Henderson, NV
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Black History Month
City of Henderson celebrates and recognizes Black History Month every February. We take time to acknowledge past and present contributions of Black Americans throughout our community and Nation. Since our City's origination as townsite in the early 1940s, Black Americans have played an integral role in making Henderson what it is today—a premier community.
Notable Names & Places |
CARVER PARK
Located near Boulder Highway and Lake Mead Parkway, Carver Park opened in 1943 as a segregated housing area for Black employees of Basic Magnesium Inc. Carver Park also housed black airmen from Nellis Air Force Base. Carver Park had 64 units for single workers, 104 one-bedroom units, 104 two-bedroom units and 52 three-bedroom apartments. The development also included a school and recreation hall.
ARCHITECT PAUL REVERE WILLIAMSIn 1941, world-renowned architect, Paul R. Williams was commissioned to design a housing development of 1,000 homes for the growing BMI work force in what would later become Henderson.
Famous for his work with wealthy clients, Williams was known as the “Architect to the Hollywood stars.” Despite this, Williams had a practical side, and he brought his vision to the design of what was known as the Basic Townsite. Envisioning homes that were comfortable, functional and defined by his love of California flavor, the Basic Townsite was conceived as a company town.
Williams continued to have a thriving career as an architect and designed over 3,000 buildings, served on many municipal, state and federal commissions, was active in political and social organizations and earned the admiration and respect of his peers. He was the first African American elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. (story credit Henderson Historical Society) |
THE WILLIAMS FAMILYMeet the Williams Family! This historic family was the first Black family to settle in Henderson during the 1940s. Robert and Rosie Lee Williams moved across the country with their six children during the Great Migration. During this pivotal period, many Black Americans were relocating from the South prior before the Civil Rights Movement to seek better opportunities and escape racial tensions prevalent throughout the South. The Williams Family settled in Carver Park, a vibrant Henderson community designed to house Black families. This area was designed by the esteemed architect Paul Revere Williams, who was known for creating thousands of homes and spaces across the United States. Robert, like many others, found employment at the Basic Magnesium Plant after World War II, and Rosie Lee found work as an apartment cleaner and worked at a white-only housing community.In Henderson, the family worked hard to build a new life despite the challenges posed by segregation and discrimination. Over the years, the Williams family eventually left Henderson, and Carver Park ceased to exist. |
PETER AND MAUREEN FINCHPeter and Maureen Finch made history as the first Black business owners in Henderson, Nevada. In 1944, they established Hi-Way 93 Auto Service on Boulder Highway, right as the City itself was taking shape. For 14 years, the Finches ran a successful automotive repair shop, specializing in engine rebuilding, radiator work, towing, and general auto repairs. Maureen, in addition to her role as the company's bookkeeper, was the stockroom expert and expressed an interest in becoming an ignition expert, though her husband, Peter, wasn’t in favor of her pursuing a career as a mechanic. Their business not only marked a significant achievement for the Finches but also for the City, as they became pioneers for African American entrepreneurs in the growing community. |
FIREFIGHTER JOE SMITH JR.Joe Smith Jr. made history as the first Black firefighter in Henderson, Nevada, breaking barriers in a career that spanned over two decades. Beginning his service in 1966 at Basic Magnesium Industries (BMI), Smith became a trailblazer as both a firefighter and paramedic, impacting the Nevada firefighting community and beyond. He played a critical role in the 1980 MGM Grand fire, one of the deadliest hotel fires in U.S. history, saving lives alongside hundreds of other firefighters. Smith also responded to major incidents, including explosions at Apex and Titanium Metals Corp. in the late 1980s and 1990s. His pioneering efforts and dedication to public safety earned him recognition, including an honor from Rep. Steven Horsford, who had the American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in tribute to Smith’s remarkable service. |
COUNCILWOMAN MONICA LARSONDr. Monica Larson was elected to the Henderson City Council in November 2024 representing Ward II. Sworn into office January 7, 2025, she became the first Black councilmember in Henderson’s history. Councilwoman Larson serves with the mayor and her fellow councilmembers as the legislative branch for the Henderson community. Her responsibilities include setting policies and making decisions concerning various aspects of local government for Nevada's second-largest city, recognized as being one of the best places to live in the nation. |
JUDGE ALBRITTONJudge Albritton was appointed to Henderson Municipal Court Department 1 in August 2022 and became the first Black Municipal Court Judge in Henderson. Judge Albritton serves on the judicial branch for the Henderson community and presides over the Henderson Veterans Treatment Court. From her peers, she earned the reputation of being a tough but fair prosecutor who is devoted to her profession and always prepared for court. |