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.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alex Kang conducted by Cecilia Winchell and Stefani Evans on October 4, 2022 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Kang discusses his childhood moving back and forth between Pusan, South Korea and America as his parents sought the best place to raise their children. Kang recalls the multitude of endeavors he has heavily invested in since he was young, from moving to Brazil to pursue his interests in soccer to practicing golf every single day in his youth. Kang attended San Diego State University on a scholarship to play golf and majored in math. He got involved in a party bus business, honed his golf skills, and decided to learn how to count cards at the casino. Kang moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2013. Throughout the rest of the interview, Kang discusses how he organizes extravagant events, including an event hosting the popular K-Pop group BTS in Las Vegas, his golfing career, and enjoying his life surrounded by his family.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jinx Cochrell conducted by Delroy Shigematsu on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cochrell discusses the United States Navy, airports, Howard Hughes, the entertainment industry, Mount Charleston, Boulder (Hoover) Dam, her career as a secretary at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the mob.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Leo Dunbar conducted by Jay Brewer on May 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Dunbar discusses the growth of Boulder City, Nevada, the construction of Boulder (Hoover) Dam, and World War I.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Charles Frias conducted by Paula Soto on March 02, 1980 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Frias discusses working in the cab business, Nellis Air Force Base, and tourism in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Otha Bolden conducted by an unknown interviewer on July 05, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bolden discusses social and environmental changes that have taken place in Nevada over the span of twenty years. Her husband, Mr. Bolden also weighs in on the discussion, adding his personal accountant of the storm of 1964, and his views on integration and employment in Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Bernice Johnson conducted by Dan Buress on February 21, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Johnson discusses her personal history and her reasons for moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. Johnson describes moving between Southern California and Las Vegas while her husband worked for the railroad company. The interview concludes with Johnson recalling her memories of the Von Tobel family and the rapid population growth in Las Vegas after the construction of the Nevada Test Site.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Robert Foster conducted by Kelley Tuchman on March 02, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Foster first talks about his background in the military and his eventual teaching experience in special education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Foster then discusses helping the development of the special education field in Clark County and throughout the country, including the legislation and training toward the education program itself. Foster ends the interview by recalling his personal experiences and importance of helping the mentally and physically disabled.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Vaughan O. Holt conducted by Lee LaVecchia on February 22, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Holt offers an overview on marriage and family life in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also discusses local transportation, education, and occupations. He also talks about pollution, tourism, railroads, and the development of the Las Vegas Strip.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Susan Tsukamoto conducted by Claudine Robinson on October 18, 2007 for the Public School Principalship Oral History Project. In this interview, Tsukamoto reflects upon her 33-year career as a teacher and administrator with Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD). Having returned to work after retiring, she notes trends and changes that she has witnessed with standardized testing, curriculum development, and programs such as No Child Left Behind. She also reflects upon her experience as a principal, her biggest accomplishments and challenges, and her working relationships with parents, teachers, and students.
Archival Collection