Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

Search Results

Display    Results Per Page
Displaying results 21 - 30 of 502

Essie Lee Jones oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02107

Abstract

Oral history interview with Essie Lee Jones conducted by Claytee D. White on June 05, 1996 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Jones begins by discussing her upbringing in Tallulah, Louisiana, working in the cotton fields with both white and African American workers, and explaining how she came to move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1970. She describes becoming a maid at the Stardust Resort and Casino and later working as a waitress at the Frontier Hotel and Casino until her retirement. Jones talks about being a member of the Culinary Workers Union, the African American community's relationship with the union, and her experiences with racial discrimination and race relations in Las Vegas and Tallulah as an African American woman.

Archival Collection

Michael Bryant oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03164

Abstract

Oral history interview with Michael Bryant conducted by Claytee D. White on August 05, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Bryant details life in the Westside community of Las Vegas, Nevada, his personal history, and life as an African American in Las Vegas. He describes his upbringing in Las Vegas, his father's high-end clothing store, and race relations between the African American and white communities of the city. Bryant also discusses casinos and other Las Vegas attractions, such as the presence of famous celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali, as well as discussing the development of the Westside community. Julia Walton was also present for this interview.

Archival Collection

Keith Brantley oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02482

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keith Brantley conducted by Denise Beverstein on October 15, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brantley discusses his personal history and his experiences growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. He talks about attending Bonanza High School, being involved in school sports, and establishing The Poet’s Corner, a monthly poetry forum, in the late 1990s. Brantley describes what The Poet’s Corner provided for the community, the history of racism in Las Vegas, and discusses the African American experience as the city changed. Lastly, Brantley recites one of his poems, The Fremont Street Experience.

Archival Collection

Judge Angel oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02207

Abstract

Oral history interview with Judge Angel conducted by Denise M. Beverstein on November 29, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Judge Angel shares the reasons she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2005. Angel discusses her career in media production, detailing her positive impact radio show on KLAV1230 AM. Angel talks about the growth of Las Vegas' historic Westside and the businesses that have aided that growth. She also shares her impressions of the African American community in Las Vegas, as well as her hopes for the future of the community.

Archival Collection

Dwight (D. A.) Anthony Downey oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02571

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dwight (D. A.) Anthony Downey conducted by Claytee D. White on February 05, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Downey discusses his early life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He describes the African American owned businesses on the Black Wall Street, and the community where he grew up in. Downey recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1977, being involved in the entertainment industry, and his employment with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the food service industry.

Archival Collection

Monteria Hightower oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00852

Abstract

Oral history interview with Monteria Hightower conducted by Claytee D. White on February 28, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Hightower discusses her career as a librarian who has worked across the United States. She begins by talking about her upbringing in Texas and the multiple universities she has attended to study library science. Hightower describes her experiences with racial discrimination as an African American woman and how racism affected her personal and professional life. Hightower also discusses her time as the Nevada State Librarian from 1998 to 2001 and living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Bob Stoldal oral history interviews

Identifier

OH-02625

Abstract

Oral history interviews with Bob Stoldal conducted by Claytee D. White on May 22, 2014, May 23, 2014, and March 3, 2016 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In these interviews, Stoldal discusses his upbringing in California before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1957. He talks about pursuing a career in journalism including working at Channel 3 and Channel 8, his interest in history, and involvement with cultural organizations including the Nevada State Museum, the MOB Museum, and Las Vegas Centennial Commission. Stoldal comments on the experiences of African Americans in Las Vegas including the 1969 Westside protests, sixth grade centers, and the treatment of entertainers.

Archival Collection

Keena Smith oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02197

Abstract

Oral history interview with Keena Smith conducted by Winita Frederick on November 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Smith discusses her personal history and growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada. She describes what Las Vegas was like as a child, her upbringing in dance, and the significance that participating in the arts has on her life. Smith describes the auditioning process for shows in Las Vegas, her experience as an African American dancer, and being a cast member for The Lion King. Lastly, Smith talks about teaching dance courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Jerrie Merritt oral history interview

Identifier

OH-02894

Abstract

Oral history interview with Jerrie Merritt conducted by Lisa McAllister on November 23, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Merritt discusses her early life in Alabama, and relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Helen Anderson and Karen Walker oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00090

Abstract

Oral history interview with Helen Anderson and Karen Walker conducted by Claytee D. White and Barbara Tabach on February 21, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Anderson and her mother, Walker, discuss owning Hamburger Heaven, a Westside-famed restaurant, and the West Las Vegas, Nevada community changes over the years.

Archival Collection