February 1, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement in recognition of Black History Month:

“Nevada’s story cannot be told without remembering the many African-Americans that sought to make our state a place where all people are treated equal.

“I remember when Nevada was called the 'Mississippi of the West.' Restaurants would not serve African-Americans and movie theaters had separate sections. Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole could perform in Las Vegas, but could not stay in the hotel.

“Leaders like Donald Clark, J. David Hoggard Sr., Dr. James B. McMillian, Woodrow Wilson, Lubertha Johnson, Dr. Charles I. West and Dr. William “Bob” Bailey and Sarann Knight Preddy and many others persevered through ignorance and discrimination to integrate the gaming industry and promote minority-owned business in our state.