| 11 - 16 of 16 | Next »
Number of results to display per page

Common Ground, Part 8

Description: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas' novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Pearlstein sums up the issues discusses at the forum. Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) addresses the audience. Wilson says that issues of race and class can be mediated through the public schools. He adds that public education is a means of upward mobility for poor students. Wilson says that the city of Boston must commit itself to providing quality education in the schools. He says that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join him in the effort to improve the Boston Public Schools. John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation) gives closing remarks and ends the meeting. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 8 of 8
1:00:03: Visual: Steve Pearlstein (journalist) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Pearlstein speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriuculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former Editor, The Boston Globe). Pearlstein says that he is honored to be at the gathering with an audience of great intelligence and experience. Pearlstein sums up the issues discussed at the gathering. Pearlstein says that class issues were not given consideration during the busing crisis; that Arthur Garrity (federal judge) made the city of Boston face up to race issues; that many suffered during the busing crisis. Pearlstein refers to audience comments about dialogue between the opposing sides and the role of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston). Pearlstein refers to Lynch's presentation. Pearlstein notes that Lynch's role as an attorney in the case was to deny that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had any responsibility in the city of Boston's segregated school. Pearlstein notes that the Twymon children are very well behaved. Visual: Shots of the Twymon family in the audience. Pearlstein refers to comments by Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground) and Elvira Pixie Palladino (member of the Boston School Committee). Pearlstein notes that the gathering disagreed on the role of Arthur Garrity (federal judge) and on changes in the city's racial climate. Pearlstein refers to comments by Gerard Doherty (Charlestown resident) and Lukas. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Pearlstein talks about the viability of a metropolitan busing solution. Pearlstein says that suburbanites do not seem concerned about the state of Boston's schools. The audience applauds. Shots of the podium and the panelists from the back of the room. 1:06:42: V: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) introduces Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools). Wilson approaches the podium. Wilson says that he is pleased to be in Boston. Wilson reads a quote from Isaiah. Wilson says that the past must inform the future; that Boston residents must accept their differences and move forward. Wilson says that he would like to work with diverse groups from the community to benefit Boston's schoolchildren. Wilson quotes Jack Beatty, who writes about class and race issues in his review of Common Ground. Wilson says that class and race issues can be mediated through the public schools; that quality education can provide upward mobility for poor youngsters. Wilson says that the city's public policy must reflect its commitment to quality education for schoolchildren. Wilson says that he wants to focus the city's attention on education. Wilson says that society must take responsibility for its schools and for the education of its children. Wilson notes that students are graduating from US high schools with poor literacy skills. Wilson quotes from the study, "A Nation at Risk," which reports on the state of education in the US. The report warns of "a rising tide of mediocrity" in US schools. Wilson says that society must demand quality education for the students; that the students are the future leaders of the society. Wilson compares hiring practices by the Boston business community to a "donut." Wilson says that corporations hire workers from the communities outside of Boston, instead of from within the city. Wilson says that he wants to improve the education in Boston Public Schools; that parents, institutions of higher education, the business community, and social agencies need to join in that effort. Wilson says that the school system must help students to learn. Wilson asks for the cooperation of the audience in this effort. The audience applauds. 1:17:26: V: Shots of audience members including Eric Van Loon (attorney for the plaintiffs, Morgan v. Hennigan) and Jim Conway (Charlestown resident). Nolan addresses the audience. He thanks the John F. Kennedy Library and introduces John Cullinane (Chairman, John F. Kennedy Library Foundation). Shots of the panelists. Cullinane thanks Mark Roosevelt (Executive Director, John F. Kennedy Library) for organizing the evening's events. Cullinane compliments Lukas on his book. Cullinane says that he is the son of poor Irish immigrants; that all parents want their children to succeed in life. Cullinane talks about how education is the first priority for many parents. Cullinane says that he wishes the book had talked more about each parent's commitment to education above all else. Shots of Lukas; of the audience. Cullinane talks about how race and class are issues all over the world. Cullinane thanks the audience and invites them for cocktails and refreshments afterwards. The audience applauds. Audience members rise and prepare to exit the auditorium.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Common Ground, Part 7

Description: Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe) speaks at a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Winship says that Boston is no longer portrayed as a racist city in the national media. He notes that the city is dedicated to healing its wounds. Martin Nolan organizes a discussion among audience members and panelists. Gerard Doherty (former State Representative) says that Irish Americans were fighting for their children's right to a good education. He adds that there were no racial problems in Charlestown before the busing crisis. Ron Formisano (Professor, Clark University) says that he is disappointed at the absence of the McGoff family and other members of the anti-busing movement. Nolan says that many leaders of the anti-busing movement declined invitations to attend the forum. Paul Grogan (Liaison to the Business Community for the Flynn administration) asks Lukas to comment on the leadership of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Lukas responds to Formisano, saying that the absence of the McGoff family is troubling. He says that he invited many members of the anti-busing movement to the forum. Lukas comments on White's career as mayor. He says that White was most effective in the early years of his tenure. He notes that White became less attentive to racial issues over the years, though he was effective in other areas. Lukas compliment's Garrity's courage and integrity. Lukas speculates as to whether a metropolitan solution to busing would have worked. He says that the court order should have tried to address class issues. Rachel Twymon (member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground) speaks to the audience. She says that children cannot be expected to attend school together until their parents can gather to discuss issues peacefully. Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground) addresses the meeting. She compliments Lukas on his novel and says that his novel allowed her to understand different people's perspectives on the busing crisis. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Winship. Tape 7 of 8
1:00:00: Visual: Thomas Winship (former editor, The Boston Globe) addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the release of the book, Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). Winship speaks as a member of a panel including Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools) and Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church). Winship says that Boston is no longer portrayed as a "racist city" by the national media; that Boston is now seen as a city dedicated to healing its wounds. Winship says that "the court order made the city face the music, and the melody gets better and better as each day goes by." The audience applauds. 1:00:52: V: Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe) invites questions from the audience. Gerard Doherty (former State Representative from Charlestown) refers to the comments of Elvira Pixie Palladino (former member, Boston School Committee) about respect and the comments of Paul Parks (former State Secretary for Education) about listening to others. Doherty says that Lukas's book neglected to mention the great commitment to education on the part of most Irish Americans. Doherty notes that there were no racial problems in Charlestown before "forced busing"; that Irish Americans were fighting for their children's right to a good education. Doherty says that Irish Americans felt as if the right to education was being denied to their children through forced busing. Doherty says that Charlestown residents support equal rights for all; that Charlestown residents want a good education for their children in neighborhood schools; that education is "the way out" for most Charlestown residents. The audience applauds. 1:04:17: V: Ron Formisano (Professor, Clark University) introduces himself and says that he is working on a book about the anti-busing movement. He comments that the absence of the McGoff family (family portrayed in Common Ground) at today's gathering is symbolic of the "historic alliance" in Boston between white protestants and African Americans. Formisano says that the absence of the McGoff family is unfortunate; that neighborhood leaders are also absent from today's gathering. Formisano points out that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) is the only person present who was involved in "strenuous opposition" to the court order. Formisano asks if the leaders of the anti-busing movement were invited to the gathering. Nolan says that members and leaders of the anti-busing movement were invited to the gathering; that most declined to accept the invitation. Nolan says that Formisano is welcome to look over the list of invitees. 1:07:33: V: Paul Grogan (Liaison to the Business Community for the Flynn administration) asks if Lukas is disappointed in the leadership of Kevin White (former Mayor of Boston) and Arthur Garrity (federal judge) during the busing crisis. Grogan asks how each man could have responded differently to the situation. Lukas approaches the podium. He says that he is happy to respond to Grogan's question and to Formisano's question. Lukas says that he is honored to have a distinguished panel and audience gather to discuss his book; that the absence of the McGoff family is "a blight on the evening." Lukas says that he had wanted all three families to rise as one after he introduced them. Lukas notes that the McGoffs accepted his invitation; that he does not know why they are not here. Lukas says that three or four dozen people from Charlestown were invited to the gathering; that he does not know how many are here. Lukas says that his intention was to bring all Bostonians together; that he did not intend to host a gathering of "Harvard professors and government officials." Lukas expresses his regret that the effort was "partially unsuccessful." Lukas says that Grogan's question is difficult. Lukas notes that one of the panelists talked about "heroes and villains"; that he hopes that the search for "heroes and villains" is in vain. Lukas says, "heroes and villains make good fairytales but bad history." Lukas says that he believes that people can transcend their history. Lukas says that Lisa McGoff (member of the McGoff family portrayed in Common Ground) is one of the people in the book whose actions are heroic; that Lisa McGoff learned to transcend her past. 1:13:09: V: Lukas says that he sees no one in the book as either a hero or a villain. Lukas says, "Kevin White will go down in history as a better mayor than he is presently perceived to have been, but not so good a mayor as he thinks he was." The audience laughs and claps for Lukas. Lukas says that White was a good mayor for the first two or three years; that White was less effective when he pursued his ambitions to be a national politician. Lukas says that White became less committed to race issues during the course of his tenure. Lukas says that he hopes that he gave full coverage in the book to the racism and race issues which led to the busing crisis. Lukas compliments panelist Sandra Lynch on her "deeply moving" presentation on racism in Boston. Lukas says that White was not committed to issues of racial justice; that White was effective in other areas. Lukas says that "history will treat Arthur Garrity much better than Boston has treated him." Lukas adds that Garrity was a "scapegoat"; that Garrity truly had no other course than to order busing as a remedy. Lukas says that he admires Garrity's tenacity, integrity and courage; that Garrity is not a "risk-taker." Lukas says that he wishes that Garrity had tried a metropolitan busing plan. Lukas notes that the anti-busing movement would have seen him as more understanding of their position. Lukas says that there is a slim chance that a metropolitan plan might have worked. Lynch, who is sitting on the panel, indicates that it would not have been legally possible. The audience laughs. Lukas says that the class issue needed to be addressed; that an effort to metropolitanize busing would have addressed the class issue, even if the effort failed. Lukas expresses his great respect for Garrity, despite his criticism. The audience applauds. 1:17:52: V: Nolan introduces Rachel Twymon (member of the Twymon family portrayed in Common Ground). Twymon says that there has been something left "unsaid." Twymon notes that Garrity enforced the law; that people are often "very lonely" when they take an unpopular stand, even if it is right. Twymon says that adults cannot expect their children to go to school together if the adults cannot gather to discuss the issues peacefully. The audience applauds. Joan Diver (member of the Diver family portrayed in Common Ground). Diver says that Lukas' book allowed her to "get into the heads" of other people. Diver talks about how she read and began to understand the perspective of each family. Diver says that the families were victims who experienced great pain; that the families were also "victimizers" who were fighting to protect their ideals, families or property. Diver says that Lukas' book is like "a window to the sky"; that the book provides understanding and wisdom which might lead readers to a "common ground." Shot of Joan and Colin Diver.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Common Ground, Part 1

Description: Martin Nolan (Boston Globe) opens a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The meeting is held in honor of the release of J. Anthony Lukas's novel, Common Ground. The novel is about the busing crisis in Boston. Nolan talks about the novel. Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) addresses the meeting. Flynn says that the novel is the first piece of journalism to report accurately on the busing crisis. Flynn says that he is pleased that the novel touches on class issues as related to school desegregation in Boston. Flynn talks about the poor institutional leadership that led to the deterioration of the Boston Public School System. He adds that parents were never consulted during the school desegregation process. Mark Roosevelt (Executive Director, John F. Kennedy Library) addresses the audience and compliments Lukas on his book. Lukas addresses the meeting. Lukas mentions the name of each family member portrayed in the novel. He asks them all to stand. He expresses his sadness at the absence of the McGoff family (family portrayed in Common Ground) from the meeting. Lukas notes each family's connection to John F. Kennedy (former US President). Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, Boston Globe). Tape 1 of 8
0:59:58: Visual: A man addresses a Town Meeting on Race and Class at the John F. Kennedy Library. The town meeting is held in honor of the book Common Ground by J. Anthony Lukas (author). The man speaks from a podium. Panelists are assembled at tables on either side of the podium. Panelists include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, The Atlantic Monthly), Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts), Marie Clarke (parent and member of the Home and School Association), Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston), Robert Kiley (former Deputy Mayor of Boston), Theodore Landsmark (attorney), Sandra Lynch (former general counsel to the State Department of Education), Kim Marshall (Director of Curriculum, Boston Public Schools), Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), and Thomas Winship (former editor, The Boston Globe). The man introduces Martin Nolan (The Boston Globe). Nolan reads from a glowing review of Common Ground, written by Robert B. Parker (author) for the Chicago Tribune. Nolan praises the book. He talks about the book's attention to the people it portrays. Nolan says that the book is not about the "movers and the shakers," but it is about "the moved and the shaken." Nolan jokes that everyone in the audience is a minor character in the book. Nolan introduces Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston). Nolan says that Flynn is always searching for common ground among the residents of Boston. The audience applauds. 1:03:39: V: Flynn says that he is honored to address the audience. Flynn says that Lukas' book is the first piece of journalism to report accurately on the "real Boston." Flynn notes the complexity issues portrayed in the book. Flynn says that the vast majority of Bostonians occupied a "middle ground" during the busing crisis. Flynn says that Lukas listened to the residents of Boston who lived through the busing crisis; that Lukas found the common ground among these people. Flynn says that there are more issues that unite people than there are issues which divide people. Flynn says that people are looking for the same opportunities in education and training. Flynn adds that people in Boston are still struggling under the weight of social and economic injustice. Flynn talks about the need to give "poor people" an opportunity to receive a good education. Flynn says that he is pleased that Lukas's book tackles the issues of class. Flynn says that the deterioration of the school system in Boston was a result of poor institutional leadership. Flynn adds that no one individual or organization was responsible for the lack of leadership; that it reflects poorly on everyone in the city. Flynn says that the institutional responses to problems in education were unsatisfactory to parents and schoolchildren. Flynn adds that the schools needed to be desegregated and reformed. Flynn says that parents of schoolchildren were never consulted during the desegregation process. Flynn says that the busing crisis divided people along class lines; that education became a secondary concern. Flynn adds that "a wall of legal paper clouded the city of Boston." Flynn says that parents were powerless to effect change in the desegregation process. Flynn talks about his respect for the people in the audience and on the panel at the town meeting. Flynn cautions the audience and panelists at the town meeting not to spend the day rehashing the history of the busing crisis. Flynn says that the city of Boston must move forward and continue to find its "common ground." The audience applauds. 1:11:28: V: Nolan runs through the program for the town meeting. Nolan notes that two panelists are missing; that there are audience members in a second theater; that those audience members will be included in the discussion period. Nolan adds that each panelists will speak about Lukas' book. Nolan paraphrases Flynn in urging the panelists to focus on how the city of Boston can reach "common ground." Nolan introduces Mark Roosevelt (Executive Director, John F. Kennedy Library). Roosevelt introduces J. Anthony Lukas. Roosevelt thanks the audience and the panelists. Roosevelt thanks Lukas for his contribution to the city of Boston. Roosevelt says that Lukas's book has helped Boston residents to understand their differences and to see their city more clearly. The audience applauds. 1:14:51: V: Lukas thanks Roosevelt for making the town meeting possible. Lukas talks about his roots in New York City. Lukas says that his "heart is in Massachusetts." Lukas says that many audience members helped him with the book. He thanks those people. Lukas makes special mention of the families portrayed in the book. Lukas says that he sees the families as "collaborators" on the book, not as "subjects." Lukas talks about the candor, generosity and courage of the families who allowed themselves to be portrayed in the book. Lukas mentions each family member by name, and then invites them to stand as one. Lukas expresses his sadness that no member of the McGoff family is present. Lukas mentions the names of Rachel Twymon, Rachel Twymon (daughter), Michael Twymon, Cassandra Twymon, Wayne Twymon, Valerie Twymon, Reverend George Walker, Hasan Sharif, Joan Diver, Colin Diver, Brad Diver, Ned Diver, George McKechnie, Ethleen Diver, Norman McKechnie, Judy McKechnie. The audience applauds for the family members when they stand up. 1:18:44: V: Lukas notes that it is fitting that the town meeting be held at the JFK Library. Lukas adds that all three families were "charter members" of the Kennedy Coalition twenty-five years ago. Lukas says that Alice McGoff can remember seeing John F. Kennedy (former US President) march in the Bunker Hill Day Parade in 1946. Lukas talks about McGoff's enduring allegiance to Kennedy. Lukas says that Rachel Twymon used to listen to Martin Luther King (African American civil rights leader) when he preached at the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury. Lukas talks about Twymon's respect for the connection between King and Kennedy. Lukas notes that Joan Diver attended Kennedy's inauguration in 1960.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/28/1985

Judge Arthur Garrity, Part 1

Description: W. Arthur Garrity (federal judge) speaks at a meeting of the Citywide Educational Coalition (CWEC). Jane Margulis (CWEC) introduces Garrity. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools), Sidney Smith (Headmaster, English High School), and Ellen Guiney (CWEC) sit on stage. Garrity talks about his efforts to wrap up the school desegregation case. He says that there are a few lingering matters to be handled before he withdraws. Garrity thanks the CWEC for providing factual and reliable information about school desegregation. Garrity talks about a "sea of misinformation" surrounding school desegregation. He refutes rumors that he was involved in hiring teachers and buying supplies. Garrity compliments John Coakley (Boston School Department) on his career in the Boston School Department; he mentions Coakley's integrity and dedication to his job. Garrity sums up the challenges facing the Boston Public Schools; he says that school integration is an ongoing process. Reel 1
0:59:59: Visual: Arthur Garrity (federal judge) speaks at English High School at the annual meeting of the Citywide Education Coalition (CWEC). Garrity is at the end of his involvement in the Boston school desegregation case. Jane Margulis (CWEC) introduces Garrity. Garrity sits on stage, with a group of officials including Laval Wilson (Superintendent of Boston Public Schools), Sidney Smith (Headmaster, English High School), and Ellen Guiney (CWEC). Margulis tells a few anecdotes as she introduces Garrity. Garrity shakes her hand and kisses her on the cheek as he approaches the podium. 1:02:17: V: Garrity thanks Margulis. Garrity tells a story about how he and Margulis spoke at a seminar about school desegregation in Virginia. Garrity says that members of the audience were so impressed with Margulis that she received a job offer on the spot from a school system in Texas. Garrity says that he has not come to talk about the final court orders that he handed down on September 3. Garrity reads from the canon of judicial conduct, which instructs a judge not to comment publicly on court proceedings. Garrity reminds the audience that the court case is not entirely over; that the Boston Teacher's Union has filed an appeal of the court orders issued on September 3. Garrity says that he has extended the time period in which other appeals may be filed. Garrity adds that there is another court hearing on Friday to discuss support services for the Boston Latin School. Garrity talks about a motion filed by the city of Boston to modify one of the court orders dealing with emergency school repairs. 1:07:57: V: Garrity says that he has come to thank the Citywide Education Coalition (CWEC). Garrity commends the CWEC for gathering and disseminating factual information since the beginning of desegregation. Garrity says that there was "a sea of misinformation" during that time period. Garrity cites an article from The New York Times written on September 6. The article says that Garrity was involved in hiring teachers and buying supplies. Garrity says that it is "laughable" to think that he was involved in those areas of the school system. Garrity notes that he was only involved in the hiring of one person; that he helped to hire Jerome Wynegar (Headmaster, South Boston High School). Garrity says that he wanted to acknowledge the debt owed to the CWEC by the court. Garrity adds that he wanted to meet Laval Wilson; that Wilson has a good reputation as a school administrator. Garrity says that he wanted to be present to honor John Coakley (Boston School Department). Garrity says that the Boston school desegregation case "is nothing else if not a hundred stories." Garrity talks about referring to one of the school desegregation plans filed in court as "the Coakley plan," because it was written by Coakley. He adds that a friend counseled him to stop calling it the "Coakley plan" so as not to ruin Coakley's future in the Boston School Department. Garrity says that he had recently written a a memo connected to one of the court orders, in which he commended Coakley's conscientious job performance. Garrity talks about Coakley's integrity and dedication to his job. Garrity says that there never would have been a student assignment system without Coakley. 1:12:56: V: Garrity says that school desegregation is an ongoing process. Garrity talks about the many tasks facing the Boston Public School System. Garrity talks about differences between the city of Boston and the state over the budget for facilities and school repair. Garrity talks about the need to determine which schools will get money to improve facilities. Garrity talks about the question of the Latin Schools. Garrity notes that the Boston Globe recently printed a letter from Robert Dentler (Dean of Education, Boston University) on the subject of the Latin Schools. Garrity denies charges printed in the newspapers that he vetoed a plan to improve the Latin Schools. Garrity adds that no plan has been filed to improve the Latin Schools. Garrity says that critics have misread the court orders; that planning must be undertaken for the Latin Schools. Garrity talks about the challenges involved in plans to improve vocational and occupational education. Garrity notes that the Boston School Committee faces some deadlines in its plans to improve vocational education. Garrity stresses that there is much work remaining to be done in the schools; that "the challenges of the future are greater than the challenges of the past." Garrity commends Rita Walsh-Tomasini (Boston School Committee) for advocating the formation of a committee to work with parents' organizations in the schools.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/23/1985

Robert Spillane profile

Description: Profile of Robert Spillane, superintendent of Boston Public Schools as he prepares to leave Boston for a post in Virginia. Vaillancourt reports on Spillane's accomplishments in improving the Boston Public School System and cutting the school budget deficit. Interview with Spillane where he compliments the teaching staff in the Boston Public Schools and talks about his opinion of Arthur Garrity. He says that Garrity's stewardship of the school system was a disaster. Interview with Peter McCormick, the President of the Bank of New England, about Spillane's good relationship with the business community. Vaillancourt speculates about whether Spillane will one day pursue a career in politics.
1:00:21: Visual: Footage of Robert Spillane (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) speaking to an audience. Spillane says that the quality of every school must be improved in order for school desegregation to be considered a success. Meg Vaillancourt reports that Spillane took over as Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools four years ago; that Boston was undergoing school desegregation. V: Shot of a young African American boy watching an anti-busing march. White protesters chant, "Here we go, Southie." Shot of a police officer pushing an angry white man against a car. Vaillancourt reports that the quality of education was very low. Vaillancourt notes that school officials admitted that more than one-third of the graduates from Boston Public Schools could not read. V: Shots of students descending an elevator at English High School. Shot of an African American male student reading at a his desk; of two white male students sitting together in a classroom; of students in a classroom. Shots of a group of students sitting together in a study hall; of a teacher in the study hall. Vaillancourt reports that there were six superintendents during the first seven years of school desegregation in Boston. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane was committed to changing the schools in Boston. V: Shot of Spillane seating himself as he prepares to speak to an audience. The audience applauds. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane instituted the first changes to the school curriculum in fifteen years; that promotion standards were established; that students' test scores began to improve. V: Shot of two elementary school students seated in front of computers. A teacher looks over the shoulder of one of the students. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane shares credit for success with his staff. V: Footage of Spillane being interviewed. Spillane says that there is an excellent teaching staff in the Boston Public Schools. Spillane says that the rising levels of student achievement reflect the dedication of the teaching staff. Spillane says that he provided help and direction. Spillane says that he challenged the teachers by publishing the test scores of each school. Shots of Spillane in his office. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is known as the "velvet hammer." V: Shot of a hammer with a velvet grip on display in Spillane's office. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is credited with pushing Arthur Garrity (federal judge) aside; that Spillane allowed the Boston School Department to take charge of the schools once again. Vaillancourt notes that Garrity is slowly handing over his control of the Boston Public Schools. V: Shot of Garrity at a community meeting in January of 1976. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane has few kind words for Garrity. V: Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that Garrity was a "disaster"; that Garrity was not a good manager of the schools. Spillane says that Garrity did what was necessary to desegregate the schools; that Garrity tried to manage the schools as well. Spillane says that a federal judge has no qualifications to manage a school system. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane considers his ability to manage the school system as his strength. Vaillancourt reports that the school budget had tripled in the decade before Spillane's arrival. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane cut the school deficit from $30 million to $3 million within one year. Vaillancourt notes that Spillane got Boston businesses involved in the schools; that Boston businesses have given over $5 million in additional funds to the schools. Vaillancourt adds that the Boston Public Schools have the largest private endowment in the nation. V: Footage of a woman introducing Spillane to an audience. Spillane rises from his seat, shakes the woman's hand and prepares to address the audience. The audience applauds. Shots of audience members. Footage of Spillane receiving an award in front of an audience. Footage of Peter McCormick (President, Bank of New England) being interviewed. McCormick says that Spillane is highly respected by the business community. McCormick says that Spillane understands the problems of the business community; that Spillane has been willing to be flexible. McCormick says that the business community responded in kind to Spillane. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane is leaving Boston for Virginia; that Spillane will make an additional $30,000 per year in his new job. Vaillancourt reports that Spillane made $70,000 per year in Boston; that his salary is considered low. V: Footage of Spillane talking with a small group of people. Spillane shakes hands with an Asian American woman. Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that superintendents are like athletes in that they have a short span of time in which to perform well and make money. Spillane says that there is a good market for superintendents. Vaillancourt reports that some are speculating that Spillane is looking for a political appointment in Washington DC. in the future. Vaillancourt notes that Spillane is a former Deputy Commissioner of Education in New York. V: Shot of Spillane socializing with a group of people at a gathering. Footage of Spillane being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Spillane says that public service is a great opportunity; that he loves public service. Spillane says that he may enter politics in the future; that he might like to be a city councillor or school committee member someday.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/28/1985

TOCN show tape

Description: Gail Harris and Meg Vaillancourt host a Ten O'Clock News broadcast. Harris reads the headlines. Eileen Jones reports that Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) has announced to the Boston School Committee that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget. Jones notes that school administrators and staff will be affected by the cuts. Jones adds that the Boston School Committee has voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the school bus drivers' union, with the goal of signing a contract before the beginning of school. Jones' report includes footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) and footage of Wilson and school committee members at a school committee meeting. Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted for violating state election laws. The report includes footage of Romero speaking to the media. Vaillancourt reports on opposition by the Boston Police Detectives Union to a decision by Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) to reassign thirty detectives to street patrol duty. Vaillancourt's report includes footage from interviews with Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) and Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union). James Robbins reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (South African anti-apartheid leader) was detained by South African security forces after giving a speech at Capetown University. Robbins notes that Boesak had planned to lead a march on Pollsmoor Prison the next day. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. Vaillancourt's report is accompanied by footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman for the US State Department) at a press conference. Tug Yourgrau interviews Janet Levine (South African journalist) about Nelson Mandela (jailed ANC leader). Levine talks about Mandela's arrest, his leadership, his opposition to apartheid and his wife, Winnie Mandela. The interview is accompanied by still photographs and footage of Nelson and Winnie Mandela. Vaillancourt reports on an army coup in Nigeria. Her report is accompanied by footage of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) delivering a speech. Harris reports that British Airways has grounded several jets due to possible engine problems. Her report is accompanied by footage of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon has canceled the production of an airgun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because it did not work properly. Her report is accompanied by shots of military weaponry and footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Harris reports on a decline in the US poverty rate and on a fine imposed on Crocker National Bank in San Francisco for a failure to report currency transactions. Vaillancourt reports on the racketeering trial of Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss). The report is accompanied by court drawings of the trial. Harris reports on the ground-breaking ceremony for Roxbury Community College. The report includes footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) speaking at the ceremony. Harris interviews in-studio guest Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) about the college. Wolfman talks about the new campus and the need to provide education and training to urban populations. Wolfman talks about a divide between the educated and uneducated populations in Massachusetts
1:00:06: Meg Vaillancourt introduces The Ten O'Clock News. 1:02:11: WGBH promotion for the evening newscast. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed. Gail Harris introduces the show. Harris talks about an upcoming story about the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College. 1:03:20: Meg Vaillancourt reads the headlines. Vaillancourt reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) has been placed under house arrest by the South African government. Vaillancourt reports that Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) has canceled a new air defense gun because the weapon is not worth the cost of development. 1:03:38: Harris reads the headlines. Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years; that the auto insurance industry in Massachusetts wants to increase rates next year by at least 12%. Harris reports that the Boston School Committee has been forced to cut its budget by $1 million; that the Committee has cut two dozen administrative jobs; that the Committee has not cut any teaching jobs. Harris introduces a report by Eileen Jones. 1:04:06: Eileen Jones reports that tenured teachers and programs were spared by the Boston School Committee; that administrators and staff were subject to budget cuts by the committee. Visual: Shot of a white female teacher in a classroom with elementary school students. Jones reports that Dr. Laval Wilson (Superintendent, Boston Public Schools) announced that $1.2 million must be cut from the school budget; that that school administrators and staff will be hit hard by the cuts. V: Shots of Wilson, and School Committee members Kevin McCluskey and John Nucci at a Boston School Committee meeting; of a cameraman at the meeting; of the members of the School Committee at the front of the School Committee chambers. Jones reports that the jobs of thirteen administrators and seven members of the technical support staff will be eliminated. Jones reports that administration will be cut by 20% on the School Site Management Project; that the jobs of two members of the support staff for the School Site Management Project will be cut; that consultants will be eliminated from the School Site Management Project. V: On-screen text details the specific budget cuts. Jones reports that the mayor and the Boston City Council have forced the school budget cuts; that the Boston School Department will receive $5 to $7 million dollars less than they asked for in their initial budget. V: Shots of audience members at a School Committee meeting; of an audience member taking notes; of a stenographer's hands as she transcribes the meeting; of School Committee members Jean McGuire and John O'Bryant at the meeting; of Wilson at the meeting; of the members of the media at the meeting. Jones reports that Wilson and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) made an agreement; that Wilson has agreed to eliminate $1.2 million from the budget; that Flynn has agreed to ask for $2.5 million in additional money for the schools. V: Shots of Shirley Owens Hicks (Boston School Committee); of Joseph Casper (Boston School Committee). Footage of John Grady (Boston School Committee) speaking at the meeting. Grady says that Flynn may not fight hard for additional money for the schools; that the City Council may not grant additional money. Grady says that Flynn should not determine the school budget. Footage of Wilson speaking at the meeting. Wilson says that he and Flynn made an agreement; that they will both do their best to stand by the agreement. Jones reports that the School Committee must also sign a contract with their bus drivers; that the contract needs to be signed before school begins in eight days. V: Shots of yellow school buses lined up on a street. Footage of Jim Barrett (President, Bus Drivers Union) speaking at a meeting. Barrett says that Wilson needs to appoint an overseer to negotiations with the bus company. Footage of Casper speaking at a meeting. Casper says that someone needs to take the lead on this issue. Casper says that Wilson should appoint a top official in the School Department to oversee contract negotiations with National Bus Service, Transcom, the Bus Drivers Union, and the Boston School Department. Casper says that an agreement must be reached before school starts. Jones reports that the School Committee voted in favor of cutting $1.2 million from the budget; that the Committee voted in favor of appointing a school official to oversee negotiations with the bus drivers. V: Shot of School Committee members at a meeting. Jones stands in front of the Boston School Committee headquarters. Jones reports that some administrators and staff may be bumped down to teaching positions instead of losing their jobs; that previsionary teachers will lose their jobs instead. Jones reports that the bus drivers are pleased to have a school official involved in negotiations; that the bus drivers want the school official to be able to give immediate approval of an agreement. 1:07:19: Harris reports that Grace Romero (Boston School Committee) has been indicted on four counts of violating state election laws; that Romero has been accused of perjury and filing false nomination papers; that Romero will appear in Suffolk Superior Court on Thursday. V: Footage of Romero speaking to the media. Romero says that she did not ask for a birth certificate or drivers license when asking voters to sign her nomination papers; that her volunteers only ask people if they are registered voters. She says that she filed the papers properly. Harris says that Romero could be sentenced to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine if found guilty of filing false nomination papers; that Romero could be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000 fine if found guilty of perjury. Harris notes that Romero's name will remain on the ballot in September. 1:08:18: Vaillancourt reports that Francis "Mickey" Roache (Commissioner, Boston Police Department) has recently decided to reassign city detectives to neighborhood patrol work; that members of the Boston Police Detectives Union have called the decision unfair and illegal. V: Shots of members of the Boston Police Detectives Union outside of their headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that the members of the union oppose the reassignment of thirty detectives. V: Footage of Michael Muse (attorney, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed outside of the union headquarters. Muse says that the union will ask the State Labor Relations Commission to rule on the issue. Muse says that the city has violated the state's collective bargaining law by refusing to meet and confer with the union before transferring the detectives. Vaillancourt reports that 30 plainclothes investigators have been assigned to uniformed patrol duty. V: Shots of detective union members entering their headquarters; of a uniformed police officer walking down a street. Footage of Dan Mahoney (President, Boston Police Detectives Union) being interviewed. Mahoney says that the union was not consulted before the detectives were transferred. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfer is an unfair labor practice. V: Shot of union members outside of union headquarters. Footage of Mahoney saying that morale has never been worse. Vaillancourt reports that Roache transferred the detectives in order to increase police visibility and to decrease crime. V: Shot of Roache standing at a podium. Vaillancourt reports that the union believes that the transfers will have the opposite effect. V: Footage of Muse being interviewed. Muse says that visibility does not reduce crime; that successful investigations deter crime. Muse says that patrolling officers cannot deter crime. Shots of union members outside of union headquarters. Vaillancourt reports that Roache says that he is willing to discuss the issue. Vaillancourt reports that the State Labor Relations Board is expected to rule on the case within a few days. 1:10:23: Winning lottery numbers for Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are displayed. 1:10:39: Harris reports that the South African government announced that it will suspend trade in krugerrands for a month; that the South African government is trying to stop the flight of capital from the country. Harris notes that the value of one krugerrand has decreased to thirty-five cents; that one krugerrand was valued at one dollar a three years ago. Harris reports that a march to Pollsmoor Prison is planned for tomorrow by apartheid opponents in South Africa. Harris notes that Nelson Mandela (black South African leader) has been held at the prison for over twenty years. Harris notes that Reverend Allan Boesak (black South African leader) will not lead the march as planned. Harris reports that Boesak was detained by South African Security Forces after giving a speech today. 1:11:30: James Robbins reports that Boesak was arrested after giving a speech to students at the University of Capetown. V: Shots of students outside of a building at the University of Capetown; of a sign advertising a mass meeting with Boesak as speaker. Shot of a banner reading, "Stop the call-up." Shot of Boesak walking on a campus. Robbins reports that Boesak is involved in an effort to mobilize 20,000 people; that Boesak had planned to lead the people in a march on Pollsmoor prison tomorrow. Robbins notes that the march is a plea for the release of Mandela. V: Footage of Boesak addressing an audience. Boesak talks about his vision for the future. Shot of Boesak leaving a mass meeting. Robbins reports that Boesak's car was stopped at a roadblock after leaving the university. Robbins notes that Boesak had time to tell a companion that he had been arrested under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act. V: Shots of Boesak walking with members of the media. Shot of Boesak speaking to another man as he walks. Robbins notes that the act allows for indefinite detention without trial; that Boesak's wife does not know where he is being held. V: Shot of Dorothy Boesak (wife of Allan Boesak). Robbins reports that South African police raided another university where Boesak was due to speak; that twenty-one students were arrested. Robbins notes that these arrests are an attempt to thwart the march on Pollsmoor Prison. V: Shots of a group of black South Africans watching police activity in the distance; of a broken door at a university; of a student attempting to repair a broken door. Robbins reports that P.W. Botha (South African President) has warned that his government has greater powers in reserve. V: Shot of a military vehicle. Shot of Botha exiting a vehicle. Footage of Botha at a press conference. Botha says that the South African government has not yet used all of the forces at its disposal to fight opponents. Botha says that he will take further steps if necessary. Robbins notes that the marchers had planned to assemble at the Athlone Stadium; that the government has closed all access routes to the stadium. V: Shots of armed South African Security Force members; of the exterior of the Athlone Stadium. 1:13:10: Vaillancourt reports that Ronald Reagan called the South African government "reformist" earlier this week. Vaillancourt notes that Reagan says that the South African government has eliminated segregation in hotels and restaurants. Vaillancourt reports that the US State Department has lodged a protest concerning the arrest of Boesak. V: Footage of Charles Redman (Spokesman, US State Department) speaking at a press conference. Redman says that the US State Department has formally protested the arrest of Boesak; that the detention of Boesak and others will exacerbate the current situation in South Africa. 1:13:40: Harris reports that Mandela is the head of the African National Congress (ANC); that the ANC is the largest black national organization. Harris notes that Mandela has been in jail since 1964; that Mandela is still present in the minds of black and white South Africans. 1:14:04: Janet Levine (South African journalist and opposition politician) is interviewed by Tug Yourgrau. Levine says that Mandela was jailed in 1964 for being the leader of the ANC; that Mandela has been waiting in prison for the unrest which is enveloping South Africa at the present. Yourgrau asks Levine about Mandela's past. V: Shots of a black and white photo of Mandela as a young man; of a young Nelson Mandela speaking into a microphone. Levine says that Mandela was a practicing lawyer in Johannesburg; that Mandela was a lieutenant of Chief Albert Luthuli (Nobel Peace Prize winner). Levine says that Mandela is an articulate, charismatic man. Levine says that Mandela was arrested in a white suburb of Johannesburg called Rivonia; that Mandela was put on trial for treason. V: Black and white footage from the South African Embassy. The footage shows South Africans gathered outside of a government building. Levine says that Mandela conducted his own defense; that he gave a stirring speech. Levine says that Mandela's speech marks the point when the ANC turned from nonviolence to violence. Levine says that Mandela said in the speech that passive resistance and nonviolent struggle was no longer an option. V: Shot of a newspaper articles with a photo of Mandela. The headline reads, "Mandela's Defence." Black and white footage from South African Essay. Shots of a crowd gathered in South Africa. Shots of members of the South African Security Forces. Shot of an African-American man standing at the front of a crowd. The man makes gestures with his hands. Yourgrau asks how Mandela is seen by different groups in South Africa. Levine says that Mandela represents "black terror" to the Afrikaaners. Levine says that black South Africans across the political spectrum see Mandela as their greatest leader. V: Shot of a black and white photo of black South Africans demonstrating for Mandela's release. Yourgrau remarks that Mandela recently said that he would prefer communism to apartheid; that Mandela recently said that he will not renounce violence as a means to fight against apartheid. Yourgrau says that these comments could undermine Mandela's support in the US. Levine says that apartheid is linked with capitalism in the minds of many black South Africans. Levine says that it is absurd for the South African government to make nonviolence a condition of Mandela's release. Levine says that the South African government has created the violent atmosphere within the country. Yourgrau asks about Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) and the "Mandela legend." Levine says that the "Mandela legend" is strong in South Africa. Levine says that Winnie Mandela is strikingly beautiful; that she is committed to Nelson Mandela and to the ANC. Levine says that there is a mystique surrounding the Mandela family. V: Shot of a black and white photo of Nelson and Winnie Mandela on their wedding day. Black and white footage of Winnie Mandela speaking. Color footage of Winnie Mandela giving an interview. Levine says that Zinzi Mandela (daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela) is a leader of the anti-apartheid movement; that people stop Zinzi Mandela on the street to talk to her about her father. Yourgrau comments that Winnie Mandela has said that it may be too late to negotiate the release of Nelson Mandela. Levine says that the tide has turned in favor of black South Africans; that the government must now negotiate with Nelson Mandela about the future of the country. 1:17:58: Vaillancourt reads the international headlines. Vaillancourt reports that there was an army coup in Nigeria today; that the government of Muhammadu Buhari (leader of Nigeria) was overthrown by army officers. Vaillancourt notes that Buhari was accused of abusing power and failing to revive the economy. V: Shots of soldiers on a street in Nigeria; of Buhari making a speech. Shots of Nigerians at a street market. Vaillancourt reports that Nigeria has now had six coups since declaring independence from Great Britain in 1960. Vaillancourt notes that the US State Department says that there is no indication of danger to Americans in Nigeria. 1:18:22: Stock report: the Dow Jones is listed at 1322.47 and the volume is listed at 82,140,000. 1:19:49: Harris reports that British aviation officials have ordered the grounding of several jets due to possible engine problems; that the jets have engines similar to the one which blew up in Manchester, England, last week. Harris notes that the explosion killed 54 people. Harris reports that British Airways found extensive cracking in the precautionary checks of the engines of the grounded jets. V: Shots of firefighters surrounding the remains of an exploded jet on a runway in Manchester, England. Harris reports that planes owned by four other airlines are being investigated; that some have been ordered to fly back to Great Britain with no passengers on board. V: Shot of a jet airliner in the sky. Harris reports that the Jose Napoleon Duarte (El Salvadoran president) says that arrests have been made for the murders of four marines and two American businessmen in June; that three guerillas have been arrested and a fourth is dead. Harris notes that the six Americans were killed in a cafe massacre in San Salvador; that a rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack. 1:20:34: Vaillancourt reports that the Pentagon canceled an air gun designed to hit Soviet helicopters because the weapon did not work properly. Vaillancourt reports that the weapon is called "The Sergeant York System;" that the weapon has been in production since 1981; that the weapon has cost the army $1.8 billion dollars. Vaillancourt reports that the targeting mechanism is inaccurate; that the gun mistakenly aimed at the exhaust fan of a latrine during a test. V: Shots of military weapons. Shot of a targeting system on a military weapon. Shot of a helicopter caught in the crosshairs of a weapon. Vaillancourt reports that the army had hoped to acquire 618 Sergeant York guns at a cost of $3 billion. V: Footage of Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) at a press conference. Weinberger says that the army needs air defense capability; that the army had invested time and money in the weapon. Weinberger says that the weapon will not perform as needed; that he has canceled the weapon. 1:21:41: Harris reports that the US poverty rate declined last year for the first time in ten years. Harris says that Ronald Reagan (US President) credits a low inflation rate and an economic recovery for the decline. Harris notes that the US Conference of Mayors says that the poverty rate remains high. Harris reports that the Crocker National Bank of San Francisco has agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine for a failure to report currency transactions. Harris notes that the Bank of Boston paid $500,000 for the same transgression earlier this year. Harris reports that the violations were uncovered during a routine audit of Crocker National Bank; that the bank did not intentionally launder money. Harris notes that $4 billion in unreported funds may have come from drug transactions. 1:22:38: Vaillancourt reports that Gennaro Angiulo (alleged Mafia boss) and his three brothers are on trial for racketeering; that government attorneys asked permission to present testimony from an FBI expert on the Mafia. Vaillancourt reports that defense attorneys objected to the testimony. Vaillancourt notes that defense attorneys say that there can be no expert on an organization which does not exist. Vaillancourt reports that David Nelson (federal judge) allowed the testimony; that Nelson will not allow the jury to hear testimony until the expert is questioned by attorneys in order to test his knowledge. Vaillancourt reports that today's trial session was cut short; that one juror complained of family problems. Vaillancourt notes that another juror was dismissed and replaced by an alternate. V: Shots of court room drawings of the Angiulo trial by Betty Wiberg (artist). 1:23:31: Vaillancourt reports on the weather. 1:24:41: Harris reports that there was a large crowd at the groundbreaking for Roxbury Community College today. Harris reports that Roxbury Community College was established in 1973; that money for the construction of a campus has been elusive. V: Shots of people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony at Roxbury Community College. Shots of architectural drawings of the new campus. Harris reports that the Southwest Corridor of Roxbury will house a four-building college; that the construction of the campus will cost $40 million; that the project is expected to be completed by the fall of 1987. Harris reports that 1500 students are expected to enroll. V: Footage of the groundbreaking ceremony. Shots of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) and Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) seated next to one another in the audience. Shot of Mel King (community leader) in the audience. Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) addressing the audience at the ceremony. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College now has a permanent home. Bolling says that a home for the school was needed; that the students at the college will need homes in Roxbury. Bolling says that Roxbury Community College will no longer be a "dream deferred." Shots of the audience; of Shirley Owens Hicks (State Representative) in the audience. Bolling says that he wants to make sure that Roxbury residents can afford to continue living in Roxbury. A banner with the seal of Roxbury Community College hangs from the podium where Bolling speaks. 1:26:12: Harris introduces Brunetta Wolfman (President, Roxbury Community College) as the in-studio guest. Harris notes that Wolfman was appointed in 1983; that the college is presently located on Huntington Avenue. Harris asks Wolfman if the new campus is the deliverance on a promise made fifteen years ago. Harris asks if the new campus is really needed. Wolfman says that people began pushing for a campus for Roxbury Community College twenty years ago. Wolfman notes that funds for a campus were approved by the State legislature in 1980. Wolfman says that there were groundbreakings with no commitment of funds in the 1970s. Wolfman says that the funds have been allocated and the contractor selected for this site. Wolfman says that construction is ready to begin. Wolfman says that the idea of open admission in higher education is a new one in Massachusetts; that there are a lot of private colleges in Massachusetts. Wolfman says that open-admission community colleges have a longer history in California and New York City. Harris asks why it took so long for Roxbury Community College to find a permanent home. Harris asks if politics or racism played a role. Wolfman says that both politics and racism played into the issue. Wolfman says that there is a lack of recognition of the need to provide higher education to the urban population. Wolfman says that there are a lot of poor people in Boston; that poor people need education and training in order to enter the mainstream workforce. Wolfman says that one out of every four adults in Boston is illiterate. Wolfman says that the needs of these people need to be addressed through illiteracy programs, GED programs and college-level programs. Wolfman says that Bostonians like to think of themselves as highly educated. Wolfman says that the population is split between highly educated people and uneducated people. Wolfman says that this split is economically and socially dangerous. Harris notes that some community colleges are having a hard time attracting students; that Bunker Hill Community College is running television advertisements. Wolfman says that Roxbury Community College has not had trouble filling seats at its Huntington Avenue location; that the college is stable and easily accessible. Wolfman says that poor people are reluctant to take out student loans. Wolfman notes that funding for higher education has moved from grants to loans. Wolfman says that the debt incurred by students is a problem for many. Harris closes the interview. 1:30:53: Report on baseball scores. The Red Sox beat Cleveland, 6 - 2. 1:31:10: Vaillancourt and Harris close the newscast. End credits roll. The logos of The Ten O'Clock News</i . underwriters Shawmut Bank, New England Telephone, and The Nimrod Press are displayed.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/27/1985