Oral history interview with Ernest Fountain conducted by Claytee D. White on March 27, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Fountain discusses African American owned businesses and explains why these businesses are disproportionately disappearing and going out of business. Fountain then talks about the importance of understanding finance and economics, small businesses, and starting his lending firm, New Ventures Capital Development Company. Lastly, Fountain explains the process of owning a bank, and the importance of having more African American owned financial institutions.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Margaret Riskin conducted by Anna Huddleston on August 12, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In this interview, Riskin discusses living in Las Vegas, Nevada since 1993. She talks about moving into a home in the Scotch 80s neighborhood, her neighbors, and the home owner association for the neighborhood. Riskin describes security concerns in the Scotch 80s, experiencing a home robbery, and why she decided to relocate. Lastly, Riskin discusses community events held in her neighborhood.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Carolyn MacMullen conducted by Su Kim Chung on April 21, 2014 and July 07, 2014 for the West Charleston Neighborhoods: an Oral History Project of Ward 1. In these interviews, MacMullen discusses being a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands, Desert Inn, and Sahara throughout the 1950s. She recalls working as a dresser and describes what it is like to be backstage during a show production. MacMullen then talks about changes in showgirl costumes, the Texas Copa Girls, and her decision to stop dancing. Lastly, MacMullen discusses living in the West Charleston area and changes in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Oneil Madden conducted by Yasmine Shahar and Taylor Burk on March 31, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Madden discusses his upbringing in Montreal, Canada. He talks about his religious family background, being involved in church activities, and his involvement with church youth programs. Madden describes food banks organized by the churches, tutoring services for children, and explains the significance of the Sabbath. Lastly, Madden discusses his role as pastor of Abundant Life Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Pamela Jones Brown conducted by Claytee D. White on June 12, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Brown discusses her upbringing in Nashville, Tennessee and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. She remembers her career as a school teacher, her employment for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and writing about the history of African Americans in the United States. Lastly, Brown talks about the research behind her publications, African Americans migrating to the western United States, and early Las Vegas history.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Christine Barrett conducted by Claytee D. White on March 19, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Christine Barrett talks of her educational background and previous employment history that led her from California to Massachusetts, Virginia, and California again before her final move to Las Vegas. She has worked in management positions related to Las Vegas Valley water use for 38 years, and in the past decade has begun working for the Clark County School District in various professional capacities.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Joy Boggs conducted by Claytee D. White on February 18, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Joy Boggs talks of her work with the University of Nevada Las Vegas' College of Fine Arts as the Business Manager and her time serving as the Public Scholar in Residence for the Marjorie Barrick Art Museum's annual Womxn of Color Arts Festival.
She also briefly discusses her educational and family background as well as her personal philosophies.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Lisha and Tyrone Love conducted by Claytee D. White on November 16, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Lisha talks about arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1965 and growing up in the Westside. She remembers the Moulin Rouge, churches in the Westside, and becoming a debutante with Les Femmes Douz. Tyrone describes businesses on the Westside during the late 1970s, and becoming a card dealer. Lastly, Lisha and Tyrone discuss the redevelopment of the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Don Digilio and Dena Mann conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 15, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Digilio discusses his early life and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1958. He remembers becoming a reporter for the
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ramont L. Williams Sr. conducted by Claytee D. White on September 30, 2020 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.
Ramont Williams tells of his experience as a gang member, first as a "GQ" and later as a "Donna Street Crip." In 1980, Williams received a prison sentence of 61 years. He discusses his time in jail and his views on gang violence as well as the needs of community members who are affected by it. Subjects discussed include: Crips; Donna Street; Bullying; Richard Steele Boxing Club; and Hope 2000 Nonprofit Organization
Archival Collection