Oral history interviews with Cynthia and Edward Watson conducted by Claytee D. White on March 28, 2014 and May 13, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Edward begins by discussing his upbringing in Illinois, being adopted by his grandmother, and how issues regarding his custody arose after his grandmother died. Cynthia discusses her upbringing which was also in Illinois, attending a primarily white high school as a teenager and her experiences there as an African American, and being one of two African American employees in a company of approximately 600 employees. They describe the civil rights movement during the 1960s from their perspectives as African Americans and how their race defined how other people perceived them. The couple then describe moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978, Edward's tenure as president of the Las Vegas National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and their involvement in the African American community of Las Vegas.
Ruby shares highlights of her life and career path such as working with Hazel Gay, and working as the first fulltime black employee at Sears, and at Palm Mortuary. She provides details of breaking the color barrier on the Strip in 1960s.
Oral history interview with Essie Lee Jones conducted by Claytee D. White on June 05, 1996 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Jones begins by discussing her upbringing in Tallulah, Louisiana, working in the cotton fields with both white and African American workers, and explaining how she came to move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1970. She describes becoming a maid at the Stardust Resort and Casino and later working as a waitress at the Frontier Hotel and Casino until her retirement. Jones talks about being a member of the Culinary Workers Union, the African American community's relationship with the union, and her experiences with racial discrimination and race relations in Las Vegas and Tallulah as an African American woman.
Oral history interview with Michael Bryant conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Bryant details life in the Westside community of Las Vegas, Nevada, his personal history, and life as an African American in Las Vegas. He describes his upbringing in Las Vegas, his father's high-end clothing store, and race relations between the African American and white communities of the city. Bryant also discusses casinos and other Las Vegas attractions, such as the presence of famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali, as well as discussing the development of the Westside community. Julia Walton was also present for this interview.
Interview with Emory and Agnes Lockette conducted by Claytee D. White on March 11, 2005. The Lockettes were the only African Americans to live in Boulder City during years of racial tension. Agnes taught kindergarten at Westside School, while Emory worked for the Bureau of Reclamation.
Oral history interview with Keith Brantley conducted by Denise Beverstein on October 15, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brantley discusses his personal history and his experiences growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about attending Bonanza High School, being involved in school sports, and establishing The Poet’s Corner, a monthly poetry forum, in the late 1990s. Brantley describes what The Poet’s Corner provided for the community, the history of racism in Las Vegas, and discusses the African American experience as the city changed. Lastly, Brantley recites one of his poems, The Fremont Street Experience.
Interviewed by Claytee White. History of passing in Las Vegas after integration is mandated. McKee danced at the Mint, The Silver Slipper's Minsky's Burlesque and the Dune's Viva Les Girls. Performed in Les Girls Montreal road show as well. Hosted the Los Angeles Morning Show, actress in many shows and movies, and was Sammy Davis' "road wife."
Oral history interview with Judge Angel conducted by Denise M. Beverstein on November 29, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Judge Angel shares the reasons she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Angel discusses her career in media production, detailing her positive impact radio show on KLAV1230 AM. Angel talks about the growth of Las Vegas' historic Westside and the businesses that have aided that growth. She also shares her impressions of the African American community in Las Vegas, as well as her hopes for the future of the community.
Eddie & Johnie Wright met met, married in 1957, and raised their family in Las Vegas. Johnie arrived in Las Vegas in 1941, teaching first grade at the Westside school, eventually becoming a nurses aide. Eddie came to Las Vegas from Arkansas, and became the first black ticket agent at the local Greyhound station.
Oral history interview with Dwight (D. A.) Anthony Downey conducted by Claytee D. White on February 05, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Downey discusses his early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He describes the African American owned businesses on the Black Wall Street, and the community where he grew up in. Downey recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977, being involved in the entertainment industry, and his employment with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the food service industry.