Community Servant's Heart Award | Read Caption
Community Hospice and Palliative Care awarded its Community Servant's Heart Award to historian, storyteller, and retired nurse Vivian Filer who is also known as Queen Mother Mangye Naa Amiami Osuowaa Okropong I.
The title was bestowed on her last year during her enstoolment and it means the mother who loves and protects all of her children.
The ceremony took place at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center at 837 SE Seventh Ave.
Filer was born in Trenton, Florida and waa raised in Gainesville.
She graduated with honors from Lincoln High School in 1956 and married Delano Filer Sr. in 1958 and became the mother of two sons, Delano Filer Jr. and Craig Xavier Filer.
She earned an associate of science degree from Santa Fe College, a bachelor of
science degree in Nursing at the University of Florida, and two Master’s degrees.
She holds a master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and a master’s of science in psychological mental health from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Her career in health sciences spanned nearly 40 years during which she served as a Professor of Nursing and Interim Director of Health Sciences at Santa Fe College. Help to desegregate Alachua County General Hospital.
Filer is a church member of Mount Olive AME Church which is located adjacent to The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center.
The church purchased the land in 1995 and through Filer's dedication, the museum held its ribbon cutting ceremony on November 11, 2019.
Bishop Lionel Walker, pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, gave the invocation prayer and thanked father for her service to the community.
"Thank you for bringing us together to recognize the hard work and dedication of Mrs. Filer," Walker said. "Thank you for the leaders and their vision who helped make this happen. Without her love and support, it will not be possible."
Kenyarda Feathers, the community relations representative for Community Hospice and Palliative Care and pastor of Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, shared how her work is felt throughout the community on a daily basis.
"She is second to none," Feathers said. :We are sitting in a building that she has spearheaded."
Billie Dodd, the north central Florida regional director for Community Hospice and Palliative Care, explained how the principles the hospice stands for mirrors Filer's principles as well.
"I see a woman with love and filled with God," Dodd said. "I see room full of servants. I'm glad to recognize a beautiful soul here today. She's committed to do the right thing for the right reasons. You [Filer] practice positive leadership and promote diversity."
Eric Godet, president and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, was the keynote speaker and presented the award to Filer.
Filer was the co-founder of the Greater Gainesville Black Nurses Association and one of the founders of the Springhill Neighborhood Association.
Godet said Filer is one of his heroes and a great mother figure in the community.
"She grabs hold of everyone to make sure they hold on to the vision," Godet said. "That's what it's all about, shared community. I talked to folks from Trenton who can testify what you have done then and you what you were going to do in the future. She are shaping the hearts and minds of future leaders to come."
Godet said how wonderful it is to give someone their flowers while they were here.
"I'm so fortunate to have you here with us," Godet said. "You deserve all of the accolades. You have been in this community watching over us, shepherding us, and praying over us and keeping us humble."
Godet said her work in preserving history in the city is powerful and meaningful.
"We are so proud to recognize your work you put in everyday," Godet said. "You invest in our community and make sure we do the work to preserve our history. She always told our history through stories. My grandfather would tell me that is a skill we should not lose."
Filer approached the podium and accepted her award and thanked the community for its support.
"I am very honored," Filer said. "I can't tell you how much this means to me. When you're out working, you don't think of accolades. I don't claim to do this by myself. I have friends and family who have helped me along the way."
Filer talked about the role models she had growing up in the Springhill community and how she aspire to be a nurse because of them.
"I wanted to be like them," Filer said. "The role models I wanted to become have brought me here. There's still more work that needs to be done."
Article written by Voleer Thomas via the Gainesville Guardian 📰
Pictures were taken by me 📸
Follow me for more journalism content ✍️🏾
#journalistsoflemon #journalistsoflemon8 #journalists #blackjournalist #blackjournalists #blackreporters #communityservice #lemon8community
Watching Vivian Filer receive the Community Servant's Heart Award really made me reflect on the true meaning of dedication. It wasn't just about an award; it was a profound celebration of a life poured into making her community better. I was particularly struck by the profound meaning behind her title, Queen Mother Mangye Naa Amiami Osuowaa Okropong I – 'the mother who loves and protects all of her children.' It’s such a beautiful representation of her spirit, truly inspiring us all to embody that same nurturing care in our own communities. Her work with the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center, a place I've always admired, is a testament to her incredible vision and perseverance. Hearing how she spearheaded its ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2019, after the Mount Olive AME Church purchased the land, highlighted the deep roots this project has in the community. It’s more than just a museum; it’s a living testament to history, a sanctuary where stories, like those Vivian herself tells so eloquently, are preserved for future generations. It undeniably makes you realize the vital importance of preserving our cultural heritage. During the ceremony, it was incredibly moving to hear leaders like Bishop Lionel Walker offer an invocation prayer, acknowledging her immense service and impact. Kenyarda Feathers beautifully articulated how Vivian's work resonates daily throughout the community, remarking, 'She is second to none.' And when Billie Dodd spoke about how Filer's principles mirrored those of Community Hospice, it really brought home the consistent thread of compassion and advocacy throughout her life. Even Eric Godet, president and CEO of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, called her one of his heroes and a great mother figure – that speaks volumes about her widespread influence. What truly resonated with me was the idea of giving people their 'flowers' while they're here. Vivian Filer embodies this, showing us how one person's unwavering commitment, from her nearly 40-year nursing career to her pivotal role in desegregating Alachua County General Hospital, can create such lasting, positive change. She spoke so humbly about not doing it alone, crediting friends and family, which just further highlights her grace and collaborative spirit. Her journey, from being inspired by role models in the Springhill community to becoming a celebrated beacon herself, makes you realize the profound power of consistent, heartfelt service. It’s a powerful reminder that our collective history and future are shaped by individuals willing to step up, tell our stories, and preserve our heritage, just as Filer has done for decades. Her dedication ensures that the rich history of places like the Cotton Club Museum continues to educate, inspire, and empower. It’s not just about an institution; it's about the narratives, the resilience, and the cultural legacy she has meticulously worked to keep alive. Truly, a life well-lived in service to others is the most profound and beautiful legacy one can leave behind, reminding us all of the power of community and self-love that stems from giving back.
