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Ida Perkins oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Ida Perkins conducted by Alexa Sweeny on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Perkins discusses her personal history growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Perkins talks about recreational activities she participated in, being involved in church, and living in the Windsor Park housing area in North Las Vegas. She then recalls her educational experience in Las Vegas, being involved in school sports, and West Las Vegas housing.

Lawrence Wickliffe oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lawrence Wickliffe conducted by Kim Odusanya on November 29, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Wickliffe discusses his personal history living in Ferriday, Louisiana and later moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. He talks about his first impressions of the city and his career as a firefighter. Wickliffe then describes the West Las Vegas riots and protesting for social change, redlining on the Westside, and the recent economic upturn in the area.

Keena Smith oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King.

Donna Rodriguez oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Donna Rodriguez conducted by Justin Burrows on November 24, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rodriguez discusses her personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993. She describes her first impressions of the city, her employment at McCarran International Airport, and working as a security dispatcher for casinos. Rodriguez then talks about the development of security surveillance at casinos, discrimination towards African American gamblers, and recalls the training she received.

Lawrence Weekly oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lawrence Weekly conducted by Elsha Harris Yolanda on November 19, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Weekly discusses his personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about the importance of religion in his upbringing and his parent’s employment in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas. Weekly describes the racial discrimination he experienced in education, attending the College of Southern Nevada and later transferring to Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Louis Family oral history interviews

Abstract

Oral history interviews with the family of Joe Louis conducted by Claytee D. White on November 18, 2014 and February 06, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, the family of Joe Louis discuss his life and career as a famous African American boxer from the 1930s to 1950s. They describe charity fights he held to raise money for the Navy Relief Fund during World War II, which later became an issue for him when the Internal Revenue Service claimed he still owed taxes on the money he raised despite it being donated.

Willard Booth oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Willard Booth conducted by Larmaya Kilgore on November 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Booth discusses his personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. He describes his employment at the Sands Hotel and Casino and later at the Thunderbird Hotel and Casino. Booth then talks about segregation issues for African Americans working on the Las Vegas Strip. Later, Booth discusses his involvement with the Second Baptist Church and describes the work he would do for the church.

James Walker oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with James Walker conducted by Larmaya Kilgore on November 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Walker discusses his personal history and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s. He talks about his employment at the Fremont Hotel in 1966 and working on the Las Vegas Strip the following year. Walker recalls the African American experience working on casino floors, facing discrimination, and the process of integration in schools.

Harriet Barlow oral history interview

Abstract

Oral history interview with Harriet Barlow conducted by Elsha Harris-Tolanda on April 27, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Barlow discusses her personal history and growing up in Robbins, Illinois. She talks about her education, discrimination in schools, and the process of school integration. Barlow then recalls her first impressions of Las Vegas, Nevada and her employment at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

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