As the nation reels in the wake of recent racial tensions, the ripples are felt here in Massachusetts.
As the nation reels in the wake of recent racial tensions, the ripples are felt here in Massachusetts.
To help advance the dialogue, this Thursday, July 14, WCVB presents "5 On: Race in Boston," a day-long examination of the state of Boston's race relations in every newscast and Chronicle, culminating in a live, one-hour special "5 On: Race in Boston, A Town Hall Meeting" at 9 PM, presented in partnership with The Boston Foundation. The Town Hall will be moderated by WCVB anchors Ed Harding and Maria Stephanos, and WCVB's Director of Public Affairs/Host of CityLine Karen Holmes Ward. The role everyone can play in making sure our community avoids the tragedies of Saint Paul, Baton Rouge, Ferguson, Baltimore, Dallas and the growing list of American cities, will be discussed by a panel and a live studio audience.
WCVB's local Town Hall broadcast will immediately follow an ABC News special national Town Hall broadcast that will air from 8-9 PM, “The President and the People: A National Conversation" and feature a panel of speakers including President Barack Obama. The network telecast will be moderated by former WCVB anchor and current ABC World News Tonight anchor David Muir.
"5 On: Race in Boston, A Town Hall Meeting" Participants (To-Date) Include:
- Boston Police Commissioner William Evans
- Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief, William Gross
- Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Boston, Dr. S. Atyia Martin
- Founder “Catalyst for Change,” John Borders IV
- The Boston Foundation President and CEO, Paul Grogan
- Director of the Racial Justice Program at American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Rahsaan Hall
- Attorney and President of the Boston Branch of the NAACP, Michael Curry
- Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice, Iván Espinoza-Madrigal
- Member, “We Are the Ones,” Michelle Montolio
"This is an opportunity to provide in-depth reporting on this very important topic that is gripping the nation and is of utmost concern to all of us here in the greater Boston community," said Bill Fine, WCVB President and General Manager. "Increased dialogue and preventative measures are especially important when so many communities in America have suffered."
"In light of the tragic events across our nation last week, many of us joined with Americans everywhere in offering our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the five Dallas Police Officers – all fatally shot," said Paul S. Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. "Greater Boston residents and Americans as a whole are struggling to comprehend this senseless violence, and I include myself in that group. As I take stock of the divisions and challenges our communities face, I think it is a useful moment to think about who we are as a city, a region, and a nation, and what we stand for."
WCVB will also dedicate digital media coverage and resources throughout the day, posting coverage on the web and social media as it airs. In addition, "5 On: Race in Boston, A Town Hall Meeting" will be live streamed on wcvb.com and Facebook (wcvb5) as well as on NewsON, a free app that allows viewers to watch local news, including WCVB NewsCenter 5, on their smartphones and tablets.
You can join the conversation on Twitter by using #RaceInBoston
