Search Results
George Ward oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with George Ward conducted by Charles P. Hall on March 11, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Ward discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1942 and his experience in the city as an African American. Ward describes the jobs African Americans were hired for in Las Vegas during the 1940s and his teaching career. He describes segregation and discrimination in the school system and in casinos. He also talks about how African American police officers were only allowed to patrol West Las Vegas, housing availability, and organized crime in the city. Lastly, Ward talks about his involvement in local politics, the beginnings of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the development of Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Transcript of an interview with Theron and Naomi Goynes by Claytee D. White, June 28 and July 12, 2012
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Archival Collection
Description
Interview with Theron and Naomi Goynes conducted by Claytee D. White on June 28 and July 12, 2012. A retired school principal, Theron Goynes also served as a North Las Vegas councilman and mayor pro-temp and was the first black in Nevada history to chair a government body. Naomi had thirty-six-year career in local education.
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Saul Willis oral history interview
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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
Video Interview with Melvin Sanders at Vegas PBS, April 1, 2013
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Archival Collection
Description
Melvin Sanders talks about growing up on the Westside as the son of a pastor/auto detailing business owner. He recalls tensions and the joy of his upbringing during the 1960s. He tells a story about working for State Gaming Board at age 16, going to college on a football scholarship, and an encounter with Sonny Liston. Sanders and his brothers inherited his father's auto detailing business.
Moving Image
Louise Randall Lawler oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Louise Randall Lawler conducted by Claytee D. White on September 25, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Louise Randall Lawler discusses her early years in Las Vegas, her family history, and her experience as Rancho High School's first Black cheerleader. She talks about her cheer experience at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, her teaching career for the Clark County School District at Rancho High School and Valley High School, her time dancing with Redd Foxx, and her bartending career at the Imperial Palace Hotel and Casino.
Archival Collection
Marzette Lewis oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Marzette Lewis conducted by Claytee White on October 30, 2012 and November 14, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Lewis first discusses the murder of her father at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan in Quitman, Mississippi, then visiting and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1950s. Lewis also discusses the proponents of good neighborhood schools in lieu of bussing children all over the country.
Archival Collection
Video Interview with Eva G. Simmons at Vegas PBS, November 19, 2013
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Eva is a founder of Les Femme Douze, a teacher for nearly four decades, community leader. Talks about recruitment of black teachers; Mabel Hoggard among other topics from the 1960s-1980s; and the future of the Westside.
Moving Image
Earl G. Heron oral history interview
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Abstract
Oral history interview with Earl G. Heron conducted by Claytee D. White on November 22, 2024 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Heron recalls his childhood in Queens, New York, where he learned automobile mechanics from his father. He used that knowledge to become a mechanic on fighter planes for the United States Air Force. Heron was stationed for some time at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also was stationed in San Antonio, San Bernadino, Wichita Falls, and Fort Bragg. He became a flight engineer and took part in Red Flagg War Games Training while stationed at Nellis AFB. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Archival Collection
Photograph of Greg McCurdy with Joey Tillmon
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Archival Collection
Description
Greg McCurdy (left) with retired Police Chief of North Las Vegas Joey Tillmon.
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Photograph of Greg McCurdy delivering a presentation, 2001
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Archival Collection
Description
Greg McCurdy presenting a "Law and You" program at Victory Missionary Baptist Church in 2001.
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