Sunday, April 28, 2013

This about Delray Beach...

I found this old news video (Channel 4, WTVJ) from 1956 on YouTube.  It's about Delray Beach and its issues in accommodating the "Negro" population with a beach and a pool.  There are a few remarkable things about these videos.  One is that this was a noon newscast and this story took the first 15 minutes of airtime - before the first commercial.  What also stands out is the level of detail - given the length of time to address the issue.  What is also unique is that the TV station reporter actually chaired and facilitated the meeting between the two groups - a white city commission and a group representing the "Negroes".  The Mayor talks about how it is important that the cameras are there so that no one can dispute what another person has said.  Both groups are very appreciative of the reporter for running the meeting.

The result, for 1956, seems to be separate but equal facilities, so more work was left to be done for a later time.  But still it is a grainy, black and white moving image with sound of a time about 57 years ago that puts our current political/technological/progressive mindset in some perspective.
Flash forward to today, and you have this review of the 12 critical decisions that made Delray Beach what it is today - the modern Delray - according to former Mayor Jeff Perlman on his blog.