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Transcript of interview with Renee Diamond by Barbara Tabach, November 20, 2014
In this interview, Renee Diamond discusses coming to Las Vegas via Los Angeles, with her husband and children in the 1970s and getting involved in politics. She talks about her husband, Leo, and his business selling vinyl records in L.A., and her work in a doctor's office. Once in Las Vegas, the Diamonds joined Temple Beth Sholom and later Congregation Ner Tamid. Renee talks about her involvement in the political arena in southern Nevada, including the League of Women Voters.
Community activism and social justice rank high in the legacy of Renee Diamond. She often refers to herself as one of the last of the generation without college degrees that could make a difference in the politics of the state. When Renee, her husband Leo Diamond moved their family to Las Vegas from southern California, the energetic advocate Renee quickly plugged into the community. The word "No" was not part of her vocabulary. Among the many Jewish and secular activities the she engaged in were: the editorial board of the Jewish Reporter newspaper; Hadassah; Anti-Defamation League; Red Cross Board; State Museum Board to name a few. She remains a vibrant Democratic Party leader and served one term on the Nevada Assembly in 1989. She was on the front lines as a fierce and active supporter of Welfare Rights, Fair Housing and the Equal Rights Amendment. It is a life that included working alongside illustrious women and men of Southern Nevada history. A list that includes: Harriet Trudell, Ruby Duncan, Myrna Williams and Dorothy Eisenberg and many more mentioned here. Meanwhile she raised four children and enjoyed a loving 43-year marriage with Leo (aka "Uncle Leo") whose career included the popular Bingo Palace, Slots-A-Fun and Stations Casinos. During this oral history interview she recalls the Las Vegas that she moved to in 1972 and reflects on what attracted people here, ways to be part of the Jewish life which might even include a bowling league and how involvement in raising social awareness was a worthy investment of ones' time. This is a look at a woman who made a difference.
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Margot Mink Colbert oral history interview
Oral history interview with Margot Mink Colbert conducted by Barbara Tabach on November 11, 2014 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Colbert discusses her Jewish heritage and her background in ballet dancing. She also talks about “Transitions Trilogy,” her original story of Jewish immigration into New York and Jewish contributions to mainstream media, all expressed through dance.
Archival Collection
Marla Letizia oral history interview
Oral history interview with Marla Letizia conducted by Barbara Tabach on August 26, 2015 for the Southern Nevada Jewish Heritage Project. Letizia discusses living in Las Vegas, Nevada since the age of two. She talks about her activity in the Jewish community, owning the Letizia Agency with her husband, and the mobile billboards business.
Archival Collection
Pearson Urban, Ruth, 1948-
Ruth Urban was born November 16, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of ten, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with her mother and older sister. Urban spent most of her childhood in the Huntridge area and was always involved with Temple Beth Sholom. After graduating from Las Vegas High School, Urban attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work, and later, a master’s degree in counseling.
Person
Pearson Urban, Ruth, 1948-
Ruth Urban was born November 16, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. At the age of ten, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with her mother and older sister. Urban spent most of her childhood in the Huntridge area and was always involved with Temple Beth Sholom. After graduating from Las Vegas High School, Urban attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work, and later, a master’s degree in counseling.
Person
Blut, Jerome "Jerry" L., 1939-
Jerome "Jerry" Blut (1939- ) is a retired attorney and an active member of the Jewish community in Las Vegas, Nevada. Blut served as president of Temple Beth Sholom from 1995 to 1996.
Source:
“Mission and History of Temple Beth Sholom." Temple Beth Sholom Las Vegas. Accessed September 1, 2015. http://www.bethsholomlv.org/#!mission-history/c1qhp.
Person