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Clinton Wright oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02026

Abstract

Oral history interview with Clinton Wright conducted by Claytee D. White on October 13, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Clinton reflects on the societal changes he observed over the years, particularly in the black community of the Westside and North Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls how he changed his personal thoughts about raising his children in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Leandrew Winston oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02793

Abstract

Oral history interview with Leandrew Winston conducted by Claytee White on August 03, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Winston describes his migration from Arkansas to California and then to Las Vegas, Nevada where he encountered racism in an overt manner until his press pass allowed him to enter communities of non-blacks more easily. He also discusses working with Vegas PBS and KCEP.

Archival Collection

Barbara Jean Drew oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03780

Abstract

Oral history interview with Barbara Jean Drew conducted by Claytee D. White on May 17, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Barbara Drew is the Dean of the Academy for Ministers, teaches Bible study, and performs other spiritual work at New Jerusalem Worship Center. Drew migrated to Las Vegas from Fortune Fork, Louisiana, just two miles outside the city limits of Tallulah.

This interview covers life in the Black community beginning when Drew arrived in 1961. She spoke about the importance of businesses like the Brown Derby, Hamburger Heaven, and the Town Tavern that hosted jazz on Sunday afternoons with a dance floor that she enjoyed. She discussed her first job running American Linen, a Dry Cleaners owned by Phil Shapiro; Shapiro mentored Drew, teaching her about business operations, purchasing property for her family, bookkeeping, and the importance of having a bank account. She also spoke of a neighborhood where neighbors helped neighbors and opportunities that flourished throughout the Black community. Subjects discussed include: Jackson Ave, Town Tavern, New Jerusalem Worship Center, Kasper Park, Berkley Square, and Phil Shapiro.

Archival Collection

Asalee Harris oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03781

Abstract

Oral history interview with Asalee Harris conducted by Claytee D. White on May 17, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Asalee Harris was born in Fortune Fork, outside of Tallulah, Louisiana. Born into a family of cotton sharecroppers, farm life was arduous; eventually she and her family moved to Tallulah where she met and married her husband, James. Asalee and James moved to Las Vegas in 1954 where James' brother lived. She details her work as a maid and member of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, local businesses she remembers on Jackson Street including Wesley's Barber Shop, Johnson's Grocery Store, Elite Market, the Westside Credit Union, and her church work at New Jerusalem Church. Subjects discussed include: sharecropping, Tallulah, Louisiana, Westside Credit Union, and New Jerusalem Church.

Archival Collection

Anthony Mulholland oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02253

Abstract

Oral history interview with Anthony Mulholland conducted by Steve Hayes on November 21, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Mulholland discusses his personal history and early educational experiences. He talks about his employment for Clark County Libraries and becoming a professor at the Community College of Southern Nevada. Mulholland describes the first courses he taught on literature, applying mythology to the curriculum, and why he uses archetypical characters in his courses. Lastly, Mulholland discusses the approach he uses in the various literature courses he teaches and explains how he is able to relate to many of his students.

Archival Collection

Prince Spencer oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01743

Abstract

Oral history interview with Prince Spencer conducted by Claytee White on January 09, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Spencer discusses his career as a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Hotel and Flamingo Hotel. He also talks about his activity in the Civil Rights Movement, work as a casino host, and participation in the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Don Cunningham oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02943

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Don Cunningham conducted by Claytee D. White on January 13, 2017, January 26, 2017, and February 10, 2017 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Cunningham discusses his upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri and his early interest in music. He talks about becoming a musician in the military, and traveling around the world to play in the military bands. In the second interview, Cunningham remembers the transition out of the military, becoming a freelance musician, and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1969. In the final interview, Cunningham discusses his involvement with the Las Vegas Jazz Society, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Archival Collection

Lee H. Lisby oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01128

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lee H. Lisby conducted by Glen E. Davis on July 10, 1975; Rita O'Brien on April 10, 1978; and Elizabeth Patrick on May 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In 1942, Lisby moved from Tallulah, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada. Lisby talks about living conditions and work opportunities for African-Americans in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Stella and Claude Parson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01437

Abstract

Oral history interview with Stella and Claude Parson conducted by Emily Powers on February 26, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Stella and Claude Parson both discuss black history, discrimination in Reno, Nevada and Las Vegas, Nevada, and opportunities for African Americans in Nevada. Stella Parson discusses being the first African American student to graduate from University of Nevada, Reno. Claude Parson discusses his involvement in United States Air Force, living on Nellis Air Force Base, and being a minister in his church.

Archival Collection

Saul Willis oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02249

Abstract

Oral history interview with Saul Willis conducted by Claytee D. White on January 14, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Willis discusses his personal history and moving from Sondheimer, Louisiana to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. He talks about living in West Las Vegas, nightlife entertainment in the area, and community leaders at the time. He then recalls the increase of drug use in the Westside, being incarcerated for a year, and starting an automobile mechanic business. Lastly, Willis discusses his experience with the Las Vegas court system and the continued development of the Westside.

Archival Collection