Carmen Fields interviews Frank Hector (World War II veteran) and Ralph Cooper (Vietnam veteran) about their experiences in the military. Hector talks about the accomplishments of African American soldiers and war veterans. Hector says that the military is a good experience for young African Americans. Cooper talks about the disproportionate numbers of African American soldiers in the front lines and the lack of services for veterans of color. Hector and Cooper talk about their opinions of Colin Powell (Head, US Joint Chiefs of Staff). Field's report is accompanied by footage of Powell and soldiers during the Persian Gulf War. Fields reports that many African Americans join the military to escape the high unemployment rate in the African American community. Field's report is accompanied by footage of Reverend Michael Haynes (Twelfth Baptist Church) leading a church service at the Twelfth Baptist Church. Relatives of soldiers in the Persian Gulf War stand in front of the altar to pray for the soldiers. Fields interviews Haynes. Haynes says that African American soldiers must be granted equal rights and privileges when they return home from the war. Fields' report is accompanied by footage from interviews with people on the street about African American soldiers in the Persian Gulf War. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Students at Boston University attend a prayer service for peace in the Persian Gulf. BU Theology students talk about the Persian Gulf War

Christopher Lydon reports on a renewal of political activity in black Boston, and notes that there is a high percentage of newly registered voters in the African American neighborhoods. The report includes interviews with Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Kay Gibbs (South End political activist). Stith and Gibbs talk about the candidacy of Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) as well as opposition to King's candidacy, led by Mel Miller (publisher, The Bay State Banner).

Christopher Lydon introduces a report on 'the five Bostons,' which includes analysis of voter turnout and voting habits in the various neighborhoods of Boston. The neighborhoods include Italian Boston, black Boston, liberal Boston, Irish East and Irish West. The report analyzes voter support for mayoral candidates in each neighborhood and includes interviews with voters in each neighborhood. Lydon notes that Italian Boston includes East Boston and the North End. Lydon talks about the remote location of East Boston. His report includes interviews with Anna De Fronzo (East Boston community activist) and George DiLorenzo (former State Representative). Lydon reports that Kevin White (Mayor of Boston) has a lot of support in East Boston; that Dennis Kearney (candidate for mayor of Boston) is a favorite in the neighborhood. Lydon explains that liberal Boston is a mix of wealthy residents, students, blue-collar families and young professionals; that voter turnout is often low. Lydon interviews John Winthrop Sears (former candidate for governor of Massachusetts), Thomas Vallely (State Representative) and Veronica Smith (Allston community activist). Lydon notes that the support of voters in liberal Boston is split among a several candidates. Lydon reports on a renewal of political activity in black Boston, and notes that there is a high percentage of newly registered voters in the African American neighborhoods. The report includes interviews with Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) and Kay Gibbs (South End political activist). Stith and Gibbs talk about the candidacy of Mel King (candidate for mayor of Boston) as well as opposition to King's candidacy, led by Mel Miller (publisher, The Bay State Banner). Lydon reports that Irish East has the highest voter turnout in the city. He interviews Thomas Driscoll (South Boston political consultant) and Paul White (State Representative) for the report. Lydon notes that the support of voters in Irish East is split between Ray Flynn (candidate for mayor of Boston) and David Finnegan (candidate for mayor of Boston).Lydon reports that Irish West is a residential neighborhood with many middle-class residents. The report includes interviews with Richard Sinnott (Hyde Park Tribune), Joseph Timilty (State Senator), and Maura Hennigan (Boston City Council). Lydon notes that the support of Irish West voters is split between Flynn and Finnegan; that King may receive the votes of Latino residents. Lydon reports that White is a West Roxbury native, but never had the full support of neighborhood residents.

Christy George reports that James Kelly (Boston City Council) objects to an interfaith, interracial prayer service to be held in South Boston because he fears that the meeting could be seen as an endorsement of the city's plan to integrate South Boston housing projects. George notes that Kelly has called for the meeting to be moved to another location. George's report includes footage from an interview with Father Thomas McDonnell (St. Augustine's Church in South Boston) and Reverend John Borders (Morningstar Baptist Church). McDonnell and Borders say that South Boston is not a racist neighborhood. George's report also includes footage from an interview with Kelly. George quotes Kelly as saying that he opposes forced busing, racial quotas, and forced housing. George reports that community leaders have met with Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) to discuss the peaceful integration of public housing projects. George's report includes footage of community leaders at a press conference. Doris Bunte (Boston Housing Authority), Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church), John O'Bryant (Boston School Committee),and Don Muhammad (Nation of Islam, Roxbury) speak at the press conference. George reports that Bernard Cardinal Law (Archdiocese of Boston) endorses the meeting. George notes that Flynn is pushing for housing integration over the objections of South Boston residents. George's report includes footage of Flynn at a community meeting in South Boston and footage of anti-busing activity in South Boston in 1977.

David Boeri reports that E.W. Jackson is the manager of WLVG radio station in Cambridge and the pastor of the New Corner Baptist Church in Roxbury. Boeri notes that Jackson addressed a community meeting in South Boston last night about the city's public housing desegregation plan. Boeri reports that Jackson attacked atheism, school busing, and seat belt laws in his speech; he adds that Jackson called the city's housing desegregation plan a form of 'social engineering.' Boeri's report includes footage of Jackson addressing the community meeting. Boeri interviews Jackson in the studios of WLVG. Jackson discusses public housing integration and says that 'freedom of choice' is more important than integrated developments. Boeri reports that James Kelly (Boston City Council) and Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council) are leading the fight against the desegregation plan, but that interest in the issue is waning among South Boston residents. Boeri interviews Neil Sullivan (Policy Advisor to mayor Ray Flynn). Sullivan says that elements of choice have been preserved in the city's new public housing policy. Boeri's report includes footage of the WLVG radio studio.

Carolyn Sawyer reports on Reverend John Borders (Morningstar Baptist Church) and his efforts to reach out to his community. Sawyer notes that Borders has conducted at least 15 funerals for teenagers who have died as a result of street violence. Sawyer interviews Borders. Borders talks about the problem of violence in the community. He expresses sadness at the number of young people caught up in the violence. Borders says that adults need to spend more time with young people; he adds that teenagers need to know that someone cares about them. Borders talks about his hopes for positive changes in the community. Sawyer notes that Borders grew up in the Mattapan area and now has three children of his own. Sawyer's report includes footage of Borders at his church and footage of Borders at his children's school. Sawyer's report also includes footage from the funeral of Charles Hardison (Milton teenager) and footage of victims of street violence. This tape includes additional footage of the Blue Hill Avenue area near the Morningstar Baptist Church.

Carolyn Sawyer reports that a group of unemployed laborers are picketing the construction site of the new Post Office in Dudley Square in Roxbury. Sawyer notes that the picketers are demanding that fifty percent of the laborers on the site be residents of the Roxbury community. Sawyer's report includes footage from a press conference held by the picketers at the site. Graylan Ellis-Hagler (Church of the United Community) says that the men will not go away with 'crumbs.' Picketers Ivan Singleton, James Gun, and Ron Nelson also speak out at the press conference. Sawyer reports that Stephen Coyle (Boston Redevelopment Authority) is trying to mediate the dispute. Coyle says that the community is legitimately concerned about the high rate of unemployment among residents. Coyle adds that he expects similar protests during upcoming construction projects. Sawyer reviews the agreement concerning minority participation in the construction project. Sawyer's report is accompanied by footage of the construction site.

Christopher Lydon interviews Sarah Small (United Campus Ministries). Lydon reports that Small runs the Protestant Ministry at the University of Massachusetts Boston campus. Lydon and Small pray together before the interview. Small talks about her admiration for Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights leader) and her involvement in the civil rights movement. Small says that she learned a lot about herself after spending time in jail for participation in the civil rights movement. Small talks about her commitment to helping those in need. Small talks about the status of African Americans in US society. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Banks agree to improve access to banking services in low-income neighborhoods. Banks improve services to low-income neighborhoods. Julian Bond at Harvard University. Julian Bond