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 Rabbi Felipé Goodman conducted by Barbara Tabach and Monserrath Hernandez on April 01, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Goodman discusses his upbringing in Mexico City, Mexico and growing up in the Jewish neighborhood of Polanco. He recalls trips to the United States, differences between Mexican Judaism and American Judaism, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1998. Later, Goodman talks about being Rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom, his connection to the Latinx community, and his story of becoming a United States citizen. Lastly, Goodman discusses his observations of anti-Semitism and attending the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in 2019.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Trula McGee conducted by Claytee D. White on March 17, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Trula McGee talks about her experiences growing up in a military family and her time as a student and young adult in the Westside community. She also discusses her employment as a Keno writer and runner at the Sands Hotel and Casino, Castaways Hotel and Casino, and the Silver Slipper Gambling Hall and Saloon and how this led to her meeting both Wayne Newton and Marvin Gaye.
Subjects discussed include: Carver Park; Basic High School; Nevada State Bank; Jackson Ave.; Golden West Shopping Center; Reuben's Supper Club; and Larry's Sight and Sound.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anita Tijerina Revilla conducted by Marcela Rodriguez-Campo on October 09, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Revilla discusses her early life in San Antonio, Texas. She talks about her decision to make education a priority, figuring out the college application process on her own, and her initial interest in social justice. Revilla talks about how her critical consciousness was developed, and her pedagogical approach to teaching. Revilla describes her role in the 2006 May Day march, advocating advocating for the queer community, and disrupting oppressive systems to increase educational access for students. Lastly, Revilla discusses ethnic studies and the history of inequality in the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sue Ann Porter conducted by Suzanne Becker on December 29, 2008 for the Voices of the Historic John S. Park Neighborhood Oral History Project. In this interview, Porter discusses her early life and growing up with her three siblings and parents. She mentions that she shares the house she lives in with her mother Ina Porter, in the John S. Park Neighborhood of Las Vegas, Nevada. Porter continues to explain the background of the John S. Park Neighborhood, including how she met new groups of people while attending church. She says that she experienced diversity throughout her life experiences. She also talks about how she changed from junior high school to high school and became a more social person.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ida Perkins conducted by Alexa Sweeny on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Perkins discusses her personal history growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Perkins talks about recreational activities she participated in, being involved in church, and living in the Windsor Park housing area in North Las Vegas. She then recalls her educational experience in Las Vegas, being involved in school sports, and West Las Vegas housing. Later, Perkins describes businesses on the Westside, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and playing on the women’s basketball team, the Lady Rebels. Lastly, Perkins discusses her contributions in forming the Foxy Ladies Organization, and also changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Brenda J. Williams conducted by Claytee D. White on May 24, 2013 and June 10, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Williams discusses her personal history and life in Las Vegas, Nevada since she moved there as a child with her family during the 1940s. She describes the diversity of the Westside community she lived in, her family, and the recreational activities she participated in as a young woman. Williams talks about several careers that she has had over the course of her life, such as a telephone operator, hat shop owner, and board member for the Las Vegas Housing Authority before later transitioning to the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Roy Brown conducted by John Grygo on March 05, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brown discusses his personal history and living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1954. He recalls moving to West Las Vegas and attending segregated schools at the time. Brown then talks about the positive influence that church and spirituality have on the Westside community. He describes his employment at the Stardust Hotel and Casino and working with the Culinary Workers Union after beginning his new employment at the MGM Grand Hotel. Lastly, Brown discusses changes in African American churches and describes how the newer generations have influenced change within the church.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Diane and Pat Clary conducted by Claytee D. White on May 20, 2009 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, the Clarys discuss the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, their personal histories, and provide an overview of Las Vegas during the 1950s and 1960s. Diane Clary describes working for various casinos as a teenager and her father's work as a casino chef. Pat Clary describes his history and involvement with the musical arts in Las Vegas. The couple talk about the nuclear weapons tests performed at the Nevada Test Site and the prevalence of organized crime in Las Vegas' casinos before the arrival of Howard Hughes. Pat Clary also discusses his involvement in Nevada politics as a Democrat and his career as a lawyer.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Marilyn Tinnell conducted by John Grygo on June 19, 2012 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Tinnell begins by discussing her personal history, the history of Henderson, Nevada, and how the Basic Townsite evolved into the city of Henderson. She continues, discussing the African American population of the Carver Park community in Henderson, who lived there due to segregation before Henderson was integrated. Tinnell describes life in Henderson during the 1950s, attending Basic High School with Harry Reid, and attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to pursue a career in social work. Tinnell details her career as a social worker, working as an investigator for Child Protective Services and as a family services specialist for foster care families.
Archival Collection