U-Matic

Mayor D. Archer
Soul Food Fest
010194

U-Matic tape containing footage of Mayor-Elect Dennis Archer's 52nd birthday event on January 1, 1994, recorded over video of what appears to be a presentation and workshop for people affiliated with housing developments. The audio quality is poor for much of the video.

The tape begins with a brief clip of a meeting where a woman is discussing non-profit status. The screen then goes to a test pattern as distorted music plays in the background. The music continues as footage begins from the birthday event. People line up at a buffet in the foreground while green and white balloons decorate tables filling a hall in the background. A "Happy Birthday Mayor Archer" sign is hung on the wall behind a podium. Mayor Dennis Archer then makes his way through a crowd, talking, and shaking hands as he goes.

After a cut, the recording resumes, now with no audio, as a man is shown standing behind a podium. He steps away, and is replaced by Mayor-Elect Archer, and Trudy Archer. Shortly after Dennis Archer begins to address the crowd, a clear audio recording of his speech begins. In this speech he references his impending inauguration. He also recognizes and calls to the stage City Council members Maryann Mahaffey, Kay Everett, Brenda M. Scott, Clyde Cleveland, Gil Hill, and Mel Ravitz, as well as Sheila Cockrel. He also recognizes and thanks former Governor James Blanchard, and Congressman Sander Levin. In thanking judges and magistrates, he expresses condolences to Judge David Bradfield concerning the recent passing of his father. Dennis Archer then recognizes the members of his family in the audience. He also calls to the stage the new City Clerk Jackie Currie. He then urges the crowd to share in his birthday cake as well as sweet potato pies made by Mr. Fo-Fo's. He then thanks the event's corporate sponsors, and explains that the net profits will go to serve the homeless, the arts, and scholarships for high school students. He then introduces his sons--Vincent Duncan Archer, and Dennis Wayne Archer, Jr.--who have joined him on stage. Next, he thanks Emmett Baylor Jr. and Liz Jackson for their work in putting together the event. After a cut, Dennis Archer cuts the first of a series of birthday cakes, each of which are decorated with his likeness.

The earlier recording of the meeting from the beginning of the tape then resumes. A woman discusses paperwork for owners of housing developments. Shortly afterward another woman calls for a break, and the recording is paused. Recording resumes with the group returning. A third woman then explains a group activity about identifying external and personal behaviors that make working with other people difficult. This is followed by footage of people working in groups on that activity. A copy of "Robert's Rules of Order" is on one of the tables. The final scene on the tape again shows the three women at the speakers' table, listening to answers from the group activity. The nametag of one of the women at the head table identifies her as working for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The recording is on a 3M UCA 30S U-Matic S tape with a handwritten City of Detroit Department of Video Production Video Production label on its top, marked "Dennis Archer, Soul Food Fest, 010194." The tape is housed within a black plastic latching case with a matching label on its cover.