Oral history interview with Louis Conner conducted by John Grygo on March 22, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Conner discusses his personal history and growing up in Tallulah, Louisiana. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with his family for job opportunities in the late 1950s. Conner describes his employment at the Stardust Hotel, segregation, and living in West Las Vegas. He then talks about integration in the mid-1960s, Jackson Street entertainment, and the changing demographic of the Westside. Lastly, Conner discusses the development of Las Vegas, families moving out of the Westside, and new businesses in the area.
Archival Collection
Interview with Isadore Washington conducted by Claytee D. White on February 7, 2008. Born in Tallulah, Louisiana, Washington came to Las Vegas with his family in 1942 at the age of eight. He recalls playing with Wayne Newton when they were children and life on the Westside. Washington joined the sheriff's department after high school and became the first black deputy sheriff.
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Series XXII. Social Functions
Sands Hotel and Casino
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Oral history interview with James Jones Jr. conducted by Barbara Tabach on February 28, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Jones discusses growing up in Waverly and Tallulah, Louisiana in the 1940s. He talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1959, his initial impressions of the city, and his employment at the Nevada Test Site. Jones then describes race discrimination on the Strip, the type of jobs available to African Americans, and his experiences living on the Westside. Later, Jones recalls seeing Sammy Davis Jr. perform at the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas, meeting Martin Luther King Jr., and changes in the Westside. Lastly, Jones discusses his career in funeral services, describes the industry, and running his own business, Thomas and Jones Funeral Home.
Archival Collection