U-Matic

Freedom Festival Press Conference Mayor Office, 4-9-90

U-Matic tape containing footage shot at the press conference on April 9, 1990 to kick off the International Freedom Festival, featuring both Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, and Windsor Mayor John Millson. They along with other event officials announce activities planned for the festival. Afterward Mayor Young takes questions from the press on a variety of topics.

The event begins with Mayor Coleman A. Young speaking behind a podium on a round table, in front of banners with the event's logo. Windsor mayor John Millson sits to his left.

Young speaks briefly about the ties between the two countries, and reference the recent passage of a trade agreement. Next, Millson talks, and jokes about Canadians shopping in Detroit. He also mentions the arrival of the U.S. Navy ship USS FAHRION in Windsor during the festival, and the construction of a new convention center

Millson then calls Windsor's International Freedom Festival president Margaret Williams to the podium. She introduces Windsor's team, and then discusses the activities planned in Windsor--the Tug Across the River, the Wheels of Freedom antique car parade and show, Marine Day, the Lake Erie fishing fleet tug of war, a medieval village, the Windsor-Detroit chess challenge, a skateboard competition, children's day, and a series of musical performances at the Arts Alive Art Festival.

Next, John Archambault, Detroit's chairman of the International Freedom Festival speaks. He again talks about the links between the two cities, and then recognizes those involved on the American side. He then lists activities planned on the Detroit side of the river, including the Hudson's fireworks display; the Hart Beat Games in Hart Plaza; seniors' and children's' activities in Hart Plaza; concerts including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the McDonalds Gospelfest, and Up With People; the docking of U.S. Coast Guard ice breakers MACKINAW and BRISTOL BAY, and a coast guard exhibit in the Renaissance Center.

Archambault and Williams then announce 1990 Freedom Award winners--Governor James Blanchard and Ontario premiere David Robert Peterson

Archambault then talks briefly about the upcoming 1990 Duckie 500 remote controlled car race between Young and Millson in the lobby of the Fox Theatre. He then presents both mayors with special jackets featuring rubber ducks on the shoulders.

After Archambault takes a few questions about the festival, a member of the press asks Young about drawing new residents to the city. Young responds by talking about expanding jobs in the city, and the importance of diversifying away from the auto industry. Reporters then ask a series of questions about a recent court decision concerning Detroit's tax collection. During this exchanged Young is then asked about his relationship with Michigan Senate Majority Leader John Engler. Then a reporter asks about a boycott called for by local ministers against the Detroit News and WXYZ-TV because of their negative coverage of the city. Following a brief gap, the recording returns with Young mid-response to a question concerning his support for youth boot camps as an alternative to traditional incarceration. Young then takes a question concerning the city's use of overtime for existing employees rather than hiring new ones. After a brief question concerning the budget, which he answers jokingly, Young and Millson pose for photos as the camera fades out.

The video is on a 3M UCA-60 U-Matic tape with a handwritten 3M label on its top. The tape is housed within a black plastic latching U-Matic case with a matching label on its cover.