Oral history interviews with Renee Diamond conducted by Caryll Batt Dziedziak on November 17, 1997, November 20, 1997, November 27, 1997, and November 30, 1997 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Diamond begins her interviews describing her childhood and young adult life in Los Angeles, California. Diamond then discusses her interest in organizing, which started with the Rumford Fair Housing Act campaign. Diamond talks about continuing her activism with the Women's Democratic Club in Las Vegas, Nevada after she moved there in 1972. Diamond discusses Las Vegas in the 1970s, the activist community at the time, Ruby Duncan, and the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Diamond goes on to describe the ERA extensively, including the benefits of passing the ERA, campaigns and challenges specific to Nevada, and locals involved in the efforts. Diamond also talks about working with the National Organization of Women (NOW), and her presidency in the Women's Democratic Club.
There are materials pertaining to specific Operation Life projects including the Overall Economic Development Plans and miscellaneous material relating to governmental agencies and economic development and job development organizations.
Archival Collection
Ruby Duncan Collection on Operation Life
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00367 Collection Name: Ruby Duncan Collection on Operation Life Box/Folder: N/A
Covered are grant applications and information pertaining to various grants. Grants included the Community Development Block grant and funding sources that Operation Life utilized to fund their services and projects, such as the city of Las Vegas, Clark County, the state of Nevada, the Community Services Administration, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and various private funding sources, such as the Ford Foundation.
Archival Collection
Ruby Duncan Collection on Operation Life
To request this item in person:
Collection Number: MS-00367 Collection Name: Ruby Duncan Collection on Operation Life Box/Folder: N/A
Interview with Ida Bowser conducted by Claytee D. White on August 30, 2007. Born in Tallulah, Louisiana, Bowser came to Las Vegas as a child. Her first job after high school was as a teacher's aide. Later, she worked as a maid at the Sahara and Flamingo hotels. Disenchanted with maid's work, Bowser applied to the welfare office for on-the-job training and began working for the UNLV library, where she remained for thirty-seven years. Bowser recalls Ruby Duncan and the civil rights movement, notable individuals and places, and a discrimination lawsuit.