Cascade Media Group’s “You Are History project” features an interview with Vivienne Starks Smith. Vivienne grew up in Kansas City’s Leeds/Dunbar neighborhood and worked at Gates Bar-B-Q for 27 years. She has dedicated her life to preserving Kansas City’s African American culture and heritage, sharing these stories with others. As a community historian and advocate for the Heart of the City Neighborhood Association, Vivienne is also helping to create an exhibit and educational programs about the historic Leeds/Dunbar neighborhood.
We recently filmed two hours of Vivienne’s interview, marking the beginning of what will likely be a two to three-year project. We are excited to share a snippet with you and will continue to provide excerpts each time we film and gather more information about Vivienne’s story.
Cascade Media Group’s “You Are History” project is partnering with the Heart of the City Neighborhood Association. This marks the beginning of Vivienne Starks Smith’s personal story, which she recently shared for the project. At 92 years old, Vivienne reflects on her childhood, family, community, and work.
The “You Are History” project includes a series of still portraits, short film conversations, and motion portraits about Kansas Citians for the Museum’s “Our City, Our Stories” exhibit. You can view more “You Are History” senior interviews and register for the project by following this link: You Are History Project
