Walter Mason (top right), founder and director of the Ira Aldridge Theatre Company of Nevada, presents the classic Lorraine Hansberry play, “A Raisin in the Sun” at Nicholas J. Horn Theatre, Feb. 25 and 26. Call (702) 651-5483 for more information.

“We celebrate the play ‘A Raisin in The Sun’ this Black History Month, because it is a stop along the journey … of where we came from,” said Mason. “The mountains that we have had to climb in order to be fulfilled. As Langston Hughes puts it, ‘What happens to a dream deferred?’”
Bottom right: Nicky Foster plays Beneatha in the local production.

A business conversation with Adrienne Augustus and April Augustine

It was a remarkable opportunity for Las Vegas Black Image Magazine to sit down recently with two remarkable women, April Augustine and Adrienne Augustus, who have embarked on incredible careers in gaming. Together, they stand as a testament to how far African-Americans have come in Las Vegas’ cornerstone industry, where, not too long ago, black people were effectively barred from holding any meaningful positions. In a wide-ranging discussion, they shared both their personal experiences and valuable insight into the new age of gaming.

What is your position at Bally Technologies?
Augustine: I am the Director of Systems Marketing. My primary focus is on product marketing, which focuses on key selling points of different products.

What does Bally Technologies do?
Augustine: Bally Technologies is a slot machine manufacturer based here in Las Vegas, but we are a global company with offices around the world. We develop slot machines and we also develop gaming technology systems that go inside the slot machines — such as player tracking, slot accounting, casino management and casino marketing systems.

How did you get involved with Bally Technologies?
Augustine: I have been working at Bally since 2005. I started off as a marketing manager. My background is in marketing technologies, and I have worked [in marketing] with various technology companies. I am originally from Silicon Valley, Calif., in the Bay area. and my undergraduate degree is in marketing.

What are your thoughts about the disparities faced by African-Americans in the technology industry?
Augustine: I think opportunities are wide open for black people who want to pursue careers in technology. I think that the most important thing, when pursuing a career in gaming technology, is to have solid experience in the field in which you are applying. Definitely, a degree in the field is good, along with a good [information technology] background. My undergraduate degree was in advertising, but I went back to school to get my master’s degree in computer information systems because all the positions that I had worked in had been in the technology industry. Having the experience, along with a master’s degree, has been very helpful in advancing my career. Also, just simple customer service background experience has helped me stand out among the competition. For example, I worked in retail for five years at Macy’s, and after graduating from college I went to be interviewed with my first technology company. They indicated that they were really attracted to me for the … position because of my solid customer service experience. No matter what skills you have, companies are always looking for how personable you are in interacting with other people at different levels of an organization.

Do you see many people who look like you at the executive level in gaming?
Augustine: Honestly, I haven’t seen very many. To be honest, I haven’t seen too many black women in the industry. I would like to see more.

What kind of revolutionary developments are forthcoming in the gaming industry?
Augustine: Bally Technologies has an interactive initiative that [involves] mobile technologies as well as social media. Mobile is really big right now in the gaming industry. A lot of casino properties are moving toward integrating mobile platforms into the way they communicate with customers. Interactive social media and incorporating social media elements into mobile applications [are areas that] continue to grow and expand. More is to come in the mobile market.

What do you mean about the future of mobile?
Augustine: For example, you may have a smartphone such as an iPhone or BlackBerry, and you can go to the app store on your phone and download an App called “Casino.” This will allow you to access your gaming point balance, check if the jackpot has progressed at your selected casino, or just see if your favorite game is available. It will also allow you to book a hotel room from your mobile phone and to order a drink. The opportunities are just so exciting, and gaming companies are positioning themselves for when Internet gaming gets approved. I know it will be approved — it’s all about when.

How do you feel about how far blacks have progressed in the gaming industry?
Augustine: I feel that my own presence at Bally Technologies makes a statement, because there are not very many of us in the position that I am in, with the longevity I have. I feel very grateful and humble for the opportunity to be in this director position at Bally. I am one of the few female directors, and it is a big deal. I know that there are others in the marketing industry who look up to me, and regularly ask for advice on how to get into the field. The question is often asked, “What opportunities are out there for African-Americans?” There are so many African-Americans — men and women — looking for opportunities. I would say that Bally Technologies has a good representation of black employees and our leadership level positions have room for growth.

Adrienne, what are your job responsibilities at Bally Technologies, as Community Relations and Internal Communications Specialist?
Augustus: As it relates to my responsibilities on the community relations side of my job, I am the one who takes in the donation requests from organizations from all over the country. I work with management to establish which organizations we will be able to support. We have made financial contributions, or donated reconditioned slot machines for fundraisers. This is a pretty popular request. The other half of my job is an internal communications portion that is a little more comprehensive. My job with internal communications is to help manage all of the communications that go out to our employees worldwide. I also enjoy editing the employee magazine, Your Voice, which goes out to all [2,500] employees globally.

What is your background?
Augustus: I am originally from New Jersey, and have been in Las Vegas for five years. I have a journalism degree from the University of Maryland. Before working with Bally Technologies, I was a television news reporter for seven years. When I first arrived to Las Vegas, I worked as a television news reporter at Channel 8. I wanted to make a career change from television, and received [certifications] in investment and the insurance industry — and I loved the industry, but it was the worst possible time to get into the field.  At that point I did some serious soul searching.  I realized I have a passion for marketing and event planning, but I wasn’t focused on the gaming industry.   I was, however, determined to find the right employment opportunity, and Bally gave it to me.  This company recognizes talent and skills, not just experience in this specific industry.

How far do you think black people have come in the industry of gaming?
Augustus: I will give you a great example. Shortly after I took the job at Bally, they decided to develop operational videos. These videos are shown to casino employees so that they know how to use some of the newer games. This allows hotel employees to assist customers when playing, to [show them] how to get the most out of the game. Well, the management at Bally asked me to host these training videos. I have done three so far and they are seen around the world.  This opportunity to serve as the face of the company really means a lot to me.

Tell us about Bally’s new Michael Jackson slot machine?
Augustus: Bally Technologies recognizes that Michael Jackson is truly a musical icon, and has worked very hard with his estate to manufacture a slot machine saluting Michael that everyone — including his family — would be happy with. The Michael Jackson slot machine has surround sound music in the chair that also vibrates with the songs. It is incredible, and he is the first African-American to have his image made into a Bally slot machine. The response has been phenomenal.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affects about 4 million people in the United States. If current trends continue, that 8 will rise to about eight million over the next 20 years.

This relentless brain disease devastates not only the individuals who have it, but also their loved ones. Despite advances in our understanding of the disease, the medicines we use to treat AD are no better today than they were 10 years ago. Media proclamations of “a cure for Alzheimer’s disease!” generally turn out to be much ado about nothing, and many promising treatments show no benefit when put to the test.

But as we seek the drama that will inevitably surround the announcement of a real cure for AD, many of us are ignoring even more exciting news. In many people, AD can be prevented — without purchasing an expensive dietary supplement or undergoing some bizarre medical procedure. In fact, preventing AD requires doing nothing more than what doctors (and our mothers) have been telling us to do for decades. Exercise regularly. Quit smoking. Control your weight. Eat healthy food. Expand your mind. Get regular physical checkups. If you have depression, get it treated.

Most of the available scientific evidence indicates that people who follow this advice are at lower risk for developing AD. One study recently estimated that addressing these risk factors would prevent millions of cases of AD. Furthermore, people who already have memory loss or AD and attend to good health habits have slower disease progression.

So what steps should you take? Well, they’re probably things you’ve already been telling yourself to do. Get 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each day. See your primary care doctor regularly to check for health problems like hypertension and diabetes. Ask your doctor for help with quitting smoking and/or treating depression. Learn a new skill, or pick up a new hobby. Finally, if you are having memory problems, get them checked out. Don’t simply hope that someone invents an AD cure by the time you get it — cure AD yourself before it starts.

Couples attend a Black Tie Dinner at the Municpal Golf Course in 1956. Some of those in attendance included: Andy Bruner and daughter; Charles West and Dottie West; Helen Crozier; Henry and Debbie More; Mr. and Mrs. Capperton; Dr. James McMillian and Mikkie McMillian; Margie Elliott; Jimmy and Hazel Gay.

A 1955 photo taken at the Moulin Rouge Hotel & Casino in between shows. Pictures: Anna Bailey, Dianh Washington, Bob Bailey, Norma de la Cerna, Barbar and Dee Dee Jasmin.

Dr. Charles West, Alice Key and David Hoggard at a community event.

Appearing at the 1955 Religious Awards were Rev. Wilson, Rev. Coleman, Rev. Simmons, Rev. Kennings, Rev. Smith and Bob Bailey.

Bob Bailey and Louis Armstrong take a break at the Town Tavern Casino.

This undated ad for the historic Carver House appeared in the Valley View Visitor publication in the 1950s.

]]> http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/02/in-the-community-with-charles-tureaud-%e2%80%93-tribute-to-historic-black-vegas/feed/ 0 http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/02/tales-of-american-history/ http://lasvegasblackimage.com/2012/02/tales-of-american-history/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:27:30 +0000 Las Vegas Black Image Magazine http://lasvegasblackimage.com/?p=4493 by Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud

With an impressive $19 million at the box office in its opening weekend, “Red Tails” is making a serious impact in Hollywood. The film centers on the courage displayed by the legendary Tuskegee Airmen of the 1940s, as the all-black corps of fighter pilots battled not only the forces of Nazism during WWII, but managed to stand tall at home and abroad under the crippling weight of Jim Crow-era discrimination.

Entertainer Lena Horne boosts morale for a few of the original Tuskegee Airmen in this photo.

Executive-produced by George Lucas and directed by rising African-American director Anthony Hemingway, the story has been embraced by movie audiences around the world. That is thanks in to its cast, which captures the brotherly camaraderie that gave the Tuskegee Airmen an indispensable advantage in battle. That cast includes some of the finest African-American actors working today: Terrence Howard (Col. A.J. Bullard); Cuba Gooding Jr. (Maj. Emmanuel Stance); Nate Parker (Marty “Easy” Julian); Tristan Wilds (Ray “Junior” Gannon); Marcus T. Paulk (David “Deke” Watkins); Elijah Kelley (Samuel “Joker” George); David Oyelowo (Joe “Lightning” Little); and Las Vegas native Ne-Yo (Andrew “Smokey” Salem).

With its release well-timed for Black History Month, the film focuses on the pilots’ heroic exploits in the air. However, the backstory of the Tuskegee Airmen is equally important to understanding the fortitude they displayed while fighting two separate wars: one against the Nazis, the other against a racist power structure that believed, against all evidence to the contrary, that African-Americans were unfit to serve their country in meaningful ways.

The Tuskegee Airmen were born when the historically black Tuskegee (Ala.) Institute hosted a Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1939, after the U.S. Census Bureau showed there were only 124 licensed black pilots in the entire United States. Alarmed by those findings, several black activist leaders — including Walter White of the NAACP, labor leader A. Philip Randolph and Judge William H. Hastie — demanded the formation of an aviation program that would increase the numbers of black pilots in the air. Soon after, Congress appropriated money for the program.

Given the times, it came as no surprise that this initiative was met with opposition. But the Tuskegee program received a needed boost when first lady Eleanor Roosevelt — who had visited Tuskegee in March 1941 to inspect the aviation program — took a flight piloted by a man trained there. Impressed by the pilot’s skills, she was instrumental in securing $175,000 to expand the program, and it wasn’t long before the Tuskegee Institute began referring trained and licensed fighter pilots to the United States military.

Terrence Howard plays Col. A.J. Bullard

Between the years of 1941 and 1946, 996 pilots went through the Tuskegee aviation program. Of them, 445 were deployed overseas, 66 were killed in action and 32 fell into captivity and became prisoners of war.

In “Red Tails,” Terrence Howard portrays the black pilots’ highest-ranking advocate inside the Department of Defense. He is depicted as working tirelessly, and shrewdly, to convince Pentagon brass that the Tuskegee Airmen deserved an opportunity to prove their mettle in the war. Up to that point, they had only been called upon to perform relatively menial tasks in support of their white counterparts.

“My character is like the Martin Luther King Jr. of the Air Force,” said Howard. “He is responsible for keeping the Tuskegee Airmen in a position of high integrity. George Lucas and I spoke about three years ago, and he said he was thinking about doing this film. For him to stand behind this movie when no one else would — and to select a black director — is fantastic.”

Howard added: “Upon meeting some of the original Tuskegee Airmen before we started filming the movie, they shared with us incredible stories and … corrected us on how we wore our belts and hats, and how we stood at attention. These men had so much integrity, so much depth and discipline. I am very thankful that they persevered. All the things they fought for has [brought] us where we are now.”

There was a time in Las Vegas when hotels on the Strip would reportedly drain their swimming pools after the likes of Sammy Davis Jr. swam in them. That segregated history, which sparked a civil rights movement in the 1950s, makes the accomplishments of men like Michael Crome all the more remarkable.

Michael Crome, VP of Finance Caesars Entertainment

Recently named vice president of finance, budget and planning for Caesars Entertainment (the first person in the company’s history to ever hold that title), the Columbus, Ohio, native arrived in Las Vegas in 2006. Not long after landing here, he secured a post at a Caesars property — an entry-level position that is customary for recent business school graduates.

“I completed my undergraduate work at the University of Akron and received a degree in accounting,” Crome said. “I worked as a consultant for some Fortune 500 companies, and assisted in making them more financially efficient. I went on to business school to get my masters, and received my MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Hard work has recently resulted in my promotion at Caesars, for which I am very grateful.”

Asked to explain his responsibilities at the company, Crome said, “I am responsible for managing the finance, budgeting and planning for our Caesars corporate offices, that support our 40 properties around the world. I am in the same corporate office as our [chief executive officer and chief financial officer]. In the past, the CFO was operating in the function that I now have. Obviously, he has other things to work on, and he asked me to step up and take on this new role. I have a very large function.”

As the conversation turned to Caesars Entertainment’s commitment to diversity, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member praised his company’s efforts to maintain a workforce that includes people of all backgrounds.

“We are so proud to have Fred Keeton, who leads our diversity initiatives, with Tony Gladney’s support,” Crome said. “We also have our African-American business resource group (BRG), Chorus, that is comprised of not only African-American employees, but colleagues who have innovative ideas to increase African-American guest participation. It is very important to me, and to our corporation at large, to service all people who constitute our existing and potential customer base. Our diversity initiatives are worldwide, but you can also see the results in our executive leadership.

For example, there are African-American Senior Vice Presidents and general managers in the corporation, such as Marcus Glover who operates our Cleveland, Ohio, casino property; John Smith who operates two of our casino properties in Atlantic City; and along with Duane Holloway is vice president and chief legal counsel for litigation in all of our Caesars Operations.”
As a living testament to the opportunities available at the world’s largest casino organization, Crome is eager to advise others looking to move up the corporate ladder.

“Education is crucial when competing for a job opportunity,” he said. “Make sure you are equipped with the right educational training that your dream job calls for. It is great to think, and for others to think, you are smart. But there are certain positions that you cannot get without the right credentials. If a job application requires you to have an MBA, I don’t care how smart you are, if you can’t check that box on the form, you can’t get past the first step for the job.

Know what kind of educational background is needed for a particular job, and go into the application process well positioned with laser focus. Also, I encourage people to network with others. Not just those who look like you, but with those who can benefit your … advancement. Networking is as easy as going to get coffee with someone, or lunch, and building that relationship.

Thirdly, I would suggest getting involved with the community. I am the vice chairman for Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada, and treasurer of the New Vista Community program — my participation on both of these boards is voluntary. I can’t tell you how … gratifying it is when you’re volunteering and giving back on behalf of humanity. It puts everything into perspective.”

Union Vice President Leain Vashon and Union President Geoconda Arguello-Kline

One of Las Vegas’ most influential African-American trailblazers helped establish and diversify the union. James “Jimmy” Arthur Gay III was the first black hotel executive, serving as director of communications at the Sands in the 1950s. Even when his longtime entertainment industry friends — figures such as Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstein — were not allowed to stay in Las Vegas hotels, Gay’s executive title gave him added strength to challenge the discriminatory practices of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. He served at the executive level of the Culinary union for 21 years, fighting for equal rights and justice for all Nevada workers. In those efforts, he worked alongside black religious leaders and many of Nevada’s civil rights pioneers,  including, but not limited to onetime equal rights commissioner Bob Bailey; Nevada’s first black physician, Dr. Charles I. West; Dr. James B. McMillan, Nevada’s first black dentist; attorney Charles Keller; Ruby Duncan; and Margie Elliott.

Their desire for meaningful change at casino properties began to be realized in the 1960s, after civil rights and religious leaders warned that commerce would be disrupted if they were forced to march down the Strip to protest unfair treatment of African-Americans.

Said Leain Vashon, the union’s vice president: “I am not the first African-American to be on the Culinary union’s executive board. One of the first union presidents was George Williams, and the first black woman president was Hattie Canty [elected in 1990]. There have been several other African-Americans to hold executive leadership positions in the past.

“The Culinary union 226 exists to help workers’ rights in the workplace.. Workers in nonunion hotels might be denied affordable health insurance — and after 20-years-plus tenure as an employee, are not afforded a pension once they leave their job. If you work 20 years for a company and helped it become prosperous, you should have something to show for it. We work hand-in-hand with the union hotel casino properties to ensure that employees have … health insurance, retirement plans and fair working conditions. The Culinary union 226 represents 65,000 working families in Nevada. It is a matter of money and power why some nonunion hotels fight against their employees becoming union members. Most employees want to be members of the union, [because] helps assure their working value and pay in the hospitality industry.” Vashon said.

James Horton

With movie audiences buzzing about “Red Tails” — the thrilling story of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, and their pivotal role in defeating Nazi Germany in WWII — interest in African-American aviators has never been higher.
This is good news for James Horton, who must see it as long-overdue validation of the enthusiasm that spawned his own business. Occupying 10,000 square feet of hangar space at the North Las Vegas Airport, where it can accommodate up to 10 planes at one time, Horton Aviation Services is the oldest standing aviation company is Nevada. Its customer base consists of doctors and other affluent professionals who own their own aircraft.
“I have been in business since February 1991, and after my tenure in the Air Force at Nellis Air Force Base, I knew that I had a deep love for flying and aviation,” explained Horton, who has four children with Robin, his wife of 13 years. “I went to work at Hughes Aviation Services before starting my own company, which services everything dealing with aviation — including avionics, aircraft maintenance, refurbishing and total rebuilding of a plane.”
As for the relatively small number of black Nevadans in the field of aviation, Horton hopes to see some change in the near future. Should that occur, he’ll be a big part of it: He is dedicated to exposing the next generation of young people to the industry.
“We have an apprentice program, and currently an 18-year-old young man is in it,” Horton said. “His father told me he was interested in aviation, so he has showed us his passion, and we are teaching him technique and the mechanics of a plane.” In addition, Rancho High School also offers a training program that provides students with a solid foundation from which to pursue careers in aviation.
When he’s not working in the hangar, Horton enjoys piloting his own private plane — particularly when it allows him to take his family on vacation. They have flown as far as New Jersey to visit family, but he acknowledges that the economics of leisure flight don’t always add up for everyone.
“Airplane fuel costs $5.66 a gallon, and a single-engine plane like mine holds 80 gallons — that is [more than] $400 just to fly up to San Diego and back. In comparison to flying on a commercial airline, where I can get two round-trip tickets for $100 each,” Horton said. “This makes a big difference, and might be related to why there are only a handful of African-Americans in aviation. When I first started flying, fuel was only $2 a gallon. You could just hop in your plane and go.”

People in search of an excellent New Year’s recipe will be certain that they’ve stumbled upon some good luck after eating these black-eyed peas! For more information on this healthy, flavorful recipe, and many others, visit www.incrediblechefproductions.com

Serves 6

4 scallions, chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery rib, diced
1⁄2 medium red bell pepper, diced
2 fresh large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
2 tablespoons Crazy Cajun spice
Sea salt and fresh smoked ground black pepper to taste
2 (15-ounce) cans of organic black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄2 cup dry white wine

Cook scallions, carrot, celery, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, red-pepper flakes, Cajun Crazy Spice, sea salt and fresh smoked ground black pepper, in skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are pale and golden, about 10 minutes. Add black-eyed peas and broth. Simmer five minutes, transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!