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James, Tony, and Frederick Smith oral history interview
Oral history interview with James, Tony, and Frederick Smith conducted by Claytee D. White on February 25, 2014 for the African Americans in Las Vegas: a Collaborative Oral History Project. In this interview, James discusses his family background, military career, and marriage, and the sons add details about their mother's career at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. All three talk about the role of churches in the Westside, Las Vegas, Nevada, and James recalls what the Westside was like in the 1960s and 1970s. He mentions a midnight curfew on the Strip for black residents, entertainment and business venues in the Westside, the role of the Culinary Union in black residents' economic opportunities, and the response of casino-hotel management to federal legislation designed to combat racism. The sons then discuss their educations and careers, about gang activities in Las Vegas, and changes in economic opportunities for young people.
Archival Collection
Nery Martinez oral history interview
Oral history interview with Nery Martinez conducted by Laurents Bañuelos-Benitez on December 06, 2018 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Martinez discusses his upbringing in Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador. He describes growing up around organized crime, the Salvadoran Civil War, and the hardship that came with earning an education. Martinez talks about his immigration story to the United States, and his first impressions of Las Vegas, Nevada. He recalls training to be a bartender, becoming a member of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226, and the aid that the Union provides for the immigrant community. Later, Martinez discusses his experience applying for a Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and the Salvadoran community in Las Vegas. Lastly, Martinez talks about starting a family in Las Vegas, and sharing his Salvadoran culture with his children.
Archival Collection
Irene Cepeda oral history interview
Oral history interview with Irene Cepeda conducted by Monserrath Hernández, Nathalie Martinez, and Rodrigo Vázquez on April 24, 2019 for the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada Oral History Project. In this interview, Cepeda discusses her Nicaraguan background and growing up in North Las Vegas, Nevada. She talks about her educational experience, and her involvement with the Latino Youth Leadership Conference (LYLC). Cepeda remembers attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), running for the Clark County School District (CCSD) Board of Trustees, and explains the challenges that CCSD faces. She describes the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 strikes, and issues with funding CCSD schools. Lastly, Cepeda discusses the discrimination that English Language Learners (ELL) students face, and Latinx representation in elected positions.
Archival Collection