The Unwritten History of the Strip’s Desegregation
70 years ago, iconic Black musicians like Sammy Davis Jr. and Harry Belafonte might have graced the stage at Vegas casinos — but wouldn’t be allowed to stay on-site, or walk through the front door (though many pushed back). Despite Las Vegas’s reputation for some freedom from societal norms, segregation was one line in the sand casino operators wouldn’t cross. Why was that? Today on City Cast Las Vegas, co-host Vogue Robinson chats with historian Claytee White, director of UNLV’s Oral History Research Center. She points us back to March 26, 1960, the day the Strip finally agreed to desegregate — and why that agreement was never written down on paper.
Did you learn something new from this episode? Have a question for Claytee White? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 702-514-0719. You can also find us @CityCastVegas on Twitter and Instagram.
For even more Vegas news, history, and goings-on about town, make sure to sign up for our brilliant morning newsletter here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Las Vegas and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Is Construction Killing the Arts District? Plus, the Tupac Murder Trial Begins and Searchlight's Underrated Library
Construction on Charleston Boulevard is crushing businesses in the Arts District, and the parking situation isn't helping either. So what...
The Best Japanese Restaurants for Every Price Point in Las Vegas
The inaugural Southwest Michelin Guide drops later this month, and Las Vegas foodies are waiting with bated breath to see which local spo...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
As much as you love Las Vegas, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have com...
Can Lombardo Fix Nevada's Affordability Problem? Plus, Airbnb Crackdowns and Chinatown Hot Spots
Gov. Joe Lombardo says he can't control Nevada's affordability crisis, but is that actually true, or is he ducking responsibility? Then,...
Metro Defends Flock Cameras, Nevada Faces Steep Water Cuts, and Can Mendoza Save the Raiders?
Las Vegas Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill is defending the department's use of license plate reader cameras across the valley, even as a nat...
Trump Returns to Vegas, the Consequences of School Choice, and Our Latest Vegas Fixations
President Trump is heading back to Las Vegas to promote his "no tax on tips" policy, but did it actually make a difference for the servic...
A Mid-Year Review of Vegas' Best New Restaurants
The local dining scene in Las Vegas continues to explode, so what are some of the best new restaurants that opened in 2026? Host Jesse Me...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
Do you know how zoning laws affect Las Vegas’ housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made i...
The Hottest Weekend of the Year, Data Center Battles, and Good News Friday
Las Vegas is bracing for temperatures up to 117 degrees this weekend, and with nearly 30 heat-related deaths already recorded in Clark Co...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Las Vegas
August is here, and as the mercury keeps rising, we're kicking off our monthly guide with the best tips to beat the record-breaking heat...