U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reflects on the integration of Las Vegas

For years, Sen. Reid (right) worked alongside many local activists, including Dr. Bob Bailey, Dr. James McMillan and former Moulin Rouge co-owner Sarann Knight-Preddy.

United States Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reflects on this historic time in our country. Said Reid, “During this Black History Month, we commemorate Dr. James McMillan, Woodrow Wilson, Clarence Ray and all those who integrated Las Vegas and make it a great place to live, work and visit.
“In the 1940s and 1950s, black performers — legends like B.B. King and Count Basie — couldn’t stay on the Strip; sometimes they couldn’t come in the front door. Then, in 1951, Josephine Baker had it written into her contract that her concerts could not be segregated.
“Building on her courageous foundation, Dr. McMillan led the Las Vegas NAACP to the Moulin Rogue Agreement (the Consent Decree) between the African-American community, the gaming industry and the government to stop discrimination against blacks as employees and as customers.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (right) attends a recent meeting with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and President Barack Obama.

“As someone who served with Gov. Mike O’Callaghan to help end segregation in Nevada, I saw firsthand how the groundwork laid by these Nevadans became the law prohibiting discrimination in labor and housing in Las Vegas. I am proud to join you in celebrating their accomplishments in making our community a better place to live for all of us.”

-Open Mic is hosted each month by
Craig Knight & KCEP-FM, 88.1