Day One - Morning: Introductory Session

From the schedule:
"We begin by discussing Eyes on the Prize I, how it came to be produced, what it accomplished and how it shapes our expectations for Series II. Then we move on to explore the continuing development of the civil rights movement during the years 1965 to 1980: its major goals, key players and organizations, changes in philosophy and strategy.  We end the morning with an examination of American's attitudes toward the movement."

Tape 1, Side A (CAS.2118)
Video Tape #1 (VHS.0193)

Executive Producer Henry Hampton opens the first day of school with an introduction to the venue for the sessions,  the African Meeing House in Boston.
Hampton tells the audience that if Eyes 1 told the story of the dismantling of apartheid here, the context of the next series is what happened when blacks come to equality as America's newest immigrants.

Historian Vincent Harding examines many developments and themes in the period after 1965 and characterizes the forces at work as "the exploration, experimentation with the meaning of justice, freedom and community."

Tape 1 , Side B (CAS.2118):

Vincent Harding continues his overview of the movement after 1965 and credits it influence on liberation movements worldwide. Several participants respond.

Tape 2, Side A (CAS.2119):

Henry Hampton introduces CBS News/Charles Kuralt segment on white attitudes toward blacks.

Harvard Professor Gary Orren discusses shifts in public opinion and electoral behavior from 1965 to 1980. White support for civil rights plummeted as the government shifted from abstract principles to policyimplementation and the movement moved north. Race and welfare presented a new cleavage in American politics that fractured the Democratic Party.

Tape 2, Side B (CAS.2119):
Video Tape #2 (VHS.0194)

Professor Gary Orren concludes taking questions and comments.

District of Columbia Congressman Walter Fauntroy provides "an insider's view of the movement" from 1965 to 1980.

Before 1965, the movement was focused on overcoming the barriers that kept blacks out of the political process.  After 1965, the focus shifts to economic empowerment.  As a result, the movement encountered resistance, changing alliances as well as the challenges of a global economy.

Comments and questions follow.

Day One - Afternoon: The Civil Rights Movement and the Government

From the schedule:
"An examination of government attempts to address movement demands for civil rights, voting rights, expansion of employment opportunities, and the elimination of poverty.  We focus particularly on LBJ's War on Poverty - its successes and failures - an on the emerging power of the black vote."

Tape 3, Side A (CAS.2120):

Questions and comments for Walter Fauntroy conclude.

Historian Alan Brinkley examines the erosion of white support for the civil rights movement as well as the War on Poverty by looking at the structural changes, ideological assumptions and policy problems of the late 1960's and 70's.

Tape 3, Side B (CAS.2120):

Alan Brinkley continues his examination of the policies and programs of the War on Poverty.  Concludes by taking questions and comments.

Video Tape #3 (VHS.0195)

Richard Boone, a member of President Kennedy's Commission on Juvenile Delinquency and former director of the Community Action Program, reviews seven sets of influences leading to the anti-poverty measures of the Economic Opportunity Act.

Tape 4, Side A (CAS.2121):

Richard Boone concludes his review of the philosophies, pressures and constraints of the War on Poverty.

Robert Weaver, first US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, addresses four questions about Great Society programs submitted by the producers.

Tape 4, Side B (CAS.2121):

Robert Weaver concludes his remarks with some lessons learned during his government service. Takes further questions from the assembly.

Peter Edelman, a member of the Kennedy Justice Department and Legislative Assistant to Senator Robert Kennedy, takes issue with the idea that "nothing worked" while reviewing policies and programs that endured.

Tape 5, Side A:

Peter Edelman concludes his review of the legacy of the Great Society and the need for a solution to poverty that incorporates education, business, housing and environment.