Talking With Clinton Wright – September 28, 2026
The camera can capture a moment—but sometimes, it captures an entire community.
On this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I sit down with photographer Clinton Wright, whose photographs documented Black life in Las Vegas’ Historic Westside and preserved a side of the city that many people never saw.
Clinton recalls arriving in Las Vegas and becoming familiar with what was then a relatively small neighborhood. He and his brother got into photography initially to “make a few bucks,” but photography soon became much more than a way to earn money. Clinton learned to do his own printing and eventually received a recommendation to photograph for the Las Vegas Voice newspaper.
We talk about the power of the camera—and how Clinton didn't fully realize the historical impact of his photographs until years later. He also reflects on the negatives he wishes he had been able to preserve and the importance of documenting everyday life before those moments disappeared.
Clinton also shares some of his favorite photographs and what those images reveal about Las Vegas, the Historic Westside, and Black history in Southern Nevada.
After celebrating his 90th birthday in Las Vegas and being recognized by the City of Las Vegas, Clinton continues to look back at a remarkable life behind the camera.
This is a conversation about photography, history, community, memory—and the legacy that can live on through a photograph.
(Photos courtesy of UNLV Special Collections and Archives)
UNLV Special Collections & Archives Website
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