Oral history interview with Celese Rayford conducted by Phillip Walley on November 14, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Rayford discusses her career as an educator in Las Vegas, Nevada. She begins by describing her upbringing in Las Vegas, the Westside community of Las Vegas, and attending Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Rayford then discusses her involvement with Top Teens of America and how that program helps to prepare young girls for college. She continues, talking about the effectiveness of disciplinary action against students, her experiences from her first year of teaching, and headstart programs for students who live in poverty.
Oral history interviews with Richard Bryan conducted by Kristin Guthre on November 10, 2011 and an unknown date for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Bryan begins by discussing his father’s time as a law student in Washington, D.C. and the influence his father had on his decision to pursue law. Bryan then chronicles moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in the 1940s and growing up in the Huntridge Community near Charleston Boulevard. Bryan recounts attending both the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, California. Bryan describes his experiences in the Las Vegas District Attorney’s office and the Army Reserve. He then recalls his political career as a member of the Nevada Senate, his role as the Attorney General of Nevada, the Governor of Nevada, and as a United States Senator. Lastly, Bryan discusses political issues in Nevada and the United States during his time in office such as debates about renewable energy, environmentalism, and preservation.
Oral history interview with C.E. Hansley conducted by George Whitehair on May 27, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview Hansley discusses moving to Nevada in the mid 1950s and mining in Tonopah, Nevada. He also discusses the changes he has seen in Nevada infrastructure.
Oral history interview with John Perazzo conducted by Claytee D. White on June 16, 2016 for the Building Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Perazzo discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about attending Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California to obtain a degree mathematics and computer science. Perazzo then recalls his father's work in architecture and his father's employment at the Nevada Test Site. Later, Perazzo discusses becoming a card dealer at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino and describes the challenges in working at casinos. Lastly, Perazzo talks about the development of Fremont Street.
Oral history interview with Trish Geran conducted by Claytee D. White on April 14, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Trish Geran discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada's historic Westside neighborhood, attending Catholic schools, and the feelings of not belonging that shaped her world view: she was different from her white, wealthy schoolmates, and as a private school student she was different from her neighbors. Trish also discusses her life in politics and activism.
Oral history interview with Craig Knight conducted by Adriona Jordan on December 01, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Knight begins the interview talking about his childhood in New York, including entertainment at the Apollo Theater, religious activities, and education. He then discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1980 in order to attend Bishop Gorman High School, emphasizing its racial makeup and his time spent playing in the jazz band. He also details his involvement in minority serving community organizations, including the Urban Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Advisory Council. He concludes the interview
discussing West Las Vegas, the closure of F Street, and modern renovations in the area.
Oral history interview with Kenneth L. Berger conducted by Claytee D. White on April 15, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Berger discusses his upbringing in St. Paul, Minnesota and his career in the United States Army. He remembers his employment with Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier (EG & G), flying aircrafts, and his initial interest in firearms. Lastly, Berger talks about becoming a member of the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
Oral history interview with M.J. Christensen conducted by Rick Maggot on October 23, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Christensen recalls living in Las Vegas, Nevada during the crash of Carole Lombard’s plane and describes local reactions to the early aboveground atomic tests. He also discusses family, religious life, and the Mormon Church. Christensen speaks about his time as the head of the Merchant’s Bureau, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and the president of the Southern Nevada Better Business Bureau. He also discusses being an assemblyman for eight years and serving for four years as a senator in the state of Nevada.
Oral history interview with Hal G. Curtis conducted by Forrest Rupley on March 09, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Curtis discusses recreational activities in Las Vegas, Nevada during the 1960s, and describes the changes in recreational activities throughout his lifetime. Curtis also recalls Lake Mead, changes to the location along with camp grounds in the surrounding area. Curtis goes on to discuss the maintenance and origins of labor unions in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Charles West conducted by Perry Kaufman on April 19, 1974 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. West discusses the African American community in Las Vegas, Nevada and what the living conditions were for them. West then explains how the Nevada Voters League changed the way politics played out after more African Americans went out to vote. He also discusses his work as the first African American Doctor in Las Vegas.