Leonard Gang (1935 - ) and Roberta Gang (1940 - ) are both natives of New York, though different boroughs and Jewish traditions. The couple met in 1960 while students at Cornell University and married in 1961. Two years later, Len graduated from New York University School of Law. Leonard had fallen in love with Western United States as boy on a family vacation. So when a notice was posted for a law clerk with the Supreme Court of Nevada, he knew he wanted to apply. When he presented Bobbie with a choice of Alaska or Nevada, she flatly responded that Nevada was as far west as she was willing to move. Thus, began their long and influential residencies in both Carson City and Las Vegas. In Las Vegas, Temple Beth Sholom was quickly a welcoming place to be for the Gang family. While Leonard?s law career flourished, Bobbie realized her energy and commitment to become an advocate for the benefit of the vulnerable. Over the years, she actively participated in the political campaigns of others and even entered the political arena herself, which she discusses in this oral history. During Leonard?s successful legal career, he held positions as Deputy District Attorney and Deputy Public Defender in Clark County and was in private practice. From 1971 ? 1974, he was District Court Judge in Clark County before returning fulltime to private practice. By 1988, Bobbie and Leonard had become forceful lobbyists including representing Nevada Women?s Lobby among others. In 2012, Bobbie received the Virginia Cain Progressive Award from the Washoe County Democratic Party for her leadership and dedication to the rights of others. In this oral history, the Gangs highlight their tireless efforts, the long list of political and civic leaders that they worked alongside of, some of Leonard?s high profile cases, and their Jewish heritage. They are parents of three: Lynne Moore, Karen Schnog, and Joshua Gang.
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Edited narrative of an interview with Audrey "June" Taylor Henry conducted by Claytee D. White on February 26, 2010. Henry was a dancer, choreographer, broadcaster and Las Vegas resident since 1992.
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Interview with David Washington conducted by Claytee D. White on March 18, 2009. Washington began his career as a firefighter in 1974. In 2001, he became the first African American fire chief for the City of Las Vegas.
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Interview with Emory and Agnes Lockette conducted by Claytee D. White on March 11, 2005. The Lockettes were the only African Americans to live in Boulder City during years of racial tension. Agnes taught kindergarten at Westside School, while Emory worked for the Bureau of Reclamation.
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Jerushia McDonald-Hylton and Suzilene McDonald are two of five children of entrepreneurial Westside parents, who became successful entertainers and models.
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Otis and Tisha Harris detail the businesses that existed in West Las Vegas.
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Eleanor Walker served as President of the Las Vegas Chapter of NAACP from 1971-1975.
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Lovell Gaines moved to Las Vegas from Reno in 1975, becoming the local NAACP President in early 1980s. Lovell worked at the Nevada Department of Corrections for over 30 years.
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Rev. Jesse Scott served as executive director and four-term president of Las Vegas NAACP branch.
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James Rogers was President of the local NAACP from 1996-2000. He is also the Pastor of Greater New Jerusalem Church.
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