Search Results
Barbara Jean Drew oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Barbara Jean Drew conducted by Claytee D. White on May 17, 2021 for African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Barbara Drew is the Dean of the Academy for Ministers, teaches Bible study, and performs other spiritual work at New Jerusalem Worship Center. Drew migrated to Las Vegas from Fortune Fork, Louisiana, just two miles outside the city limits of Tallulah.
This interview covers life in the Black community beginning when Drew arrived in 1961. She spoke about the importance of businesses like the Brown Derby, Hamburger Heaven, and the Town Tavern that hosted jazz on Sunday afternoons with a dance floor that she enjoyed. She discussed her first job running American Linen, a Dry Cleaners owned by Phil Shapiro; Shapiro mentored Drew, teaching her about business operations, purchasing property for her family, bookkeeping, and the importance of having a bank account. She also spoke of a neighborhood where neighbors helped neighbors and opportunities that flourished throughout the Black community. Subjects discussed include: Jackson Ave, Town Tavern, New Jerusalem Worship Center, Kasper Park, Berkley Square, and Phil Shapiro.
Archival Collection
Audio recording clip of interview with Essie Shelton Jacobs by Claytee D. White, February 1, 1996, and April 15, 1996
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Part of an interview with Essie Shelton Jacobs by Claytee White on February 1, 1996 and April 15, 1996. Jacobs discusses her role as a shop steward in the Culinary Union and describes community relations with the union.
Sound
Tonnie Sumler oral history interview
Identifier
Abstract
Oral history interview with Tonnie Sumler conducted by Claytee D. White on May 21, 1996 for the UNLV University Libraries Oral History Collection. Sumler talks about moving from Fordyce, Arkansas to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1989, seeking better opportunities. She expresses some concern for her daughter's high school education in Las Vegas, believing the smaller class sizes in Fordyce would be better, and then talks about how she started working as a housekeeper for Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino after joining the Culinary Workers Union. She explains that there was a possibility of a strike in 1997 and details some of the reasons why.
Archival Collection
Transcript of interview with Alma Whitney by Claytee D. White, March 3, 1996
Date
Archival Collection
Description
Interview with Alma Whitney conducted by Claytee D. White on March 3, 1996. Seeking better employment opportunities, Whitney moved to Las Vegas from Tallulah, Louisiana, at the age of sixteen. Whitney supported Westside churches and schools and was respected as supervisor in housekeeping at Desert Inn. Whitney provides information on the African American migration to Las Vegas during the 1940s, post-war race relations in Las Vegas, the daily work of hotel maids, and the Culinary Union.
Text
Bankhead, Tallulah, 1902-1968
Taken from wikipedia, "Tallulah Brockman Bankhead (January 31, 1902 – December 12, 1968) was an American actress of the stage and screen. Bankhead was known for her husky voice, outrageous personality, and devastating wit. Originating some of the 20th century theater's preeminent roles in comedy and melodrama, she gained acclaim as an actress on both sides of the Atlantic.
Person