Las Vegas portraits show what Black History Month means to locals
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN LAS VEGAS
Our culture has been fighting for equality for so long. Its’ important to
keep the legacy alive
for the ones that paved the way for us.
Portraits by Benjamin Hager | Las Vegas Review-Journal
This collection of portraits celebrates Las Vegas’ dynamic and inspiring African-American community, which includes world-class entertainers and chefs, top-flight executives, and a 9-year-old who’s already eyeing a presidential run. Their backgrounds may be varied, but their messages of reflection, appreciation and hope are echoed in every image.
Black History Month is a necessity to remind people of the accomplishments of black people in this country, and that we’re a fundamental part of the fabric of America.
When I think of Black History Month, I think of Dr. Martin Luther King, and how he set the example for all of us.
To remember that we stand on the shoulders of those that came before us. In my case, that would be Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and
Sarah Vaughan.
Sarah Vaughan.
I’d like to see African- American people use Black History Month as a reminder to support and uplift our own communities and businesses.
Black History Month allows us to teach America what happened after slavery. All of the inventions, all of the discoveries, all of the
contributions made by African-Americans.
contributions made by African-Americans.
At such a diverse campus as UNLV, my challenge is to teach my students how to be able to Aeffectively tell their stories. That’s what’s important to
me about being an artist and educator during Black History Month.
me about being an artist and educator during Black History Month.
For me, Black History Month is more of a humanity thing, not just a black and white thing. And in my case, food is a big part of that by bringing all
different kinds of people together.
different kinds of people together.
We’re moving in the right direction, but there’s so much work still to do.
We all need to make more of an attempt to get to know each other, and understand that slove is ultimately the answer.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate all the positives and all the burdens we’ve overcome.
I wouldn’t be able to walk through the Wynn, Encore or Bellagio if it weren’t for the Moulin Rouge and the people that came before me.
Black History Month is a time to remember and celebrate the enormous contributions
of African-Americans in the building and maintenance of this great nation of America. And it’s also a time to remember that we have a long way to go to reach true
equality in this society.
of African-Americans in the building and maintenance of this great nation of America. And it’s also a time to remember that we have a long way to go to reach true
equality in this society.
Black History Month enables us to showcase, commemorate and celebrate the outstanding contributions of men and women of African
descent. It’s so important that we leave this legacy of hope for generations to come.
descent. It’s so important that we leave this legacy of hope for generations to come.
The history of African-American people needs to be discussed every day. Ann Lowe, the country’s first black high-fashion designer, created
Jacqueline Onassis’ wedding dress and almost no one knows about it.
Jacqueline Onassis’ wedding dress and almost no one knows about it.
Black History Month makes me think about what everyone in the black community had to go through to get to where we are today. I just want
to see peace.
to see peace.
Black History Month is a time to remember and reflect on not only the bad things in our history, but also the great things as well. And to try and
uplift and encourage people to grow and be a positive light in someone else’s life.
uplift and encourage people to grow and be a positive light in someone else’s life.
The Review-Journal is owned by the family of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson. Las Vegas Sands operates The Venetian and Palazzo.