Oral history interview with Jessica Anderson conducted by Claytee D. White on March 7, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. Anderson begins talking about her early life, family, work history, and the reason why she had moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1991. She goes on to talk about the history of Outdoors Nevada where she currently works, and what she was doing the day of October 1, 2017. Anderson recalls how she found out about the shooting, reaching out to friends, and learning more about what happened that night. Anderson talks about the aftermath of the event, how it affected everyone involved, and the healing aspect afterwards. Lastly, she describes the process of creating the Healing Garden, the features of the garden, and the future plans for the area.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Anthony Kappenman conducted by Claytee D. White on May 16, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. Kappenman begins the interview by talking about his early life, childhood, work, and his time in the military. Afterwards, he recalls what he did on October 1, 2017 prior to the Route 91 festival and during the shooting. He describes his journey trying to escape the area, arriving at the airport injured, and his stay in the hospital. Then, Kappenman talks about how he felt about the way the city and first responders had responded during the shooting, and how the community united afterwards. Lastly, he talks about his opinions on gun control, his recovery, and how he felt after the shooting.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Andrea Gardea conducted by Barbara Tabach on June 26, 2019 for the Remembering 1 October Oral History Project. Gardea starts talking about her early life, family, and family history. She explains why she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2002 and why she chose to attend University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After, Gardea describes what happened before and during the Route 91 Harvest festival, what she experienced during the shooting, and her journey in escaping the scene. She talks about the aftermath of the shooting, the trauma and PTSD experienced, and her healing process. Gardea also talks about the making of Engelland’s Vegas Born Heroes Foundation in 2018, what they do, and what they represent. Lastly, she talks about her opinions on gun control and her viewpoint on making peace.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Reika Sun conducted by Kristel Peralta on June 21, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project.
Reika Sun discusses her childhood in Shanghai, China during the "one-child policy" and her upbringing by nannies while her parents worked. She shares how her family immmigrated to Las Vegas in 2009 to reunite with Reika's aunt and how Reika moved to Kansas to attend an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Kansas State University. Reika also talks about her restaurant employment history after returning to Las Vegas, her membership in the Culinary Workers Union, and Chinese traditions and superstitions she grew up learning.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Cherina Kleven conducted by Cecilia Winchell on June 9, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Cherina Kleven talks about her family and childhood growing up in Taiwan amongst six siblings. She shares her family's history and how they immigrated to Las Vegas while she was a teen, as well as her employment history and how she met her husband. Cherina talks about racial and gender discrimination and the obstacles she has overcome to be the only working female in her family, the only woman firefighter at her station house, and the first female Asian American Assistant Fire Chief in the United States.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Ericka Lopez de Ramos conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderon on December 7, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. Nathalie Martinez also participates by asking questions during the interview. In this interview, Lopez de Ramos details her emigration and her new life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in El Salvador, she emigrated to Las Vegas in 2000. While Lopez de Ramos was working in a laundromat, Alicia Elliot (a Culinary Union member) convinced her to join the Union. She became a union organizer and has worked with casino employees in Las Vegas. Lopez de Ramos continues to fight for individuals who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Rodrigo Vazquez conducted by Nathalie Martinez and Barbara Tabach on May 24, 2021 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project.
Rodrigo was raised in a mixed status Mexican family. He was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of three, later becoming a citizen when he was in the 8th grade. Rodrigo is currently a graduate student worker for the Latinx Voices Oral History Project and reflects on what he has learned. He also discusses what the past year of the Coronavirus pandemic has been like for him.
Subjects discussed include: Latinx and Mexican identities, COVID-19 era, and Latinx Voices Project oral historian
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 Junior Fonotisatele conducted by Cecilia Winchell and Stefani Evans on November 10, 2021 for Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. Junior discusses his Samoan background and the importance of strong family values. He talks about his early years in Utah and California before moving to Las Vegas where he attended and graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Junior shares his employment history as a bodyguard for Floyd Mayweather, an entrepreneur of a clothing brand, and an investor into a range of ventures including security, solar energy, and mental health. He concludes with a discussion of Samoan cultural celebrations, his religion, and the significance of his tattoos.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Sergio Salgado conducted by Laurents Banuelos-Benitez and Rodrigo Vazquez on September 26, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada oral history project. In this interview, Sergio Salgado briefly discusses his childhood and family experiences in Juarez, Mexico, where he was born. He arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1960 to work in the kitchens of the Nellis Air Force Base. Salgado discusses his work in the restaurant industry and reflects on the changes in the industry. He also shares his experiences meeting famous people, like Joe Pesci, the Rat Pack, and John F. Kennedy. Salgado recalls his work as an editorial columnist for El Mundo and discusses his involvement as a founding member of The Mexican Social Club. Finally, he discusses immigration and his feelings on his immigration process.
Archival Collection