Las Vegas Asian American & Pacific Islander Oral History Project

Las Vegas Asian American & Pacific Islander Oral History Project logo

Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American & Pacific Islander Oral History Project is 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 will collect at least 175 interviews, each of which will be 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 will be hired and trained to collect oral histories from AAPI residents through June 2023. Students conduct in-depth interviews with a wide array of individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives. The oral histories cover 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 are transcribed, edited, and made available online for all to study.

  • Jerwin Tiu
  • Cecilia Winchell

Nominate a Narrator

We are seeking suggestions for individuals we should interview.

Financial Support

University Libraries needs your help to make this project a success. The Commission for the Las Vegas Centennial has provided $50,000 to fund the launch of the project, but we need to raise additional funds to support the full three-year project. 

Sponsors

Founders

Innovators

  • Louis F. Laporta Family Trust
  • Theodore and Doris Lee Family Foundation
  • Mark and Marianne Haley

Investors

Asian Community Development Council logo
  • Radha Chanderraj
  • Chinatown Las Vegas LLC
  • Culinary Workers Union, Local 226
  • Stefani Evans
  • 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: claytee.white@unlv.edu 

UNLV Libraries Development
Phone: (702) 895-2239
Email: michael.beiler@unlv.edu

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