From the Roosevelt Fitzgerald Professional Papers (MS-01082) -- Drafts for the Las Vegas Sentinel Voice file. On Black families in the United States and family reunions.
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Oral history interview with Lillie and Johnny Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on October 19, 2023 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, the couple recalls meeting in Tallulah, Louisiana and marrying in 1973. In 1986, they relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. Both Lillie and Johnny went to Job Corp and received training that they insist changed their lives and the trajectory of their family. Johhny learned how to drive and operate heavy machinery, and his job at Republic Services utilizes those skills. Lillie became a social worker after obtaining a master's degree.
Archival Collection
Oral history interviews with John Edmond conducted by Claytee D. White on February 19 and 25, 2013 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. Edmond discusses his family history in Tallulah, Louisiana and moving to Las Vegas, Nevada before Basic Magnesium, Inc. drew many African Americans to the region. He recalls working as a young boy at the local bowling alley and later attending college in Seattle, Washington. After college, Edmond returned to Las Vegas and became the first Black baccarat dealer at the Stardust Hotel working for Frank Rosenthal. He discusses later owning the largest shopping center in the city.
Archival Collection
View at dusk of the Sands Hotel and neon sign seen from the street. Tallulah Bankhead headlines the marquee.
Site Name: Sands Hotel
Address: 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
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Oral history interview with Mirna Preciado conducted by Claytee D. White on September 11, 2014 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. Preciado discusses migrating from Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada, being recruited into the Culinary Union Local 226, the Frontier Hotel Strike, and working 15 years as an organizer in Las Vegas.
Archival Collection