News Summary
‘Unsung,’ a new short documentary, showcases the rich history of the Historic Westside in Las Vegas and highlights its community art project. The film honors the contributions of lesser-known figures and aims to preserve the area’s cultural heritage. Screening at the West Las Vegas Library, it emphasizes resilience and community spirit amid modern discussions on historical narratives. Following the screening, a Q&A session will engage attendees further on the film’s themes.
Las Vegas – A new short documentary titled “Unsung” focuses on the rich history of the Historic Westside and will be screening this week. The film highlights both the historical significance of the area and the “Unsung Pillars” community art project at Pearson Community Center, emphasizing the everyday lives and contributions of its residents.
“Unsung” is part of a broader effort to preserve and promote the history of the Historic Westside, which has seen its Black population grow from 4,000 in 1942 to more than 300,000 in Southern Nevada today. The Westside community has endured a complex mix of joy, challenges, celebrations, and strife over the decades, prompting current community revitalization efforts aimed at restoring its storied past.
The documentary runs for 16 minutes and follows the “Unsung Pillars of the Westside” art project that debuted in May at the Pearson Community Center. It captures the importance of lesser-known individuals, showcasing their stories alongside more well-known figures in Westside history. The film provides a platform to honor the contributions of community members such as Edna Stovall, Charlene Smith, Melvin “Beetle” Ennis, and Stan Armstrong, a filmmaker and UNLV professor who passed away in 2022.
A significant part of the project is a series of 21 pillars created by artist Mike Norice, each representing a key moment in the history of the Westside. Historian Claytee White contributed a historical timeline to accompany these pillars, which tell stories spanning from John Howell, recorded as the first Black landowner in Las Vegas in the 1870 census, to ongoing community efforts for a diverse future.
The documentary has been produced in collaboration with local filmmaker Zachary Fried, who explored numerous aspects of Westside history during the project. He highlights Pearson Community Center as a vital resource and gathering place for multigenerational events, embodying the spirit of the community.
Gwendolyn Walker, founder of the Walker African American Museum and Research Center, is central to this effort, working tirelessly to document and preserve the Westside’s history. Meanwhile, former journalist Muhammad Abdullah has been an active supporter of Walker’s mission, contributing to the documentation of local history.
The screening of “Unsung” is set for 7 p.m. on September 4 at the West Las Vegas Library, and it will be followed by a Q&A session to engage attendees in further discussion about the film and its themes. Interested participants can reserve free tickets at nvartscouncil.org/events.
This documentary comes at a time when discussions around historical narratives are increasingly critical. It aims to tackle systemic issues such as discrimination and underscores the importance of accurate education regarding marginalized histories. By focusing on the narratives of everyday individuals, “Unsung” endeavors to honor the area’s true history in the face of contemporary political dialogues.
The Historic Westside has a past marked by resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. Efforts like the documentary and the community art project seek not only to celebrate this legacy but also to inspire a revitalized sense of unity and purpose among residents and viewers alike.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Unsung Documentary
- Wikipedia: Historic Westside
- KOIN: Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic
- Google Search: Art Projects in Community Revitalization
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Entertainment Section
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Music Section
- Google News: Las Vegas Westside History
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
