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TENANT PROTECTION

Description: CITY COUNCIL HEARING ON PROTECTION FOR TENANTS OF 75 ST ALPHONSUS STREET. David Scondras, Albert Dapper O'Neil, Bruce Bolling
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/21/1985

Common Ground, Part 3

Description: Thomas Brown (Professor, University of Massachusetts) addresses 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. Brown says that Lukas' novel brings perspective to the busing crisis. Brown commends Lukas on his exhaustive research into the history of each family portrayed in the novel. Brown talks briefly about the history of each family. He notes that Lukas's novel depicts the richness and struggle of everyday life. Marie Clark (parent and member of the Home and School Association) addresses the panel. Clark says that she speaks from the perspective of a parent who lived through the busing crisis. Clark says that she supports school integration, but opposed the court order. She adds that the court order was disruptive and too broad in scope. She urges audience members to support the Boston Public School system. She notes that the school system has improved as a result of desegregation. Moe Gillen (Charlestown community activist) addresses the meeting. Gillen says that he remains opposed to busing. He adds that the federal court usurped the rights of the parents of Boston's schoolchildren. Gillen notes that the anti-busing movement was committed to protesting by legal and moral means. He says that he is glad to live in a society where protest and opposition to the law is allowed. Father Michael Groden (Archdiocese of Boston) addresses the audience. Groden says that the court orders did not allow for genuine input from parents. He says that a parents' movement could have overcome issues of race and class during the busing crisis. Groden talks about the need for grassroots leadership within the city and the need for a network of human connections across the city's neighborhoods. Panelists at the meeting include Jack Beatty (Senior Editor, Atlantic Monthly), Brown, Clarke, Gillen (Charlestown community activist), Groden, 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 3 of 8
1:00:01: Visual: Martin Nolan (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). Nolan 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). Nolan introduces Thomas Brown. Brown says that he is a historian; that many of the other panelists were participants in the busing crisis. Brown says that comments that Lukas focused on the history of the McGoff, Twymon, and Diver families, which were each portrayed in the book. Brown commends Lukas for his exhaustive research into the history of each family. Brown notes that Lukas probably uncovered facts which were previously unknown to each family. Brown talks about the way in whick Lukas shows how past history affects the contemporary events portrayed in the book. Brown says that Lukas's book brings needed perspective to the busing crisis. Brown says that the Diver family emerges from the violence of the colonial struggle in Boston; that the McGoff family is informed by the violent past of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Ireland; that the Twymon family emerges from the violent past of slavery. Brown says that the recent struggles of each family pale in comparison to the hardships and struggles of their past family histories. Brown notes that the trouble endured by the families during the busing crisis has been accompanied by social progress and change. Brown says that previous speakers have suggested that a common ground existed in the coalition which was formed around John F. Kennedy (former US President) in 1960. Brown suggests that Lukas' book is also "common ground." Brown says that Common Ground is a "loving" book which moves readers to tears; that it details the richness and struggles of everyday life. Brown says that readers can take away the love put into the book by Lukas; that the readers of the book can find "common ground." The audience applauds. 1:08:30: V: Nolan introduces Marie Clark. Clark says that she brings the perspective of a parent who lived through the busing crisis. Clark says that she was one among many parents who supported integration, but opposed the plan put forth by Arthur Garrity (federal judge). Clark says that the plan was disruptive and too broad in scope. Clark says that she objected to the disruption of schools which were already integrated; that she objected to African American students being bused to a new school at the start of each year; that she objected to students being denied access to programs because of racial quotas. Clarke says that wrongs were committed by people on both sides of the issue; that Boston has emerged from the busing crisis as a stronger city. Clarke says that the Boston Public Schools have improved as a result of desegregation; that "common ground" can be found in the children of Boston who attend the public schools. Clarke adds that the Boston Public School System needs the support of parents, the business community and suburbanites. Clarke says that the future of the city depends upon a strong school system. The audience applauds. 1:11:42: V: Nolan introduces Moe Gillen. Gillen says that many in the audience are familiar with his opinions on the busing crisis. Gillen says that "common ground" can be found in Lukas' book; that the book brings people together; that the book shows the "common heritage" of Boston residents. Gillen notes that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) and Dennis Kearney (Suffolk County Sheriff) are in the audience; that Flynn and Kearney were representatives of the anti-busing movement. Gillen says that many in the anti-busing movement were committed to protesting the court orders in a "legal, moral way." Gillen praises anti-busing mothers for their commitment to their families; that many anti-busing parents set a good example for their children. Gillen says that he remains "adamently opposed to a government that takes and usurps the rights of parents." Gillen says that hindsight shows that the court orders were not successful. Gillen says that the busing crisis showed the strength of US society; that opponents to busing did not resort to "violence and anarchy," even though their "personal values" were at stake. Gillen says that he is thankful to live in the US instead of "some banana republic." Gillen invites audience members to address the issues during the discussion. The audience applauds. 1:16:08: V: Nolan introduces Father Michael Groden. Nolan talks about Groden's work as an advocate for the city's working lobstermen and his work on school issues during the busing crisis. Groden says that he wrote a letter to Garrity as he was completing his first term as director of the Citywide Coordinating Council (CCC); that he wrote to Garrity about the "parent movement" withing the city schools. Groden says that he did not think the system allowed for genuine and enduring input from parents. Groden notes that a "common ground" presented itself through the opportunity for parents to come together and effect changes in the schools. Groden says that the opportunity to bring parents together was not fully exploited; that a parents' movement would have overcome issues of race and class. Groden says that a parents' movement needs to be organized in order to build connections in and across the neighborhoods of the city. Groden says that the roles of civic and religious leaders are discussed in Lukas's book. Groden says that the city was focused on "elitist" leadership instead of grassroots leadership. Groden notes that grassroots political and religious leadership is much more effective than "moral imperatives." Groden says that moral courage is born of faith and of a healthy set of relationships with others. Groden adds that Lukas' book benefits from Lukas' ability to communicate effectively with others. Groden says that Ray Flynn (mayor of Boston) has set the right tone for the city since his inauguration; that Flynn has "lived across the lines of color and, to some extent, class." Groden adds that "moral imperatives and gospel mandates" are clear in their message. Groden concludes by saying that "common ground" can only be found in a new "set of human connections." The audience applauds.
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