Re-opening of F Street ceremony including Ricki Barlow, Carolyn Goodman and others on December 11, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this ceremony, Mayor Carol Goodman talks about the significance of the F Street underpass that connects the Historic Westside with Downtown Las Vegas. Councilman Ricki Barlow recognizes those who stood against the closure of F Street and the efforts of the community to reopen it. Katherine Duncan describes the economic and social impact on the Westside community when F Street closed.
Oral history interview with Leslee Thomas conducted by Claytee D. White on March 13, 2024 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Thomas is the granddaughter of Larry Wilburn and daughter of Terry Wilburn, owners of Larry's Sight & Sound, a business institution in the Westside. The business, first located at 1318 D Street, was initially called Larry's Music Bar. The Music Bar moved to Owens Avenue and was renamed Larry's Sight & Sound. For 35 years until 1992, the music shop drew in stars and locals for its vinyl records, record players, and casssettes. In the interview, Thomas shares how she learned to work in the business, stay connected to family, and be a contributing member of the community. She describes her dreams for the Westside, which include giving tourists reasons to visit the Black community, capital investments, and marketing. Digital audio available; no transcript available.
Oral history interview with Frank Hawkins conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on August 09, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Hawkins discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about his educational experience in Las Vegas, attending the University of Nevada, Reno, and playing in their football program. Hawkins recalls being drafted into the National Football League (NFL), playing for the Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas Raiders), and the controversy behind the construction of Allegiant Stadium. Later, Hawkins talks about his career in construction, starting a construction company, and explains how he names the buildings he constructs. Lastly, Hawkins discusses the legalization of medical marijuana in Nevada, and becoming the first African American to own a dispensary in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Rosemarie and Gregory Johnson conducted by Amber Rose Johnson on December 04, 2016 and December 05, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Gregory discusses his early life and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about being being an electrician and member of the IBEW Local 357 in Las Vegas, and Union workers' strike. In the second interview, Rosemarie discusses her upbringing and arriving to Las Vegas in 1984. Lastly, Gregory and Rosemarie describe the implications of being an interracial couple, and the intersections of race and class.
Set of negatives from Nevada State Museum including Lionel Hampton (striped tie) on the Martin Black Show, channel 2-TV, Friday, January 26, 1962; negatives A-C: unidentified man next to Hampton and two unidentified female dancers; negatives D, E: unidentified man around Hampton; car accident and billboard.
Oral history interview with Judith Hickman conducted by Shirley Emerson on July 16, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Hickman discusses her early life and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1956. She recalls integration, civil rights for African Americans, and the growth of the city. Hickman talks about her experience living in the West Charleston area, and African Americans deciding to move to other parts of Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Ida M. Gaines conducted by Claytee D. White on September 30, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Gaines discusses her early life in Louisiana. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, living in the Westside, and her employment at the Nevada Test Site. Gaines remembers integration, her involvement with the Las Vegas Chapter of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and becoming a member of Gamma Phi Delta. Gaines talks about working with Senator Harry Reid as a community liaison, the economic downfall of Jackson Street businesses, and redevelopment of the Westside. Lastly, Gaines discusses the issue of homelessness in the community, and the work that the Economic Opportunity Board (EOB) did to reduce poverty in the Westside.
Ethiopian business owner Mahamed Youssouf became an American citizen in 1986. Born in Harar, Ethiopia, he recalls the hardships he had to endure during the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict. Coming from a family of tailors, he began making clothes with his father at a very early age. Mahamed’s recollections concerning his journey from political refugee to successful businessman demonstrates his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals. Mahamed moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985, where he rented a storefront in North Las Vegas. The name of his store was Uniform Plus and he focused mainly on making children’s clothes. His efforts proved lucrative as he began buying wholesale in Los Angeles, California, and selling clothes in Las Vegas on the weekends at the outdoor Swap Meet. After a fateful encounter, Mahamed became business partners with Eugene Hoffman, owner of Village East Cleaners. Mahamed firmly believes that communication is the key to socio-economic success. He views education as an investment and states that, “to have dialogue means better relationships.” When the Ethiopian government was overthrown, Mahamed returned home to Africa for a visit. He met his wife while there, got married, and started a family. Mahamed returned to America and bought a family home in Las Vegas. He dedicated his time to teaching his American born children more about Ethiopian culture and taught himself more about American culture— including the African-American experience in Las Vegas, racism, the Moulin Rouge, and the Westside.