Oral history interview with June Whitley and Lewis Whitley conducted by Claytee D. White on November 02, 2007 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview the Whitleys discuss moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1958 as newlyweds. Lewis Whitley discusses working at the Nevada Test site as a cook, working for the Clark County Fire Department as a fire hydrant inspector, and then retiring in 2007. June Whitley talks about working as a maid, getting a position with Centel Telephone Company, and then getting a seat on the Board of Regents for the Clark County Community College in 1978. The couple then shares their unique experiences about the growth of the African American community in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Arby L. Hambric conducted by Claytee D. White on September 23, 2015 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Hambric discusses serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War in the United States Navy, while recalling racial experiences in the military. He also talks about moving to Nevada in 1976 and protesting against the closing of F Street from 2008 to 2014, when the street was reopened.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Estralita Williams conducted by B. Leon Green on February 13, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview Estralita Williams discusses being raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, her family, life in the historic neighborhood the Westside, segregation, and working at the Economic Opportunity Board.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Audrey James conducted by Claytee D. White on July 20 and July 27, 2012 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. James discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1952 and working as an elementary school teacher. She also discusses starting a project to provide books for children in African countries, being an active church member, and volunteering in a food bank operation.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Thelma Turner conducted by Claytee D. White on October 21, 2004 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Turner discusses her family background and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947. She describes the city at the time and recalls her educational experiences while attending the Fifth Street School and Las Vegas High School. Turner then talks about her involvement as a teacher for Sunday church school and her employment at the Moulin Rouge Hotel-Casino as a change girl and waitress. Later, Turner discusses the Helldorado Parade, racial integration, and being the first African American family to move to North Las Vegas in 1966. Lastly, Turner describes housing and what the community was like in the Westside.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Norma de la Cerna Tolbert conducted by Claytee D. White on June 25, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Tolbert discusess her career as a professional dancer from the age of fifteen. She begins by describing her early childhood in Houston, Texas, moving to Chicago, Illinois where she began to study dance, and leaving home at fifteen years old to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey to dance in professional productions. Tolbert then discusses moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955, performing at the Moulin Rouge, and living in the Berkley Square community where they built new housing for the dancers. She also discusses performing at the Dunes Hotel and Casino, the African American community of Las Vegas, and the closing of the Moulin Rouge.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Tyrone L. Seals conducted by Claytee D. White and Sarah Beth Hawkins on April 25, 2016 and May 16, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In the first interview, Seals discusses his upbringing in Las Vegas, Nevada and growing up in the Westside. He talks about experiencing discrimination, employment limitations, and entertainment on Jackson Street. In the second interview, Seals remembers school integration, organizations for African American women, and protests during the 1960s. Lastly, Seals discusses the significance of religion in the African American community and becoming a pastor.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Clinton Wright conducted by Claytee D. White on October 13, 2005 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Clinton reflects on the societal changes he observed over the years, particularly in the black community of the Westside and North Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls how he changed his personal thoughts about raising his children in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gloria Hewitt conducted by Claytee D. White on June 21, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Hewitt discusses her early life in Cleveland, Ohio. She recalls attending Talladega College in Alabama, her teaching experience in Chicago, Illinois, and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1991. Hewitt talks about her interests in politics, organizing an event to register people to vote, and being a founding member of the Southern Nevada Coalition of Concerned Women (SNCCW). Lastly, Hewitt discusses the importance of education and parental involvement in schools.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Daisy Lee Miller conducted by Claytee D. White on March 22, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Miller discusses Las Vegas, Nevada’s education system and raising her children in the Westside community amidst the civil rights movement.
Archival Collection