72°F
weather icon Clear
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN LAS VEGAS
field image
 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.
field 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. 
field image
 When I think of Black History Month, I think of Dr. Martin Luther King, and how he set the example for all of us. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 I’d like to see African- American people use Black History Month as a reminder to support and uplift our own communities and businesses. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
field image
 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. 
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.

Las Vegas portraits show what Black History Month means to locals

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.