The 1940s in Las Vegas was an exciting time of growth, but not all residents shared in the excitement.

The 1940s in Las Vegas was an exciting time of growth and possibility. But not all residents could share in the excitement.

Latinos have contributed to Las Vegas politically, economically, in the hotel industry and in professional careers, said Maribel Estrada Calderon, a student working on the Latinx Voices of Southern Nevada project at UNLV.

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.

A project launched recently in Las Vegas aims to not only document the legacy of Hispanics in Southern Nevada, but to tell their stories in their own words.

When Dr. James McMillan became the first black dentist in Las Vegas in 1953, he wasn’t allowed to stay at a Strip hotel.

Ida Gaines, a civil rights activist from Southern Nevada, heard Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Las Vegas in 1964. She was moved then, and today, almost 55 years later, she is still touched by her words and her work.

Longtime Southern Nevada civil rights activist Ida Gaines heard Martin Luther King Jr. speak in Las Vegas in 1964. She was moved then, and today, nearly 55 years later, remains moved by his words and his work.