Very Short Interview No. 1 with Vivian Filer

I had the opportunity to interview Vivian Filer, who is a member of the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center Board of Directors, and storyteller. She has overseen the careful and deliberate construction of the Cotton Club since its reconstruction project began over 10 years ago. The Cotton Club is intended to serve as a museum and community center that will address some of the economic needs in eastern Gainesville.

OT: Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you Ms. Filer.

VF: Thank you for having me.

OT: So what has been the hardest part in the construction of the Cotton Club?

VF: Just the time. We've been at this for over ten years, and over that time funding has kind of ebbed and flowed, so its a matter of securing consistent funding to finish the project. The project moves at the rate at which we receive funding.

OT: How exactly do you want the Cotton Club to influence Gainesville?

VF: I want the stories that have been lost to time about how vibrant a community eastern Gainesville was to be retold. The big performers like James Brown and Bo Diddley that came to Gainesville on the Chitlin' Circuit to perform created memories here in Gainesville that need to be told, and the Cotton Club will do that while addressing those needs.

OT: One aspect about the Cotton Club that you want to remain iconic?

VF: There is the large tree that sits outside the Cotton Club and in between the corner and the church. Once the landscaping is completed, I want to turn that area into a place where people can tell stories, that honor the tradition of passing information orally. I'm a storyteller myself, and I can just picture large crowds gathering under that large tree to hear not only stories, but spoken word performances, musicians and the like.

OT: Thank you so much again Ms. Filer and I'm looking forward to interviewing you again at the semester.

VF: Thank you.

Not just this time, but each time I have the opportunity to speak with Vivian, she makes everything seem like she's telling a story. To be honest, that is her gift of speech, and hearing her speak helps me with my spoken word pieces, my stories and just being articulate as possible in communicating my thoughts to other people.

-Oliver