Michael Jackson Visits Motown Museum and Detroit Grand Prix Press Conference (1989)

2015.008.126
detroithistoric...
U-Matic tape containing footage of Michael Jackson and Barry Gordy's appearance at the Motown Museum on October 23, 1988, followed by a press conference held by Mayor Coleman A. Young on November 3, 1988 concerning the change in format for the 1989 Detroit Grand Prix from Formula One to CART.
The video begins with footage of people waiting outside of the Motown Museum. The camera is positioned at the end of the museum's front walk. Reporters wait about, and spectators wait along the side of the walk. In the distance, more spectators wait across the street. Michael Jackson and several other people are then ushered along the walk into the museum.
After a cut, Berry Gordy, and others gather speak to reporters outside of the museum. Some of Gordy's conversation with the reporters can be heard over the music played at the event. He answers questions about the importance of Jackson's appearance, about the relationship between Motown Records and Universal Music, and about the company's upcoming projects including the minseries "Lonesome Dove."
After another cut, Gordy and Mayor Coleman A. Young are filmed emerging from the museum's door. Young then addresses the crowd from a podium on the museum's porch. He acknowledges that the crowd for a long time in the rain, and then introduces Gordy.
Gordy then takes to the podium to thank Detroit for supporting Motown. He also recognizes Esther Gordy Edwards for her role in establishing the museum. After listing well-known Motown artists, Gordy then begins his introduction of Michael Jackson. As the crowd roars, Jackson joins Gordy beside the podium. Jackson can be heard apologizing to Gordy, as he struggles to finish his introduction over the sound of the crowd.
Jackson the briefly expresses his appreciation to Gordy. Gordy returns to the microphone to explain that Jackson is donating a check for $125,000 to the museum. Jackson then presents the check to Edwards. She then takes the microphone to express her thanks. After another cut, the camera follows Jackson and Gordy as they are ushered into a limousine. Jackson rolls down his window to flash a peace sign and wave to the crowd.
The next segment on the tape concerns the press conference about the 1989 Grand Prix. This segment begins with Young positioned behind a podium in the City County Building, as other people take their seats around him. After remarking that his announcement has already made its way into the press, he follows by formally stating that the Detroit Grand Prix will shift from being a Formula 1 race to a the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) format. He talks about the format's appeal and characterizes it as a "win-win-win" situation. He acknowledges Detroit City Council members Clyde Cleveland, David Eberhard, and Jack Kelley for their support in the shift. He also recognizes William McLaughlin of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (mistakenly referred to as the Detroit Chamber of Commerce), Roger Penske of the Penske Corporation (who is not in attendance), John Frasco of CART, Robert McCabe of Detroit Renaissance, and Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons.
Frasco takes to the podium to talk about his organization. He is followed by McCabe, who mentions that the CART contract is for three years. Isiah Thomas then reluctantly comes to the podium where he discusses his connection with John Frasco.
The press then begins asking questions. Reporters ask questions about the event's international appeal and coverage, the layout of the course. Young then asks the reporters to hold their remaining questions for the end of the conference, and calls Kelley to the podium. Young jokes about their "new found unity." Kelley then talks about the past difficulties of working with FISA, the governing body of Formula One. Cleveland then addresses the conference about CART's draw. Eberhard then acknowledges his past opposition to the Grand Prix, and expresses his support for it now. McLaughlin then speaks to express his support.
McLaughlin then fields a question about safety questions raised by Formula One. Young interjects that money, not safety, was the primary factor for the breakdown of negations between FISA and the city. McLaughlin is also asked about past discussion of the races moving to Belle Isle, which he explains was in response to a planned development downtown that fell through. The reporters also ask about sponsorship and expenses. Young then returns to the topic of the split between the city and Formula One. He also stresses the stronger connection between American auto companies and CART racing. Frasco then responds to questions about CART's format and speed. McLaughlin closes the conference with an appeal to the media to continue their support of the races.