Oral history interview with Billie Rayford conducted by Claytee D. White on May 01, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rayford discusses her early life in Jefferson, Texas. She talks about school integration, living during the Jim Crow laws, and the discrimination she experienced at the time. Rayford remembers moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1979, obtaining a teaching position at Rancho High School, and teaching students with special needs. Rayford describes the implementation of empowerment schools in the Clark County School District (CCSD), and her involvement with the dual enrollment program at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) for CCSD high school students. Later, Rayford discusses her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Les Femmes Douze (The Ladies Twelve), 20 Pearls Foundation, and providing civil services for the Westside community. Lastly, Rayford talks about being a charter member of 100 Black Women.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sylvia Alvarado conducted by Rodrigo Vazquez and Monserrath Hernández on April 12, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Alvarado discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about attending College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), studying journalism and media, and her internship with Lotus Broadcasting. Alvarado describes hosting a one-hour show on the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Larry Mason conducted by Nathalie Martinez on September 14, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Mason discusses his upbringing by his Mexican immigrant parents in East Los Angeles, California and attending New Mexico State University. He describes receiving an athletics scholarship for basketball, playing in the European League, and earning a master's degree in education. Mason then talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1984 to become Director of Admissions at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, being elected to the Clark County School Board in 1993, and his work at the College of Southern Nevada as Vice President of Diversity and Cultural Affairs. Lastly, Mason explain his involvement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, minority students in STEM fields, his vision for public education, and the various community activities he has been involved in.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Daniel Atti conducted by Don Buttle on March 19, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Atti discusses the growth of Las Vegas, Nevada, casino developments, and hotel operations. He also talks about Las Vegas’ entertainment and vacationing culture.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Kim Vilt conducted by Claytee D. White on January 12, 2010 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Vilt discusses living in the John S. Park Neighborhood for ten years and her plans to stay there as long as she and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Angelo Pedot conducted by Steve Mathwig on March 14, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pedot discusses moving to Nevada to work at the Basic Magnesium plant. Pedot also shares memories of Las Vegas, Nevada as more casinos were built.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Al Pehlke conducted by Pete Domphase on April 02, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Pehlke gives a recollection of his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pehlke also gives a detailed description of the above ground atomic bomb testing.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Courtney Mooney conducted by Suzanne Becker on July 30, 2007 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. Mooney describes her work as the urban design coordinator for Las Vegas, Nevada. Mooney also discusses the past, present, and future of the John S. Park neighborhood.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with George Bach conducted by Mary R. Parrish on February 27, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Bach discusses topics such as the Nevada Test Site, the Alamo, African Americans in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Carpentry Union of 1980, and Fong’s Garden.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Elmer Curley conducted by Claytee D. White on November 1, 2011 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Elmer Curley discusses working in public services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Library for a number of years under a long list of library directors beginning in 1967.
Archival Collection