The Nevada State Museum is celebrating the 90th birthday of photojournalist Clinton Wright, a man who spent decades documenting life on Las Vegas’ historic Westside. Wright’s work, now preserved in UNLV’s Special Collections, offers a window into a vibrant era that no longer exists, preserving community pride, everyday moments, and Black history on the Westside. But what makes Wright's work particularly fascinating is the way he captured the richness and vibrance of the historic West Side in the '60s and '70s, a time when many people don't realize how fabulous the Westside was. In my opinion, Wright's photography was focused on showing the community at its best, capturing the good side of life for the Black community. This raises a deeper question: what makes a community's history so fascinating? What many people don't realize is that Wright's work is not just about the people and places he photographed, but also about the context and the time in which he lived. Wright's work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, and it raises important questions about the role of photography in preserving history and culture. One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of Wright's work on the community. Wright said a friend encouraged him early on to label his negatives and preserve his work for future generations, and this advice has proven to be invaluable. If you take a step back and think about it, it's clear that Wright's work has had a lasting impact on the community, and it has helped to preserve the history and culture of the Westside. Wright's work also highlights the importance of preserving history and culture. By capturing the richness and vibrance of the historic West Side, Wright has provided a valuable resource for future generations. What this really suggests is that preserving history and culture is not just about the past, but also about the future. It's about ensuring that the stories and experiences of the past are not forgotten, and that they continue to inspire and inform the present and future. In my view, Wright's work is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history and culture, and it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Las Vegas. Personally, I think Wright's work is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, and it raises important questions about the role of photography in preserving history and culture. It also highlights the importance of preserving history and culture, and it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Las Vegas. This raises a deeper question: what makes a community's history so fascinating? What many people don't realize is that Wright's work is not just about the people and places he photographed, but also about the context and the time in which he lived. Wright's work is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving history and culture, and it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Las Vegas.
