Oral history interview with Larry Cooper conducted by Claytee D. White on March 05, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Cooper discusses his early life in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside. He talks about his educational experiences in Las Vegas, attending the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), and teaching mathematics. Cooper recalls his employment at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, becoming Vice President of Emerging Markets, and relocating around the United States for work. He remembers moving back to Las Vegas in the mid-2000s, his friendship with civil rights leader Jimmy Gay, and the contributions Gay made for the African American community. Cooper describes Westside businesses, and casinos on Jackson Street. Lastly, Cooper discusses the future of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Paris Oddo conducted by Claytee D. White on July 20, 2017 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Oddo discusses her early life in Detroit, Michigan. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984, becoming an electrician, and being a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W) Local Union 357. Oddo talks about completing a five-year apprenticeship program offered by the Union, and her experience as a female electrician. She remembers her employment at the Nevada Test Site, working closely with radioactive materials, and being diagnosed with illnesses due to radioactive exposure while at the Nevada Test Site. Lastly, Oddo expresses her concerns over nuclear waste storage at Yucca Mountain.
Archival Collection
The Russ Morgan Music Manuscripts (approximately 1950-1967) are comprised of manuscript arrangements used by the Russ Morgan Band for live concert, radio, and television performances. The collection includes handwritten scores and parts for popular music.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bob Coffin conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 08, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Coffin discusses his early life in Anaheim, California, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1951. He describes living near the Huntridge Theater, housing in that area, and working for his father’s business, Western Petroleum Distributors. Coffin talks about his initial interests in local politics, becoming a political campaign manager in the 1970s, and running for City Councilman. Lastly, Coffin discusses the construction of the Fremont Street Experience, and the issue of homelessness in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with José Armando Elique conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on January 14, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Elique discusses his family background and early life in New York City, New York. He talks about his educational experience, attending Catholic schools, and serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Elique recalls his employment with the Port Authority Police Department, Latino police officers, and the evolution of gang culture. Later, Elique talks about moving the Las Vegas, Nevada in 2000, the 1 October shooting, and his role as the chief of police of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Police Services. Lastly, Elique discusses his involvement with the National Latino Police Officers Association.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Steven Clarke conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on November 17, 2016 and December 08, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In the first interview, Clarke discusses his early life in Winnipeg, Canada. He talks about his early interest in architecture, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011. Clarke talks about becoming the director of the Downtown Design Center, future plans for the Historic Westside Community, and his role in the Historic Urban Neighborhood Design Redevelopment plan. In the second interview, Clarke discusses the HUNDRED Plan, a plan for community-led investment in the Historic Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maggie Arias-Petrel conducted by Monserrath Hernández on May 03, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Petrel discusses her early life in Quito, Ecuador and her journey to the United States. She recalls arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada, starting a consulting business, and her involvement with the Latin Chamber of Commerce. She talks about the establishment of Señoras of Excellence (SoE), and the Hispanic Scholarship Program. Lastly, Petral discusses her thoughts on how to preserve culture and heritage.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Floyd Sweets Harrison conducted by Claytee D. White on September 16, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Harrison discusses his upbringing in New York City, New York and his involvement in the King Charles Unicycle Troupe. He remembers joining the Ringling Bros. circus in 1968, touring around the country, and his experience as an African American entertainer during that time. Harrison talks about performing in Las Vegas, Nevada, the entertainment industry during the 1980s, and performing for community events. Later, Harrison recalls touring with Siegfried and Roy, and the King Charles Unicycle Troupe becoming an independent show in Las Vegas. Lastly, Harrison discusses the future of circus shows in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sandra F. Mack conducted by Claytee D. White on March 29, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Mack discusses her early life in Seattle, Washington. She talks about her education in home economics, becoming a teacher, and her experience teaching during segregation. Mack recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2001, and her involvement with community organizations 100 Black Women, the Las Vegas Branch of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Urban League Guild, and the local Delta Sigma Theta chapter. Lastly, Mack talks about the 1 October shooting, gun violence, the increase of security at churches.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jennifer and Robert Lewis conducted by Stefani Evans and Claytee D. White on January 09, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Robert discusses his early life in Claremont, California. He recalls the establishment of their family business, Lewis Homes, building homes near Nellis Air Force Base, and the formation of the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Jennifer discusses her early interest in real estate,and her involvement with the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, the Nevada Home Builders Association, and the Nevada Development Authority. Jennifer and Robert talk about the growth of Lewis Homes, and their decision to sell Lewis Homes to KB Homes in 1999. Lastly, Jennifer and Robert talk about the future of their company, Lewis Management.
Archival Collection