LLI0690 - The Civil Rights Movement in Las Vegas

Course Description

In honor of Black History Month, let’s step back in time to the Las Vegas civil rights movement. African Americans have played an important part in the history of Las Vegas since the city’s founding in 1905. This live virtual program from The Mob Museum in Las Vegas, NV, explores the experiences of African American residents as well as the Black entertainers who graced the Las Vegas stage in the early days. Performers including Sammy Davis Jr and Nat King Cole were forced to stay in segregated areas of town. These celebrities were vocal and brought attention to segregation in a way that regular citizens were unable to achieve. Learn about the challenges and discrimination that African Americans faced, how the Westside developed, and why WW II played a key role in the community’s growth. There will be time for Q & A following the presentation.

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