Christy and Crislove Igeleke oral history interview (OH-03905)

Oral history interview with Christy and Crislove Igeleke conducted by Claytee D. White on November 10, 2023 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Christy Igeleke, mother of Crislove, describes her childhood in Nigeria where she owned a sewing school. Her daughter, Crislove, was born in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1990 and now serves as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Las Vegas.

Christy's parents were farmers and had no education so she was sent to Lagos (capital of Nigeria) to live with an uncle so she could attend elementary school. Instead of atending high school, she attended sewing school. Later, she began a sewing school where she designed fashions for women, children, and men. After first husband died, she remarried and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1982 with her second husband. She describes becoming a Guest Room Attendant at the Dunes Hotel Casino, and her husband eventually owned a medical supply company. Education is important to the Igeleke family, and all six children are professionals including two attorneys, an educator, a scientist, and an entrepeuneur.

Crislove attended Lincoln University and worked for Nevada Legal Services, four years in private practice, and then for the City of Las Vegas. Crislove holds a leadership position at the local National Bar Association, serves as the Diversity Equity and inclusion Ambassdor for the American Red Cross, and is active in church activities. Digital audio available; no transcript available.