Oral history interview with Alex X. Porter conducted by Claytee D. White on April 16, 2022 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: A Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Porter mainly discusses his membership of and devout role in the Nation of Islam. He discusses how he became involved with the religion after trying to enact change in the Black community through the NAACP. He discusses how his stance on education sets him apart from the majority of the Black community; he believes that a college degree is not necessary to teach intellectual topics to young people. Porter is active in the Las Vegas Black community as either a member or supporter of the Minister's Alliance, Shepherd's Breakfast, NAACP, Black Lives Matter, and the Nation of Islam.
Oral history interview with Marlena Shaw conducted by Claytee D. White on December 12, 2017 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, Shaw discusses her early life in New Rochelle, New York and growing up in a musical family. She talks about her initial interest in singing, her career as a jazz singer, and performing with Count Basie in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shaw recalls recording her first studio album, and the discrimination she faced as an African American musician. Shaw describes performing at the Sands Hotel and Casino, touring around the world, and working with multiple recording labels. Later, Shaw remembers performing with Sammy Davis Jr. Lastly, Shaw discusses the significance of spirituality in her life, and her first time performing with a symphony orchestra.
Oral history interview with Jimmy W. Newman conducted by Maureen Kelly Ryan on March 06, 1977 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In this interview, Newman discusses arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1947 and his employment as a card dealer at various casinos. Newman then describes his move to the Sahara Hotel, his promotion to shift boss and purchasing a small percentage of the hotel. He goes on to discuss equal rights and workers rights for women and African Americans at casinos, significant people visiting the Las Vegas Hilton, and becoming the Executive Vice President and Casino Manager for Hilton Casino Incorporated.
Oral history interview with Lucille Matyas conducted by Michael Bernstein on February 23, 1975 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In the interview, Matyas discusses moving from Ohio to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1935. Matyas also discusses her work with the Southern Nevada Telephone Company, the Reynolds Electrical & Engineering Co., Inc. (REECo) in association with the Nevada Test Site, her life as a housewife, and her work with the Central Telephone (Centel) Corporation.