'The Word' with commentary by professor and historian A.B. Spellman focuses on the pardon and immunity granted to President Richard M. Nixon, based on a plea of depression. Spellman compares this to the treatment given to African Americans facing time in jail.

Aggrey Mbere, a native South African and member of the Organization of South African Students, talks about the day to day struggles of Blacks in South Africa under apartheid.

A panel of students addresses an audience of faculty members, students and other at Tufts University. A student speaks about the university's policy on divestiture from South Africa. The student calls on the Board of Trustees to divest completely from South Africa. Another student talks about the protesters' efforts to contact and negotiate with the university administration and Board of Trustees. A group of students hold a small meeting at a shantytown set up on the Tufts University campus. A large banner reads, 'Divest now.' Protesters talks about their efforts to communicate with the university administration and Board of Trustees on the issue of divestment from South Africa. The protesters accuse Jean Mayer (President, Tufts University) of not cooperating with the students. One protester promises radical action on campus if the university does not divest. The protesters say that the Board of Trustees is ducking the issue. They accuse the Board of ignoring the voices of students and faculty. The tape features shots of the shantytown on the Tufts campus.

Christy George reports on the end of a two-week fast by chaplains at Brandeis University. George notes that the chaplains fasted to protest the university's investments in South Africa. George's report includes footage from a gathering of apartheid protesters on the Brandeis campus. Father Maurice Loiselle, Rabbi Albert Axelrad and Reverend Diane Moore discuss their fast and the university's policy regarding South Africa. The protesters sing and hold hands at the gathering. George reports that the chaplains' fast serves as the last phase of a community protest against apartheid. George notes that Brandeis trustees will review their investment policy at an upcoming meeting. George reviews the apartheid protest at Brandeis University since last year. George's report includes footage of Brandeis students at a shantytown on campus.

Christopher Lydon interviews Bill Lee (pitcher, Montreal Expos) at Fenway Park. Lee discusses the possibility of a baseball strike. Lee talks about unions and his feelings about baseball. Lee says that he is no longer 'addicted' to baseball. This compilation tape has three essays by Robert J. Lurtsema about the coming of summer, the coming of fall and barnacles. Lydon reports on the upcoming preliminary elections for the Boston City Council. Lydon analyzes voting patterns in various districts and the political networks of some candidates. Lydon notes that there has been little voter interest in the campaign. The report includes interviews with and profiles of candidates Maureen Craven Slade, Craig Lankhorst, and Stephen Michaels. Lydon reports from the Boston Celtics' practice court in Brookline. Lydon interviews Ernie DiGregorio (basketball player) and Nate 'Tiny' Archibald for the report. Lydon's second report on the upcoming preliminary elections for Boston City Council includes footage from interviews with several candidates including Maura Hennigan, James Kelly, David Scondras, Charles Yancey, Ed McNamara, and Michael McCormack. The candidates talk about voter anger and apathy, the city's fiscal crisis, the need for better city services and the policies of Kevin White (Mayor of Boston). Lydon interviews Donald Woods (South African journalist) about South Africa. Woods criticizes the US veto of the United Nations condemnation of the South African invasion of Angola. Woods says that the white minority in South Africa must negotiate with the black majority in order to avoid a civil war. Woods compares the political situations in South Africa to that of Northern Ireland.

Christopher Lydon interviews Dennis Brutus (South African poet, scholar, and activist). Brutus reads one of his poems, 'The Sounds Begin Again.' Brutus discusses his various roles as poet, leader and activist; his concern with human rights and justice all over the world; his sense of exile from his country. Brutus reads one of his poems, 'Sequence for South Africa.' Brutus says that he tries to describe certain places and events in South Africa when he speaks to people who are unfamiliar with the country. He discusses the Sharpeville Massacre and reads one of his poems, 'Sharpeville.' Brutus discusses the current situation in South Africa, the growing repression and increasing resistance. Brutus talks about Solomon Mahlangu (South African activist), who was hanged by the government in 1979. He reads a poem that he wrote for Mahlangu.

Christopher Lydon reports on the release of the film Cry Freedom, based on the life of Steve Biko (martyred black South African leader). Lydon notes that the film is told from the perspective of Donald Woods (white newspaper editor). Lydon interviews Woods about apartheid and his relationship with Biko. Woods says that the black opposition in South Africa was forced to become violent in response to the brutal tactics of the white regime. Woods talks about his early opposition to Biko and the black movement; he says that he changed his opinion when he realized that Biko's positive message of black self-reliance was not anti-white. Lydon notes that Biko was killed in prison while Woods was exiled from South Africa. Lydon's report is accompanied by footage from the film and from the trailer of the film Cry Freedom. This tape includes additional footage from the film and the trailer of the film Cry Freedom.

Christy George reports that F.W. de Klerk (President of South Africa) announced that the ban on the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa will be lifted. George notes that Nelson Mandela (jailed ANC leader) will be freed. George's report includes footage of de Klerk making the announcement and footage of Desmond Tutu (black South African leader) reacting to the announcement. George's report also features footage of black and white South Africans reacting to the news and footage of black South Africans celebrating. George interviews Gabu Tugwana (editor, The New Nation) over the telephone. Tugwana discusses de Klerk's announcement and describes reaction to the announcement in South Africa. Tugwana says that apartheid laws are still in force. George's story includes footage of black South Africans and South African security forces; it also includes footage of Koos van der Merwe (Conservative Party) and Dr. Andries Treunicht (Conservative Party) reacting to the news. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item:Aggrey Mbere talks about South Africa and his exile in the USAggrey Mbere talks about South Africa

Carmen Fields interviews Lindiwe Mabuza (African National Congress) about apartheid in South Africa. Mabuza discusses apartheid and South African politics. Mabuza says that F.W. de Klerk (President of South Africa) is not committed to fundamental changes in the regime. He adds that the African National Congress (ANC) is struggling for a united, democratic, and non-racial South Africa. Fields reports that black South Africans are celebrating the recent release of eight political prisoners. Mabuza talks about the release of the prisoners and the role of the ANC. Mabuza discusses the possibility of negotiations with the South African government. He reviews the conditions under which black South Africans could negotiate with the South African government. Mabuza talks about his support for sanctions on the South African government. Fields' report is accompanied by footage of de Klerk, footage of black South Africans celebrating the release of prisoners and footage of a large demonstration by black South Africans.

Carmen Fields interviews Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) about the situation in South Africa. Fields notes that Sisulu was jailed for two years without charges by the South African government. Fields report includes footage of Sisulu celebrating with his family upon his release from jail. Fields' report also includes footage of Sisulu discussing his confinement and the terms of his release. He talks about the government's censorship of the press. Sisulu urges the US to impose sanctions on the South African government and talks about the effects of sanctions. Fields notes that F.W. de Klerk is expected to be elected the new leader of South Africa on September 6, 1989. She adds that the black majority in South Africa is not allowed to vote. Fields's report includes footage of de Klerk giving a speech and footage of South African citizens. In the interview, Sisulu says that does not believe that de Klerk will institute changes in the South African regime. Sisulu says that the black majority will not be content with negotiations. Sisulu says that the tension is great because the black majority wants a transfer of power.

Carmen Fields interviews South African exiles Themba Vilakazi and Janet Levine about the life and political development of Nelson Mandela (black South African leader). Vilakazi and Levine discuss Mandela's beginnings as a lawyer, his arrest and imprisonment, and his refusal to renounce armed struggle as a means to end apartheid. Vilakazi and Levine talk about the importance of Mandela as a symbol. Levine talks about Winnie Mandela (wife of Nelson Mandela) and her role in the struggle against apartheid. Vilakazi says that apartheid laws are still in place and that black South Africans are still struggling against the white regime. Fields notes that the figure of Nelson Mandela embodies the struggle of a nation; she adds that Nelson Mandela has great moral authority. Fields's report includes footage and photographs of Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela from the 1950s to the present and footage of events in South Africa from the 1950s to the present.

Christy George reports that the Reverend Allan Boesak (anti-apartheid activist) received an award at Harvard University. She notes that he gave a speech at the university in which he urged western countries to place economic sanctions on the South African government. George's report includes footage of Boesak's speech at Harvard. Boesak criticizes Ronald Reagan (former US President) and other western leaders for supporting the South African government. Boesak talks about the need for sanctions. George reports that Boesak praised Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) for imposing sanctions against South Africa. George's report includes footage of Boesak at a press conference after the awards ceremony. Boesak praises Dukakis and urges George Bush (US President) to impose sanctions on South Africa. Boesak talks about the effectiveness of sanctions. George's report includes footage of Bush talking about South Africa and footage of apartheid South Africa. This tape includes additional footage of Boesak at Harvard.

David Boeri reports on protests against US foreign policy during a visit by George Shultz (US Secretary of State) and Casper Weinberger (US Secretary of Defense) to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. Boeri notes that demonstrators protested against apartheid and US policies in South Africa, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Boeri's report includes footage of protesters and footage of Shultz and Weinberger entering the museum. Boeri notes that some of the demonstrators were Harvard alumni advocating Harvard's divestment from South Africa. Boeri interviews Boone Schirmer (Harvard alumnus) about Harvard's refusal to divest from South Africa. Boeri reports that security has been tightened all over campus. This protest takes place during the celebration of Harvard's 350th anniversary.

Christy George reports that Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to divest its pension funds from South Africa five years ago. She adds that apartheid opponents are backing a selective purchasing bill that would bar the state from buying goods and services from companies who do business in South Africa. George's report includes footage of Ric Murphy (State Purchasing Agent) testifying in support of the bill in front of state legislators. George reports that Joseph Hermann (Chairman, State Administration Committee) wants the state to stop doing business with all countries with repressive governments. George's report includes footage of Hermann testifying before state legislators. George notes that Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) supports the bill. She adds that the bill will probably not be passed in time to help his presidential campaign. George's report includes footage of Dukakis addressing a crowd and footage of Jack Backman (former State Senator) speaking in support of Dukakis. Georges' report is also accompanied by footage of scenes from apartheid South Africa and by footage of IBM workers and laborers in South Africa.

David Boeri reports that Teko Manong (author and playwright) is a South African exile who has been living in the US for thirty years. Boeri notes that Manong was jailed in South Africa for anti-apartheid activities. Boeri reports that Manong escaped from prison and fled to England and then to the US. Boeri interviews Manong. Manong talks about apartheid in South Africa and his participation in the defiance campaign and the potato boycott in South Africa in the 1950s. Manong talks about Nelson Mandela. Manong tells Boeri that his plays have received little critical recognition or success in the US. Manong says that his time in exile has been wasted. Manong says that he does not want to return to South Africa because he does not trust white South Africans. Boeri reports that black playwrights like Manong have found little success with US audiences. He notes that Manong has been supporting himself by working in the kitchen of a local restaurant. Boeri adds that Manong represents the thwarted hopes of many black South Africans. Boeri's report includes footage of Manong working in the kitchen of a restaurant.

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 cancelled 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. Groundbreaking ceremony for Roxbury Community College campus; Gail Harris interviews Brunetta WolfmanHarris 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.

Carmen Fields interviews Herman Cohen (Assistant Undersecretary for African Affairs) about South Africa. Fields reports that the African National Congress held its first public rally in thirty years yesterday. Fields notes that the ANC celebrated the release of ANC political leaders. In the interview, Cohen says that the US is encouraging the South African government to negotiate with the black majority. Cohen discusses the recent change in political climate in South Africa. He talks about the possibility of negotiations between the black majority and the government. Cohen says that the South African government must lift restrictions on political organizations like the ANC. He says that the US may lift some sanctions if the South African government makes progress toward ending apartheid. Cohen talks about the effects of sanctions on the South African government. Fields report is accompanied by footage of an ANC rally on October 29, 1989.

Christopher Lydon reports that the Niemann Foundation has awarded Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) the Louis Lyons Award. Lydon notes that Sisulu has been jailed by the South African government. He adds that Sisulu has not been charged with a crime. Lydon's report includes footage of Michael Pride (Concord Monitor of Concord, NH) and Al Max (Chairman, Lyons Committee) at a press conference. Pride talks about Sisulu's courage. Max says that Sisulu is the third South African journalist to win the award. Lydon notes that Zwelakhe Sisulu is the son of Walter Sisulu (founder of the African National Congress). Lydon adds that Walter Sisulu has been jailed since 1964. Lydon notes that Walter Sisulu is featured prominently in a new documentary film about the life of Nelson Mandela (jailed ANC leader). Lydon's report includes photos of Zwelakhe Sisulu and footage from the Home Box Office (HBO) film Mandela. Lydon's report also includes footage of Fernando Lima (Mozambique News Agency) speaking about Zwelakhe Sisulu. This tape includes additional footage from Ten O'Clock News Story #5071.