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Waldemar Jackson oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00931

Abstract

Oral history interview with Waldemar Jackson conducted by Claytee White on May 06, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Jackson discusses topics such as working at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, drugs in the community, and the tragedy caused by them among generations. He also talks about the task of pulling lives back from the brink of succumbing to addiction.

Archival Collection

LaShannon Lewis oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03586

Abstract

Oral history interview with LaShannon Lewis conducted by Claytee D. White on March 22, 2019 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Lewis discusses her early life in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside. She talks about moving out of the Westside neighborhood, attending a sixth grade center, and the geographical division of the community. Lewis remembers her employment as a social worker for Clark County, and the redevelopment of the Westside.

Archival Collection

Prince Spencer oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01743

Abstract

Oral history interview with Prince Spencer conducted by Claytee White on January 09, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Spencer discusses his career as a dancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Hotel and Flamingo Hotel. He also talks about his activity in the Civil Rights Movement, work as a casino host, and participation in the Second Baptist Church in Las Vegas.

Archival Collection

Beverly Mason oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01208

Abstract

Oral history interview with Beverly Mason conducted by Claytee D. White on December 21, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Beverly Mason discusses growing up in historical West Las Vegas, Nevada, being a part of the school integration movement of the 1970s, working at the Nevada Test Site as an industrial hygienist, and then working in the School Community Partnership Office as a program manager.

Archival Collection

Millicent Washington, Susan Nwogbe, Samuel Collins, and Tamara Collins-Golden oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03739

Abstract

Oral history interview with Millicent Washington, Susan Nwogbe, Samuel Collins, and Tamara Collins-Golden conducted by Claytee D. White on April 10, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. These siblings, Millicent, Tamara, Susan, and Samuel grew up on the Westside and remember the fun of their young lives, schooling that was excellent, and a tight-knit family. Tamara and Susan attended Howard University because of a tour that Susan attended that took her to Black Colleges and Universities throughout the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) system. Both sisters acquired patronage jobs through the Nevada Congressional delegation. The family owned property that may have been inappropriately acquired by the City of Las Vegas. Tamara, as did her grandmother, works for the Economic Opportunity Board with an office in the Westside School. They talk about school desegregation, businesses on Jackson Avenue, COVID-19, and family dynamics. Other subjects discussed include: Economic Development Board, Nevada Test Site, Howard University, School desegregation, Jackson Avenue businesses.

Archival Collection

Lenny Martin oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01204

Abstract

Oral history interview with Lenny Martin conducted by Betty B. Rosenthal on March 24, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Martin discusses the experiences of African American entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip in early Las Vegas, Nevada.

Archival Collection

Elgin Holbert Jr. oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03763

Abstract

Oral history interview with Elgin Holbert Jr. conducted by Claytee D. White on April 28, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.

Elgin Holbert Jr. discusses growing up in the Westside community of Las Vegas, the activities he participated in as a child, community leaders he admired, and his observations of mixed family life (as his father was Black and his mother was white). Elgin also speaks of his work as a Red Cap on the Union Pacific Railroad (UPR), his time at Nevada Power, and his experience dealing cards at various Las Vegas casinos including the Riviera Hotel and Casino (for 15 years), the Tropicana Las Vegas (for 15 years), and the Treasure Island Hotel (for 20 years).

Subjects discussed include: Viola Cunningham; Union Pacific Railroad; Riviera Hotel and Casino; Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel Casino; Treasure Island Hotel; Cotton Bowl; Jimmy Gay; Jefferson Recreational Center; and Eleanor Walker

Archival Collection

Claude Trenier oral history interview

Identifier

OH-01843

Abstract

Oral history interview with Claude Trenier conducted by Claytee White on February 13, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN). Trenier discusses joining a band at the age of twenty two in 1941 and traveling around the country. Trenier describes working in Las Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; and New York City, New York. Trenier also discusses the racism he saw as an African American performer, recalling that racial discrimination was especially fervent in Las Vegas. Trenier describes how many African American musicians and performers were allowed to perform in casinos, but not reside or lounge on the properties. Trenier also discusses the Moulin Rouge and his thoughts about its sudden closure in 1955. Finally, Trenier talks about his interactions with other entertainers at the time like Duke Ellington and Nat Cole King.

Archival Collection

Alice Key oral history interview

Identifier

OH-00533

Abstract

Oral history interview with Alice Key conducted by Claytee D. White on August 16, 2007 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Key talks about her birth in Kentucky, upbringing in Riverside, California, high school graduation in 1928 and enrollment at UCLA. She describes at length her entry into the entertainment business as a dancer in 1929, her work and travels with dance companies, and her decision to retire in 1937. She continues discussing the roots of her political activism in Los Angeles, her journalism career, her work to end restrictive covenants, racism in Hollywood hiring, and poor representation for Black dancers in the industry. She then explains what prompted her move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1954 and describes the levels of racism and inequality in Las Vegas during this period. She remarks on many notable Las Vegas leaders, including Dr. Charles West, Dr. James McMillan, Mabel Hoggard, Woodrow Wilson, and others. She also discusses the role of the NAACP, her work as a deputy registrar of voters, and creating the first all-Black television show in the country: Talk of the Town.

Archival Collection

Dr. Kevin L. Wright oral history interview

Identifier

OH-03793

Abstract

Oral history interview with Dr. Kevin L. Wright conducted by Claytee D. White on July 28, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project.

Dr. Kevin Wright discusses his childhood in Las Vegas and the influential women who have mentored him throughout his life. He talks of his education at the Gilbert Magnet School for Communications & Creative Arts in Las Vegas, his current professional pursuits as a part-time instructor in the College of Education, and his community involvement as a member of both Alpha Phi Omega and the National Service fraternities. Dr. Wright also shares his employment history within University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he previously worked in departments related to residential life, student activities, TRIO Training Institute programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Student Support Service), student affairs, student diversity, and leadership.

Archival Collection