Oral history interview with Everlena Brown conducted by Claytee D. White on June 15, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brown discusses her upbringing in Moro, Arkansas and moving to Little Rock, Arkansas. She talks about the Little Rock Nine students and her experience attending a segregated school for African Americans. Brown recalls attending Clark County Community College (now College of Southern Nevada) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), becoming a nurse, and the process of applying for nursing positions. Later, Brown discusses living in the Westside, entertainment on Jackson Street, and participating in church activities. Lastly, Brown describes changes in the Westside.
Oral history interview with Gloria Dixon conducted by Claytee D. White on May 2, 2022 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Dixon recalls her childhood growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dixon attended St. Christopher and Bishop Gorman High School, and recalls her parents' involvement in the New Jerusalem Church. Dixon discusses writing grants to help with community education programs, and using her experience as a hospice nurse for the last thirty years to help communicate information about public health crises. Throughout the interview, Dixon shares information about the businesses in the Las Vegas Black community on Jackson Street.
Oral history interview with Sammie Armstrong conducted by Claytee D. White on March 08, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Armstrong discusses his early life in Camden, Arkansas and growing up working on a farm. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963, and describes the Westside at that time. Armstrong talks about the businesses on Jackson Street, churches on the Westside, and integration in Las Vegas. Later, Armstrong discusses co-founding a transportation business in the early 1980s, Ray & Ross Transport, and providing transportation for Nevada Test Site employees. Lastly, Armstrong talks about growing his business into one of the largest bus companies in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Louis Conner conducted by John Grygo on March 22, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Conner discusses his personal history and growing up in Tallulah, Louisiana. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family for job opportunities in the late 1950s. Conner describes his employment at the Stardust Hotel, segregation, and living in West Las Vegas. He then talks about integration in the mid-1960s, Jackson Street entertainment, and the changing demographic of the Westside. Lastly, Conner discusses the development of Las Vegas, families moving out of the Westside, and new businesses in the area.
Oral history interview with Lena Brass conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on January 17, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brass discusses her upbringing in Winsboro, Louisiana and describes living during segregation. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1975 with her husband, her employment at Nevada State Bank, and participating in the Martin Luther King parade. Brass then talks about the advancement of banking technology, the utilization of computers, and her experience as an African American bank manager. Later, Brass talks of her mentors, her faith, and the economic downturn of Jackson Street businesses in the Westside. Lastly, Brass discusses the future of the African American community in Las Vegas, the Westside, and business networking with the church community.
Oral history interview with Eugenia and Elijah Green conducted by Claytee D. White on January 20, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Elijah discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside. He recalls his father’s employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant, attending the Westside School, and the recreational activities he participated in as a young adult. Elijah talks about becoming a card dealer, his employment at the El Morocco Motel, and the businesses on Jackson Street. Eugenia describes moving to Las Vegas in 1975, her initial reaction to the city, and nightlife entertainment at the time. Later, Elijah talks about leaving work on the Westside to be a card dealer on the Strip. Lastly, Elijah and Eugenia discuss the future of Westside businesses.
Oral history interview with Ricki Barlow conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on July 12, 2017 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Barlow discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside. Barlow talks about his time as Councilman for Ward 5 in the City of Las Vegas, and lists what he accomplished from his campaign promises. He recalls his first projects as councilman, restoring the Westside School, and preserving historic buildings near downtown Las Vegas. Later, Barlow describes the issue of homelessness in Las Vegas, providing social services to people most in need, and improving the mental health system in Nevada. Lastly, Barlow discusses plans to redevelop Jackson Street and the Westside.
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.
Lived in LV and Reno, attended Westside School, worked as shield in El Morocco, and memories of Jackson Street life. Donated small collection containing photographs; memorial programs containing some history of COGIC; and two bulletins of regional COGIC convocations, one at Nucleus Plaza; and the Gully Family History.