Oral history interview with Moises ‘Mo’ Denis conducted by Marcela Rodriguez-Campo on January 11, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Denis discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York and how his parents emigrated from Cuba. He recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1967, his parents' employment at the Sands Hotel and Casino, and converting from Catholicism to Mormonism. Denis talks about the formation of a Spanish-language Church of Latter-Day Saints in Las Vegas, his missionary work in Uruguay, and describes what it felt like to return to the United States. Later, Denis discusses his involvement in public services, his efforts to elect more Latinx politicians in Nevada, and being appointed as an assemblyman for the Nevada Legislature. He talks about his focus on education issues, supporting English language learners, and immigration reform at the national level. Lastly, Dennis describes the Hispanic Caucus and becoming Nevada State Senator for District 2.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with Frieda 'Faye' Steinberg conducted by Barbara Tabach on September 10, 2014, November 10, 2014, and August 15, 2017 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. In these interviews, Steinberg discusses her upbringing in New York City, New York and moving to San Antonio, Texas because of her father’s health. She recalls attending the University of Texas and becoming an elementary school teacher. Steinberg describes moving to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband in 1958, her husband’s career in radiology, and joining Temple Beth Sholom. Later, Steinberg discusses the increase of the Jewish population in Las Vegas, how she celebrates the Sabbath, and the importance of Jewish education. Lastly, Steinberg talks about being honored by Jewish Nevada for her work in Women’s Philanthropy.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Alexander Zapata conducted by Nathalie Martinez on February 15, 2020 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Zapata discusses growing up in Caracas, Venezuela. He describes Venezuelan traditions he participated in, becoming a news reporter, and earning a journalism degree in Venezuela. Zapata talks about his move to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2015, his early impressions of the city, and obtaining positions at
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Abraham Gomez conducted by Elsa Lopez on December 06, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Gomez discusses growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada and explains why his parents decided to settle in Las Vegas. He talks about attending Saint Christopher Catholic School, Bishop Gorman High School, and College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Gomez recalls transferring to the University of Nevada, Reno, becoming an ambassador for the GEAR UP program at Nevada State College (NSC), and explains the importance of programs like GEAR UP for first generation low-income students. Later, Gomez describes his involvement with the Nevada Partnership of Homeless Youth (NPHY) and his work as a member of the Men of Color subcommittee at NSC. Lastly, Gomez talks about his position as College Navigator for the Nevada Treasurer’s Office.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Raquél Casas conducted by Maribel Estrada Calderón and Rodrigo Vasquez on June 12, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Casas discusses growing up in Farmersville, California and her family’s involvement with the Bracero program. She talks about her experiences working on farms and how that influenced her desire for an education. Casas describes attending Fresno State, Cornell University, and University of California Santa Barbara. She then discusses being the only Chicana in graduate school, her dissertation centered on interethnic marriages, and the issue of colorism in her Latino community. Later, Casas talks about her employment with the history department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and what she believes her role as a Latina historian is. Lastly, Casas describes her role as a Latina professor at UNLV, serving as an advisor for MEChA and Student Organization of Latinos (SOL), and the increase of Latino representation at UNLV.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Gustavo Ramos Jr. conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on October 25, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Ramos discusses his family’s mestizo heritage and growing up in Presidio, Texas. He recalls moving to California in 1942, his experiences in high school, and his reliance on public housing at the time. Ramos talks about joining the United States Air Force and experiencing discrimination while serving. Later, Ramos discusses housing discrimination, being elected for City Council in Ontario, California, and his involvement in housing programs. Lastly, Ramos describes obtaining a position with the North Las Vegas Housing Authority in 1984 and being appointed Executive Director of Housing for North Las Vegas.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Maria Moore conducted by Elsa Lopez on August 02, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Moore discusses her early life in Belize. She describes the the diversity of its citizens, being able to speak Belizean Creole, and compares differences between northern and southern Belize. Moore talks about the political and economic instability of Belize, immigrating to the United States in 1979, and attending California State University, Fullerton. Later, Moore discusses her interests in senior issues, obtaining an internship in hospice care, and her experiences volunteering at a nursing home. She talks about moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1994, and her employment with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Lastly, Moore describes the priorities for AARP and current events surrounding healthcare.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Patsy and Marshal Taylor conducted by Claytee D. White on December 17, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Patsy discusses her upbringing in Lovelock, Nevada and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1963. She remembers the city at the time and attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Marshal talks about his employment at the Nevada Test Site, and joining the City of North Las Vegas as a park planner and grant writer. Lastly, Patsy and Marshal describe early movie theaters, curfews for teenagers, and early ambulance services.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Jeff McBride conducted by Claytee D. White on November 27, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, McBride discusses his early life and arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985. He talks about the benefits of magician performers in Las Vegas entertainment, prominent magicians in the city, and the importance of magic.
Archival Collection
Oral history interview with Pete Berger conducted by David Schwartz on June 14, 2019 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Pete Berger discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1955 after serving in the United States Air Force in California. He talks about his career working as a pit boss at over a dozen Las Vegas casinos , other positions he held, and the people he met throughout his career.
Archival Collection