Ruth D'Hondt was born and reared in Las Vegas, Nevada, living on Jackson Street where her family owned Mattie's Cafe. The restaurant provided not just great food but employment for D’hondt and her five brothers and sisters. In 1959, the family moved to Berkley Square.
Person
Oral history interview with Jean Childs conducted by Claytee White on December 02, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Jean recalls the culture shock of segregation and racism her family encountered upon arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada from California in 1963. Jean spoke about how her mother was a role model for her, who carved a path of fighting for the underprivileged, growing the Head Start program in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Two audio clips from an interview with Stella and Rev. Claude H. Parson conducted by Maurice R. Page on February 26, 1977. As educators, the Parsons discuss the integration of schools in Las Vegas. In the clips, Rev. Parson discusses early housing development in West Las Vegas, church management, and equal opportunity progress.
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Jarmilla McMillan-Arnold’s father, Dr. James B. McMillan, was the first black dentist in the state of Nevada. Dr. McMillan’s colleagues consisted of Dr. West, the first black medical doctor in the state, and Dr. Ice, the first black surgeon in Nevada. This interview highlights and archives the solid foundation upon which Nevada’s black community was built. Jarmilla recalls early memories of growing up as the daughter of Las Vegas NAACP president Dr. McMillan. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to a Caucasian and Indian mother who was a professional dancer. Jarmilla’s parents separated when she was very young and as a result she was raised by her paternal grandmother who owned a restaurant in Pontiac, Michigan. Jarmilla describes her grandmother as being well-known and highly regarded in the community where she maintained her business. Jarmilla attended Catholic schools in Detroit, Pontiac, and Las Vegas. Having moved to Las Vegas with her father, Jarmilla’s narrative offers keen insigh
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Johnie Beatrice Sparkman Wright was born on June 8, 1939 in McNary, Arizona. She moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1941. Johnie is a retired nurse's aide who received her training at Rose De Lima Hospital in 1968. As a native Las Vegan she recalls stories of her youth: Brownies, dancing at Silver Slipper and not being allowed on Jackson Street. She remembers moving to Berkley Square in 1959 and what it was like to live there.
Person
Part of an interview with Shirley Edmond conducted by Claytee D. White on June 24, 2010. Edmond shares childhood memories of Westside School.
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