LAS VEGAS (KSNV MyNews3) -- A lasting tribute to the legacy of a historical African-American neighborhood was unveiled Saturday.
Thirty-four banners now proudly display the history of the Berkley Square neighborhood on light poles surrounding the area.
They show the faces and tell the stories of the day-to-day lives and history of the community.
Plaques also sit at the corner of F Street and Leonard, and D Street and Freeman Avenue.
The neighborhood and surrounding area were the only places African Americans were allowed to live in Las Vegas in the 1950s.
I want them to know that this is a very important place,” said project artist Joseph Watson. “Read the captions below the banners and get an understanding of who's behind, and I hope they will read more about the neighborhood and be inspired as I was.
“It makes me proud because I'm raising my family here and now I have an opportunity to see my kids grow up in the same community and same streets I did, so I want to make sure they’re here for future generations to come.”
African-American architect Paul Revere Williams and investor Thomas Berkley worked to make Berkley Square a reality.
The first homes were built in 1955 for post-war veterans.
The Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission led the project.
