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.
Oral history interview with Stan Armstrong conducted by Megan Laub on December 02, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Armstrong discusses his childhood in West Las Vegas, Nevada and describes the neighborhood where he grew up. Armstrong recalls Westside businesses, nightlife, and entertainment that existed on Jackson Street. He then talks about his educational experiences, the racial segregation of schools at the time, and his employment at various stores on the Westside as a teenager. Later, Armstrong discusses the riots that erupted on the Westside in 1969 and shares how it affected the community. He goes on to recall riots that took place at Rancho High School while he was a student there. Lastly, Armstrong talks about his career as a filmmaker and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
Oral history interview with Nathaniel Whaley conducted by John Grygo on March 06, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Whaley talks about growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and his adult life on the Westside, the historic Las Vegas neighborhood. Whaley discusses having a successful high school career as an accomplished athlete and being an Eagle Scout in the first black Boy Scout troop in the area. Whaley talks about going on to have a fruitful career as a mason and contractor that helped build the city of Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Sarann Knight Preddy, Elizabeth Warren, and Woodrow Wilson conducted by Porter Troutman on July 19, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this forum, Knight, Warren, and Wilson discuss the history of West Las Vegas, Nevada. Knight recalls arriving to Las Vegas in 1942 and describes the African American experience at that time. She talks about being the first woman of color to receive a gaming license, dealing cards, and the city ordinance which banned African American dealers. Wilson remembers the living conditions before federal housing and race restrictive covenants in housing. Then, Warren talks about the city's early years, the history of discrimination against African Americans in the city, and the significance of the railroad in Las Vegas. The group answers questions asked by audience members throughout the duration of the forum.
Oral history interview with Lee Washington conducted by Aleya Ford Wheaton on November 30, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Washington discusses his personal history, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963, and his initial reactions to the city. He talks about his employment at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino as well as joining the Culinary Workers Union in 1974. Washington then describes church activity that he and his family were involved in at Most High Church and his church's significance to the West Las Vegas community. Lastly, he talks about the development and growth of businesses on the Westside.
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.
Oral history interview with Ruby Duncan conducted by Claytee D. White on February 13, 2007 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Duncan discusses growing up and working in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also discusses how she became the leader of the Las Vegas Welfare Rights Movement by protesting the way Nevada cared for its poor families. Duncan then discusses instituting the first library on the Westside, lobbying the legislature, and traveling the world on behalf of women's rights.
Oral history interview with Sammie Armstrong conducted by Claytee D. White on March 08, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Armstrong discusses his early life in Camden, Arkansas and growing up working on a farm. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963, and describes the Westside at that time. Armstrong talks about the businesses on Jackson Street, churches on the Westside, and integration in Las Vegas. Later, Armstrong discusses co-founding a transportation business in the early 1980s, Ray & Ross Transport, and providing transportation for Nevada Test Site employees. Lastly, Armstrong talks about growing his business into one of the largest bus companies in Nevada.
Oral history interview with Patricia Morse Jarman conducted by Claytee D. White on May 01, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Jarman discusses her early life and joining the United States Air Force. She remembers moving to North Las Vegas, Nevada in 1974, being stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, and her decision to stay in Las Vegas after her military service. Jarman talks about her interest in sports analytics, becoming a boxing judge, and being appointed to the Nevada Consumer Affairs Commission. Lastly, Jarman discusses working with local government to prevent the development of apartment buildings on golf courses, and the 1 October shooting.
Oral history interview with Regina Cone, Lotea Cone, and Maurice Cone conducted by Claytee D. White on March 01, 2018 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Lotea discusses her upbringing in Fordyce, Arkansas and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1953. She remembers the Westside during the late 1950s and discusses businesses in that area. Maurice talks about growing up in the Westside, the increase of organized crime, and attending Rancho High School. Lastly, Lotea and Maurice recall segregation in Las Vegas and changes in the Westside community. Regina is the daughter of Lotea and briefly participates in the interview.