The Jim Ratigan Collection on Mike Miller (1982-2014) is primarily comprised of materials representing Mike Miller's involvement with creating Hey Reb! the official mascot for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in 1982. Materials include meeting minutes from UNLV's mascot committee, various renditions of Hey Reb! created by Miller, newspaper clippings, as well as printouts of email correspondence from Miller to Jim Ratigan about the story of how he came to create the mascot. The collection also includes a copy of Miller's book, Larry the Last Leaf and a print of his painting, "Drawn to His Light." Also included are copies of programs for Miller's memorial service.
Oral history interview with Vance "Stretch" Sanders conducted by Camisha Fagan and Micajah Daniels on November 11, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Sanders discusses his early life and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2011. He talks about his upbringing in Las Vegas, the influence of organized crime in the city, and the importance of church and religion to him. Sanders then recalls founding the All Shades United organization, with the goal of having people of all colors come together in solidarity to dismantle the institutional and structural barriers that oppress the marginalized. Lastly, Sanders describes the impact that his organization has had on the African American community, the importance of education, and dealing with violence against minority groups.
Oral history interview with Carmen and Kelcey West conducted by Jennifer Kean and Niles Johnson on April 01, 2016 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Kelcey discusses his upbringing in the Baptist church and becoming a pastor for Nehemiah Ministries Church. He then recalls his education experience at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, how he learned about the many different ministries of the church, and describes how his church is organized. Kelcey explains his involvement with Churches of Southern Nevada and sponsoring Unity Through Knowledge, a tour of Historical Black Colleges and Universities. Later, Carmen discusses her role as a pastor’s wife and as a first lady at Nehemiah Ministries Church. Lastly, she describes organizing church events and the work she does as first lady.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Housing and Residential Life Records (1959-2020) is comprised of photographs and records from the Office of Housing and Residential Life (HRL) for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The majority of the collection is comprised of photographs, negatives, videos, and scrapbooks documenting various residential life events sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Also included are informational booklets on housing and residential life at UNLV and issues of Living UNLV, the newsletter for UNLV residents. Residential life leadership and orientation training materials for HRL staff members are also represented in the collection.
Oral history interview with Lena Brass conducted by Claytee D. White and Stefani Evans on January 17, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Brass discusses her upbringing in Winsboro, Louisiana and describes living during segregation. She recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1975 with her husband, her employment at Nevada State Bank, and participating in the Martin Luther King parade. Brass then talks about the advancement of banking technology, the utilization of computers, and her experience as an African American bank manager. Later, Brass talks of her mentors, her faith, and the economic downturn of Jackson Street businesses in the Westside. Lastly, Brass discusses the future of the African American community in Las Vegas, the Westside, and business networking with the church community.
Oral history interview with Ernest Fountain conducted by Claytee D. White on March 27, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Fountain discusses African American owned businesses and explains why these businesses are disproportionately disappearing and going out of business. Fountain then talks about the importance of understanding finance and economics, small businesses, and starting his lending firm, New Ventures Capital Development Company. Lastly, Fountain explains the process of owning a bank, and the importance of having more African American owned financial institutions.
Oral history interview with Peter James Guzman conducted by Claytee D. White on September 10, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Guzman discusses his family's history and shares his father’s emigration story from Cuba to the United States. He recalls growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, attending Chaparral High School, living on 28th Street and Bonanza, and his career in real estate. Lastly, Guzman talks about his role as President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, Vice Chairman of Hope for Prisoners, and Vice Chairman of Workforce Connection.
Oral history interview with Ricardo Torres-Cortez conducted by Monserrath Hernandez and Maribel Estrada Calderón on May 07, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Torres-Cortez discusses his family’s emigration story from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes his career as a journalist and his employment at the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Las Vegas Sun. Later, Torres-Cortez discusses the benefits of being a bilingual reporter, how conflict of interest impacts his writing, and the lack of Latinos in journalism in the United States. Lastly, Torres-Cortez explains the impact social media platforms have on journalism, reporting on the October 1 shooting in Las Vegas, and his thoughts on the Latino community in Las Vegas.
Oral history interview with Mario Sandoval conducted by Claytee D. White on December 06, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Sandoval discusses his mother’s emigration story to the United States from Mexico and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. He recalls his first memories of the city, living on the Westside, and segregation at the time. Sandoval talks about his employment at the Hilton Hotel at the age of sixteen and other hotels on the Strip. Lastly, Sandoval discusses Fremont Street from the 1970s to 1990s, changes in downtown Las Vegas, and his experience as a member of the Culinary Workers Union.
The Klai Juba Wald Architectural Records (2000-2020) are comprised primarily of digital architectural renderings for projects completed by Las Vegas, Nevada architecture and interior design firm Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors. The collection is comprised of renderings for the firm's projects conducted mainly around Las Vegas, but also includes projects around the United States such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida and Rivers Casino in Illinois. Also included are master plans and presentation slides for projects like the Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma and Live! Casino & Hotel in Maryland. Master plans for projects in Las Vegas include the LINQ, Silverton Casino Hotel, and Hard Rock Las Vegas.