Say Brother; Laval Wilson: The First Year / In My Name; 1625

Yes . You . Do. What effect says Boston's new school superintendent had on our children our schools and

our communities. And did you ever wonder how many of our parks and various squares got their names and who some of these people are. Well both are stories so I will provide some insightful and thought provoking information which we know you'll enjoy. Good evening I'm Eliot Francis and welcome to say brother. We're glad you could join us tonight say brother producer Beth Terry gives us an updated report on the Boston public schools . School superintendent LaBelle S. Wilson and his first year in office . Then I had an opportunity recently to attend the naming of Ellen White's where in the south then this piqued my curiosity as to how this process takes place. So let's say brother arts reporter Evelyn Moore will be joining me later in our program for a review of the play pantomime. A successful drama which is running here in Boston. Now with only one week left to the closing of Boston Public Schools say brothers producer Beth dare went into the community fly and out your opinions on all of our Wilson's first year

and evening everybody family of friends us and welcomed us a brother. Last fall say brother invited the new school's superintendent lvalue to share his views on education with our audience. At that time it was our aim to give say brother viewers a chance to meet Boston's first black school superintendent. Truly a historic event. Rhonda Wilson joins us to discuss his plans for the future with our studio audience member parents students school employees and advocates of quality education and all of you here join me in welcoming Dr. Lavelle as well some to say brothers. By the end of the program it was clear that much more discussion would follow and say brother promised an end of the year review of Mr. Wilson's first year on the job. You hear the appraisals of community leaders shortly but first we went to the public with this question

. If you were asked to grade love Valerie Wilson's first year as superintendent What grade would you give him. And why was he trying to with the storm it seems like is not really agreeing with the public's views about the schools so far. So I give him a C-plus just maybe get a high grade. I would give the man an a I think he's done an excellent job. Because I think he's done an excellent job in serving. In the right direction I think he's taken the problem that to. Him. The way you watch this program. And his administration I think he has the right idea and the way we should deal. With the students . And the faculty the way I like the way one school . I think it . Was. I mean he's trying to make changes you know in the school school department he's trying to make it better for the children

. Gotta give him credit for driving. Well that's just a sample of the responses we got. And though overall they were very favorable towards the new superintendent's accomplishments . The major bone of contention still seems to be Dr. Wilson's school closing plants. I have had to join a number of people and come out against his plans for consolidation for instance and his plans for merging. The latest plan to sort of combine Madison with Humphrey and the curriculum sort of swallowed up by the vocational curriculum has been one that's brought a lot of complaints by constituents in my in my district. Do you feel that he's used the correct strategies to convey his intentions and plans for changes in the school system to the general Boston community politically.

Why all of the schools that are in the communities of color . Why would you want to close technical high school even though we understand we know that there are some physical problems that needs to be corrected in technical high school when it's in the middle of the black community. And if it was close down it would be one of our first large condos if it was put up on the open market. So there were a whole lot of ramifications. What why not look at some of those same schools if Technical High School is that is in such bad physical condition those other schools in South Boston High Park Dorchester. How come those schools child style how come no schools weren't looked at the State Board of Education member read a roach. So Dr. Wilson set out in the right direction but lacked sensitivity to certain historical factors. I think you started out. We speak to Wilson . He started out right by Prince having meeting with the different

because communities having community meetings. I thought that was OK. I think that he also wants to lift a lot of what he was planning to do or brow of the fray the fray we've been in in terms of court orders the segue the various anti busing photos he wanted to get removed himself from all of that. And move to a higher plateau . That's fine if you felt that way but he did not bring the people along with them . And I think what he needed to do was to acknowledge the fact that we in fact had been aware off for 10 or 15 years around Boston about education of black students. And I don't think he did I think he did not acknowledge that. He said well it's all because you want to forget it. But my son graduated this year Boston Public High School the first generation of kids who comes with 10 or 12 years of these things. Nobody's going to forget that. I mean he had to go there for the problems and the whole family had to be involved with it and I think you cannot ignore it. It has to be a fact that that

with upfront what you did whether you did it. Statistics support the fact that public education in Boston has been a battleground. In 1975 when court ordered busing was imposed. Eighty four thousand nine hundred eighty eight students were enrolled. By 1980 in Roman had fallen to sixty four thousand seven hundred fifty two. A loss of some 20000 students in just five years . And by 1985 Roman had reached an all time low of fifty seven thousand nine hundred seventeen. All in all some 27000 students left the system during the busing years leaving a student population that is currently 48 percent black 17 percent Hispanic. 8 percent Asian and 27 percent white. Minorities now comprise 73

percent of the students enrolled in Boston public schools. Judy Burnett. Educational director of the Roxbury multiservice center . There are some negatives about Boston. And I think the negatives all begin in the school system. I think Boston is. The negative city the lack of exposure the the some of the rather negative aspects of neighborhoods and so forth because of what the school system is. I don't think anyone in their right mind who has any interest in the city of Boston could disagree that there are some schools that need to be closed because of First of all the facility alone many times need to be closed. Also they talk about the number of seats. There are a lot of vacant seats in the school system and if you're talking even from a financial perspective you can't keep carrying those empty seats so I don't think anybody would argue with that. My argument is the fact that he did not take time to really analyze that and I give him a C-minus. Was

. Like having me here. He says he can't. Sounds like. You know. Clearly the issue of school closings is a very emotional one. But we did a very intensive extensive study . I had staff members working from October through January on looking at the whole aspects of space in our schools . We compared our space to other cities in this country that are urban similar to ours that have similar populations as far as numbers larger as well as smaller and what we concluded was that this school system should have close schools three or four years ago at the high school level. What I think is the central hardest thing for parents and children and faculty administration to deal with in the school system and that is it year to year uncertainty Bill Corbett co chair of the Madison Park Parents Council .

What disturbs you most about the plan to consolidate Madison Park with Humphrey thank you. No I never saw anything that made me believe it made good educational sense I can't believe that it's good sense to scatter children in this school system. I just can't believe it. Now some of that may have to be done and I understand the necessity for that but it seems to me this planning has got to take more time to develop and so on and I think we're going to see these proposals brought back again next year. I'm positive. And when that happens I hope they've done more of their homework. Some would would say that the superdense been misled or was not well informed. I don't accept that. I think I was well-informed. My material is well documented. There were no secrets about the types of alternatives and the ramifications of them. The school system has some of the worst buildings in the country. There was never any intent however to go to the community to say would you on a popularity basis think that we should close schools. You really can't

design effective program for school closings by making it a community option. You really have to take a look at the facts compare how many students you have at the high school level and we've got about fifteen thousand eight hundred and we've got 18 high school buildings and anybody's educational formula. That's just too many high schools for that few number students. I was certainly one of the school committee members who voted against his recommendation for school closings and it had to do with the fact that. It did not appear that enough specific attention had been paid to what . Might happen. Within the black community related to school closings. And I think we have to look at every single school within the city of Boston. And not just those schools that were targeted. So when people see their schools closed. Then we have to make certain they participated in and at least understood even if they didn't agree to the process by which a school was

recommended to be close. Dr. Wilson don't to feel that the public school system needs to extend itself a bit more with respect to outreach. I definitely can't talk to everyone would want to talk to me but I don't I think who have been saying I haven't been reachable hasn't been following me around the city and I'd be happy to talk to that person let them see my calendar so they can see where how I have them and who I've talked to during this year. There are figures are correct. Dr. Wilson writes a solid B Forest first year superintendent and he is invited say brother to do a follow up in the front so please please watch for it. Now look at next week's show and our weekly community calendar. Don't miss the SE brothers Showcase performance featuring a young

artist Celia Smith on Vibe and her quartet . Next. I say brother. Welcome back everybody. As promised here is a brother arts reporter Evelyn Moore with a review of a new play just here in Boston. Hi Elliot. Well it seems that Derek Walcott is somewhat of a renaissance man. Best known as a poet. He is also a playwright director college teacher and painter

. And so it seems by necessity he is accustomed to the blending of different disciplines and styles. His play pantomime now at the Boston Shakespeare Company is a perfect example is a perfect example of this Walcott aptly demonstrates his skill as a writer. But to this he adds his considerable knowledge of the classics and surrounds both in the experiences of his West Indian background. The result A fascinating turn around version of the Robinson Crusoe myth. The story takes place in a hotel on a tropical island. Jackson played by Teri Alexander works in the hotel owned by Harry true who was played by Chuck Stransky. True self-imposed exile subjects him to bouts of loneliness so he suggests that Jackson that Jackson a former calypso singer and himself a former actor perform an evening of entertainment for the hotel guest in keeping with the tropical environment. He further suggest that they do Robinson Crusoe only this time the roles reversed. True will be the servant Friday and Jackson will be the

master Crusoe. Jackson at first refuses but true insist and so the play within the play begins. Well at least it tries to be good. When you're going to be. For. Me for money. For you because you never. Want to. Think you want to own more than me on a boat. When I'm going to

. But when fantasy touches reality true demands a return to the norm. By then of course it is too late as Jackson more and more assumes the role of Crusoe. The tragedy of true unravels what happens next transcends color. Jackson eloquently teach is true in part through pantomime the art of life and of letting go. And through this painful catharsis he does what might not be done for him . He allows true to maintain his dignity and as in all art that really works. The play is universal qualities become apparent. What does not work for me is this tiny cramped space in which these two actors must perform. Pantomime for some reason has been a long time in coming to Boston so I suppose this space is better than no space. Nonetheless pantomime is well worth seeing and I do urge you to go and see and show your support of Boston's artist of color. Pantomime runs now through June 29 at the Boston Shakespeare Company

. Well it sounds like a ploy really worth seeing. It certainly is true . Thank you very much you're welcome Eliot. Our next story proved to be an education for me. I never realized that the wealth of history attached to the name plates with shoe wine decorating our communities squares and parks . Saturday May 24th 1986 12 Nov. Corner of Columbus Avenue and West Canton streets where members of Boston something community have gathered to pay tribute to an important Bostonian be a day of what we saw that was a city council extended best wishes and deepest appreciation to Michelle Dorn quite well as many contributions to our city and be a bit of resolve that on Saturday May 24th 1996 we declared Eleanor one quite day in the city of Washington .

You just witnessed the naming of a square not an unusual event in itself but one that sometimes goes unnoticed although not unmarked long after the ceremony is over. These people who work here that Saturday morning will remember artist Ellen Wright and will probably associate his life and work with this area . Unfortunately for many who were not present the sign and the name of the man whose life it honors like so many others is in danger of remaining a mystery. Welcome about. I had a very you know. Walk down a street and have a look at this cock and you known Alan for about 30 years your life is here to be a wonderful idea. What is the name . Just back after Alan can write an odyssey and come to my mind like I have described a name that down cry probably started when the summertime we're going to have a thing like you do in Paris which I thought a lot outta state could do. Setting is a place that would have pain when your pain outside . Many of the signs you see at top corners around the city contain the names of honor

veterans who gave their life in defense of this country. And yes many are black veterans from the Vietnam conflict. Names like Private First Class William W. Davis Jr. Private First Class Seymour S. sad Barry and probably the most honored like that. One from Boston Captain David and whimsy. They withdraw into the broth and my food on the summit of the 5th 1939 I. Believe that one third or fourth through the street. And my two home or have I wore a five foot three listed in your eyes the airforce in 1956 . I would this will in 1960. Was the point of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1960 . And graduated as a Democrat that in 1964. Server the jet fighter powered in the Republic of Viet Nam. And was killed in that and Republican made them all the seventies 1970 . Yet the rank of captain.

Another prominent Bostonian whose name appears frequently in and around wants isn't only a CAS. The first lady of Roxbury as she was known was largely devoted to the betterment of white spray and its people. She's remembered a name through many locations and facilities in and around Boston places like caste Boulevard. The cast pool. And the YWCA residences on Clarendon Street . The significance of Alan quite square and lies in the fact that not only did the senior quite record on canvas much of Boston's black life throughout his 76 years but he also lived much of his life here on Columbus Avenue not far from the square that now bears his name. Oh yeah one other thing. The lamp economic opportunity of appreciating it with friends and neighbors. I think it's very significant that for the first time in Boston's history that I know our Square is being named after after an African-American artist who's alive and working

and doing great things over cross the country and especially when he so significant to the history of African-American art that is to say someone who's done so many firsts. He was the first one to describe by in Boston and certainly other places. The whole Christian experience is being one of the African and African-American experience. And so I was really beautiful to be able to stand in the Alan Rowan right square and know that he will be recognized. Now while he can enjoy it rather than giving him testimonies and testaments that he'll never see or never enjoy So I'm very pleased about this. There was some talk in city hall saying well I never need to name things after people. So let me tell a dies you know why wait till he dies. Let him enjoy his now. Famous names not only occupy space and many of the squares in and around the city but of course here in many of the parks as well. Parks that not only provide a haven of solitude for people who live in and around them

but also provide those same people with a chance to reflect on those who have gone before. One such facility is Washington Park recently named in honor of Black Muslim activist Malcolm X. Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bob McCoy describes the process. Well the first thing you would need a lot of something in writing from that person expressing an interest to do this. Then you would say to that person I'd like to see a petition where this showed the kind of support whether it be from the representatives or city councils or whatever community agencies and other community people who are interested in making this change. Then we schedule a meeting either downtown in this case we schedule it out here in the

community where the community could voice their support of the project or the lack of support. Our organization submitted a letter indicating our interest in seeing the name of Washington becoming Malcolm X Park. And based on this mission of that letter . We will be granted a meeting. On March shipped out to the. Missions office before his board of commissioners. I myself would then represent the organization and for lack of better with the community and made a presentation to the effect that we felt that. Based on the fact that this part which is. Having utilized facility our community is in the heart of our community and primarily is utilized by people college we thought it was inappropriate that it be made at. Of on the slave on the George Washington we felt that. With our youth and issues that are revolving around them that we wanted a name that reflected one of our black heroes and we felt that nothing that's appropriate because of the fact that he was about positive change and why that message of what are you what's the

connection between Malcolm X and Washington Park. Well essentially it had little effect on the one that not the mix spent many of his adolescent adult years right here in the city of Boston and in fact lived right here. 72 Dale Street so based on the fact that we have a black man who was recognized nationally and internationally for his very progressive mind and actions we felt that it was appropriate that we have a monument here to a black man who . In essence came from Boston. Was there any apprehension on your part that. The name Malcolm X would not stick with people that they would continue to call it Washington Park. Well that's something that in just a discussion we thought about that whole aspect then we know that there's resistance to change. In fact on the day that we had the festival here the POC to announce the name change I want to live in the hill with all the brothers who are here every day 365 days to be a talking about it. And of course it was a thing well he was not worth a buck anymore. But the bottom line is you know we talk about Malcolm X and what he stood for and this is a black man to

deserve some recognition. And so we know that changes tide but once folks understand how positive this action is and what it means for our community then I believe that down the line is the commission stated before the brothers a substantial that's ahead of them . Malcolm it's back in place in round one. So we're really excited about this. So you see what's in a name is very often more than just adornment . And it doesn't end here. According to Commissioner McCoy. I think in in most of the public places throughout the city of Boston we're not depicted in a very positive aspect. And we can rename this park whatever any of the park after black's. Black Heroes. That particular statue where you have Lincoln you know standing above this free slave Now I understand that the that the word was was commissioned

by the money was raised and commissioned by free slaves. But in this day in time where we have black people. On their knees and a white person standing over um and I don't care if it is Lincoln standing over him I think it develops a certain mindset for our young people. There are no black hero roles in public on in the city of Boston that I know of featured in very favorable lights is only a matter of fact is only a couple of places that we have statues of monuments of blacks around the public garden in the Boston Common down call a phantom all their all white heroes whether it be generals all ports. Or you know whatever. You know a little window Holmes and all the people depicted in very stately positions. I think it's important to see black people

portrayed in the same light throughout the city. And this is one step but we need to do more in other public places in the downtown area. Remember it does take your important and support for us to gain more public places of honor in and around our community. Remember we like hearing from you so sender combat sense you know I dares to say brother channel to 125 Western Avenue in Boston Massachusetts all to one three for the entire say brother staff and all of us here in studio bait. I'm Eliot Francis and Evelyn Moore. Have a pleasant evening tonight. Yeah you.