vaillancourt notes that some members do not want to renew his contract. V: Shots of Davis-Mullen, Wilson and Thomas O'Reilly (President, Boston School Committee) at a School Committee Meeting. Footage of Robert Cappucci saying that he will give no support to Wilson. Vaillancourt reports that Wilson needs seven votes in order to extend his contract. Vaillancourt notes that Committee members Walsh Tomasini, Cappucci, Davis-Mullen, Burke, Kitty Bowman, and Browne are opposed to renewing Wilson's contract; that Committee members O'Bryant, Jean McGuire, Wade, Gerald Anderson and Grady support Wilson; that Committee members Nucci and O'Reilly are undecided. V: On-screen text details the breakdown of the potential votes of School Committee members. Vaillancourt reports that O'Reilly has said that he is open to negotiating with Wilson; that O'Reilly has not said how he will vote. Vaillancourt reports that Nucci wants to discuss Wilson's plans to deal with the School Department deficit before casting his vote. Vaillancourt notes that Nucci has characterized Wilson's chances as "gloomy." V: Shots of O'Reilly; of Nucci. Vaillancourt reports that O'Bryant has accused Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) of lobbying against Wilson. Vaillancourt reports that a spokesman for Flynn said that "there is no basis for that charge. The mayor has worked cooperatively with the Superintendent and the School Committee." V: Shots of O'Bryant; of Flynn. A quote from a Flynn spokesman appears written on the screen. Vaillancourt reports that Flynn would like to have more influence over the school system; that Flynn has suggested doing away with the Boston School Committee. Vaillancourt wonders if Flynn would also like to choose a superintendent more to his liking.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/15/1989

City Council on school reform

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Boston City Council has delayed voting on the school reform package proposed by Mayor Ray Flynn, which includes a home rule petition that transfers decision-making power from the Boston School Committee to the superintendent of schools. Reverend Bruce Wall of the Twelfth Baptist Church delivers an invocation before a City Council meeting, presided over by President Bruce Bolling. Some councilors, including Dapper O'Neil, are opposed to the plan. O'Neil criticizes the plan because it gives too much power to the superintendent. Jim Kelly and Joseph Tierney also speak at the meeting. Critics accuse the Boston City Council of delaying their vote on the proposal in order to garner media attention. Interview with Boston School Committee member John Nucci. Vaillancourt notes that school reform is an important issue for voters. Shots of a newspaper article criticizing the City Council. Interview with City Councilor Christopher Ianella, who says that the councilors are practicing "the art of politics" and that they will eventually vote in favor of the proposal. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Callie Crossley reports on a proposal to allow for AIDS testing by insurance companies
1:00:01: Visual: Footage of Reverend Bruce Wall (Twelfth Baptist Church) delivering an invocation before a meeting of the Boston City Council in the City Council Chambers. City Councillors Charles Yancey and Bruce Bolling stand behind him. Shots of the City Councillors in the Chambers. Bruce Bolling presides over the meeting. The other councillors sit behind desks. Meg Vaillancourt reports that the Boston City Council met to consider the school reform package proposed by Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston). Vaillancourt notes that the package includes the home rule petition, which is the "cornerstone" of school reform in Boston. V: Footage of Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council) saying that the Boston School Commitee is "crucifying the teachers"; that the School Committee is giving too much power to the superintendent. O'Neill compares Wilson's power to that of Adolph Hitler. O'Neil says that he will never vote for the school reform package. Vaillancourt reports that O'Neil was the only City Councillor to say that he would vote against the package; that consensus is never easy in an election year. V: Shot of the stenographer in the center of the Chambers. Footage of James Kelly (Boston City Council) saying that there is no rush to vote on the home rule petition; that the state legislature will not meet to approve the petition until September. Vaillancourt reports that most City Councillors agree with the petition; that the petition transfers power from the School Committee to the superintendent. V: Shots of a School Committee meeting in session. Vaillancourt reports that the School Committee has agreed to share power; that the proposal to allow Wilson to make personnel decisions has strong backing in the business community. Vaillancourt notes that Flynn's proposal includes changes suggested by councillors; that Boston newspapers called the councillors' suggested changes "absurd." V: Shots of the City Council meeting; of a newspaper editorial with a headline reading, "Games Councillors Play." Vaillancourt reports from outside of the City Council Chambers. Vaillancourt reports that the City Council delayed voting on the package; that the Council referred the school reform package to its Education Committee for review. Vaillancourt notes that the Council objected to the package last week. Vaillancourt speculates that the Council did not want to appear to back down from their objections by approving the package; that the Council did not want to open themselves up to criticism by rejecting the package. V: Footage of Bolling preciding over a vote in the Coucil Chambers. Shot of Joseph Tierney (Boston City Council) addressing the Council. Vaillancourt reports that politics may be behind the City Council's delay. Vaillancourt adds that school reform is the focus of Tierney's mayoral campaign. V: Footage of Tierney saying that he will not vote in favor of the package until he has the opportunity to make an "intelligent, informed vote." Footage of John Nucci (President, Boston School Committee) saying that the City Council is delaying on the issue in order to garner attention from the media. Vaillancourt speculates that Nucci is correct; that school reform is a major issue for voters; that most City Councillors will probably endorse the plan. V: Shot of students playing ring-around-the rosey at the Jackson Mann Elementary School. Footage of Christopher Ianella (Boston City Council) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Ianella says that Councillors are practicing the "art of politics"; that the vote will eventually come out in favor of the package.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/03/1987

Preparing for Mandela's visit

Description: Marcus Jones reports on city-wide preparations for Nelson Mandela's visit. Jones report includes footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and a group of city officials raising the flag of the African National Congress (ANC) on City Hall Plaza and footage of preparations for a rally on the Esplanade. Jones interviews Maurice Lewis (Public Affairs Director, WBCN radio) and a senior from the Jeremiah Burke High School about Mandela's visit. Jones reports that more than 4,000 people are expected to take part in a Walk For Freedom from Roxbury to the Esplanade. Jones notes that students from the Trotter Elementary School will perform for Mandela at a reception. Jones interviews Trotter Elementary School students about Mandela. Jones' report includes footage of Trotter school students rehearsing a musical piece. Students make posters in preparation for Mandela's visit. Jones notes that vendors are selling souvenir merchandise with images of Mandela. Jones interviews Jacob Abdul Khllaq (General Manager, A Nubian Notion) about the books, T-shirts and posters sold at his store. Jones interviews Lisa Grant (resident) about Mandela. Jones' report includes footage of an African American man and boy talking about Mandela and footage from Mandela's visit to New York City.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and a group of city officials unfurling a flag of the African National Congress (ANC). The group of city officials with Flynn include Boston City Councillors Charles Yancey, Bruce Bolling, and David Scondras. Shots of the media assembled on City Hall Plaza; of the ANC flag being raised on a flag pole. Marcus Jones reports that there is much excitement surrounding the preparations for the arrival of Nelson Mandela (ANC leader) in Boston. V: Footage of Flynn addressing a gathered crowd. Flynn says that the people of Boston and the United Way will give Mandela a big welcome tomorrow. Shot of preparations being made on the Esplanade for Mandela's visit; of preparations at the Hatch Shell. Jones reports that Mandela's visit is as important as the visit by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s. V: Footage of Maurice Lewis (Public Affairs Director, WBCN radio) being interviewed. Lewis says that the whole city is pulling together to prepare for Mandela's visit; that the city of Boston is rising to the occasion. Shots of a group of people of diverse races walking along a street. Jones reports that more than 4,000 people are expected to take part in a Walk for Freedom tomorrow morning; that the walk will begin in Roxbury and end at the Esplanade. V: Footage of Loraine Sterling (senior, Jeremiah Burke High School) being interviewed. Sterling says that the organizers of the walk wanted to show their support for Mandela. Jones reports that students from the William Trotter Elementary School are rehearsing a prayer for Mandela; that the work was composed two years before. Jones reports that the students will perform for Mandela at a private reception tomorrow evening at the Copley Plaza Hotel. V: Shots of students rehearsing at the Trotter School. Shots of students rehearsing on stage; of a teacher watching the students; of students playing music on water glasses; of students playing percussion instruments; of students on stage. Footage of Priscilla Purvis (fifth grader, William Trotter School) being interviewed. Purvis says that Mandela helps people; that not everyone helps people. Footage of Molly Costello (fourth grader, William Trotter School) being interviewed by Jones. Costello says that Mandela fights for freedom; that he does not give up. Shots of students making posters in preparation for Mandela's visit. Shot of a sign reading, "Mandela, Roxbury loves you." Jones reports that Mandela's name and image appear on souvenir merchandise being sold across the city; that proceeds support Mandela's mission in South Africa. V: Shot of books about Mandela; of a woman putting pamphlets about Mandela on a rack; of T-shirts with Mandela's face; of buttons with Mandela's image. Shot of a worker in the store A Nubian Notion. The worker folds a Mandela T-shirt and puts it in a bag. Footage of Jacob Abdul Khllaq (General Manager, A Nubian Notion) being interviewed in the store. Khllaq says that people recognize the impact that Mandela has had on the world; that people want a piece of history. Footage of an African American man and a small boy standing in front of a poster of Mandela. The man tells the boy that Mandela is a great leader. Footage of Lisa Grant (resident) being interviewed. Grant says that Mandela has sacrificed twenty-seven years of his life. Grant says that Mandela is a hero. Shot of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) in New York City with David Dinkins (mayor of New York City). This news story is accompanied by intermittent music.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/22/1990