Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American & Pacific Islander Oral History Project was a 3-year, $300,000 oral history project collecting stories from the Asian American & Pacific Islander communities in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. The Oral History Research Center in the University Libraries collected 130 oral history interviews, each of which was edited, processed for cataloging, bound and digitized. The AAPI community represents more than 10% of the total population of Clark County, but is currently underrepresented in our region’s historical record.
Since the early days of Las Vegas, AAPI residents have greatly influenced the growth and progress of businesses, infrastructure, politics, and cultural life in Southern Nevada. By collecting and preserving these oral histories, University Libraries ensures our region's AAPI residents are reflected in our collections so that present and future generations can learn and study more about their achievements, aspirations, and experiences.
Student Oral Historians
Under the direction of Claytee White, the Director of the Oral History Research Center, and Stefani Evans, Project Coordinator, UNLV students were hired and trained to collect oral histories from AAPI residents through June 2023. Students conducted in-depth interviews with a wide array of individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives. The oral histories covered topics such as immigration and settlement, aspirations and challenges, family life, employment and economic issues, religion and culture, gender, neighborhoods and businesses, politics, social and community events, discrimination, activism, and more. The oral histories were transcribed, edited, and made available online for all to study.
- Jerwin Tiu
- Cecilia Winchell
Nominate a Narrator
Although the project is complete, we may still consider suggestions for individuals we should interview.
Financial Support
The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial provided $50,000 to fund the launch of the project, and we received funding from other sponsors throughout the project.
Sponsors
Founders
Innovators
- Louis F. Laporta Family Trust
- Theodore and Doris Lee Family Foundation
- Mark and Marianne Haley
Investors
- Radha Chanderraj
- Chinatown Las Vegas LLC
- Culinary Workers Union, Local 226
- Stefani Evans
- Haoran Gao
- Lorri Jackson
- Evan Louie
Sponsor Levels
Founders Sponsorship: $25,000+
- E-blast to our entire donor database, faculty and staff, alumni
- Recognition in all University-related and local media, including print, radio, social media, and television (ads, interviews, articles, etc)
- Recognition and representation (people/logo/branding) at all community events
- Recognition in all literature involving project (brochures, posters, event invites, etc.)
Innovators Sponsorship: $10,000-$24,999
- E-blast to our entire donor database, faculty and staff, alumni
- Recognition in all University-related and local media and on social media
- Recognition in all literature involving project (brochures, posters, event invites, etc.)
Investor Sponsorship: $1,000 -$9,999
- Recognition on the Reflections website and in University-related media.
Contact Us
UNLV Oral History Research Center
Phone: 702-895-2222
Email: stefani.evans@unlv.edu
UNLV Libraries Development
Phone: (702) 895-2239
Email: nikkie.preston@unlv.edu