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Sanje Sedera oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03761

Abstract

Oral history interview with Sanje Sedera conducted by Kristel Peralta, Cecilia Winchell, Ayrton Yamaguchi, and Stefani Evans on April 16, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.

Sanje Sedera discusses growing up in Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, with his family. He shares his educational history, moving from Sri Lanka to Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia as a high schooler to learn English before immigrating to the United States to attend Idaho State University. Sedera discusses the political unrest and civil war that took place in Sri Lanka between the Tamil and Sinhalese people, and how he grew to appreciate political activism instilled in him by his paternal grandparents. Sedera shares his employment history working as a manager for K-Mart, an opportunity that brought him to Las Vegas, as well as his entrepreneurial pursuits of owning a mortgage business and becoming a realtor. He talks about the financial crisis of 2008 that led to losing his business, his attempts to run for public office, and how he helped to form Nevada's Asian American Democratic Caucus. Sedera concludes with a discussion of his Buddhist practice and how these philosophies have shaped his life.

Archival Collection

Roosevelt Toston oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01365

Abstract

Oral history interview with Roosevelt Toston conducted by Chanelle Pickens on October 19, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Toston discusses his career in broadcast journalism in the Las Vegas, Nevada market and then at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Archival Collection

Bob Bellis oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00109

Abstract

Oral history interview with Bob Bellis conducted by Suzanne Becker on June 19, 2007 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Bellis talks about the creation of the John S. Park Neighborhood Association, the history of the community, and its evolution.

Archival Collection

Dewey E. Freeman oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00622

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dewey E. Freeman conducted by Christine Kurdriel on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Freeman discusses his history with Southern Nevada including Las Vegas, Paradise Valley, and Blue Diamond.

Archival Collection

Beverly J. Britton oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00253

Abstract

Oral history interview with Beverly J. Britton conducted by Jeff Neher on February 26, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. During the interview Britton offers an overview of life in the Las Vegas, Nevada area from 1955 to 1979.

Archival Collection

Karen Hayes oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00817

Abstract

Oral history interview with Karen Hayes conducted by Robert F. Darling on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In her interview Hayes discusses her account of Las Vegas, Nevada history and politics.

Archival Collection

Orpha Woods oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02020

Abstract

Oral history interview with Orpha Woods conducted by Louis H. Lindsay on February 23, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Woods discusses the history of Mesquite, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Frank Wooley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02022

Abstract

Oral history interview with Frank Wooley conducted by Bruce McLauchlin on April 01, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview, Wooley discusses his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1923 at the age of seventeen, and his efforts to establish himself in the city.

Archival Collection

Johnny Griffin oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02100

Abstract

Oral history interview with Johnny Griffin conducted by Claytee D. White on September 13, 2010 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Griffin discusses his personal history and working at an all-white country club as a golf caddy. He recalls receiving a golf scholarship to Jackson State University, and describes starting a junior golf program at Craig Ranch Park in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Later, Griffin discusses his senior golf tour and the history of black golfing in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Rosenda Gomez oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03926

Abstract

Oral history interview with Rosenda Gomez conducted by Stefani Evans on July 24, 2024 for Reflections: the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Gomez describes her childhood and youth in General Luna, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. She shares about her family's financial struggles, becoming pen pals and eventually marrying an older American man, moving to Texas, and having a daughter. Desparate to leave an abusive marriage, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1993 and worked at the El Cortez making change. After working in a number of casinos, including Imperial Palace, Stratosphere, and Sunset Station, she returned to El Cortez in 1998. Gomez describes how she later became more involved in the Culinary Workers Union (Local 226). In this interview, Gomez describes the physical work of cocktail service; the duties of shop steward and the benefits of Union membership. She recalls San Tomas celebrations in her town and annual Philippines Independence Day celebrations at home; her favorite Filipino foods, and Spring Mountain Road as it was when she arrived in 1993. She also recalls anecdotes of Jackie Gaughan, owner of the El Cortez. Digital audio available; no transcript available.

Archival Collection