Las Vegas’ First African American Museum: A Tale of Persistence and Community Support
When the news of a proposed African American museum in the Historic Westside of Las Vegas broke, Gwen Walker, the owner of the Walker African American Museum and Research Center, was filled with a mix of emotions. Walker, who had to close her museum in 2012 due to structural issues and personal challenges, felt a sense of shock and disbelief upon hearing about the city’s plans for a new museum.
Walker, a dedicated collector of Black history memorabilia since the age of 13, had spent over five decades preserving and promoting the rich history of African Americans. Her museum, located in a 1,000-square-foot home on West Van Buren Avenue, housed a vast collection of artifacts, books, magazines, and newspaper articles showcasing the achievements of Black individuals.
Despite facing numerous setbacks, including floods, break-ins, and her mother’s illness, Walker remained determined to reopen her museum. She had even developed plans for a larger 10,000-square-foot facility at the same location, with the help of KME Architects, but lacked the financial support to bring her vision to life.
Walker had reached out to the city for assistance over the years, only to be met with limited support. While the City Council approved a $45,000 grant for the Walker Museum in 2021, a last-minute clause requiring repayment if the property was sold within five years deterred Walker from accepting the funds.
In contrast, the city had its own plans for an African American museum as part of the HUNDRED Plan, aimed at revitalizing the Historic Westside community. The proposed museum was set to feature standing and rotating collections of African American art and artists, including a potential partnership with the Walker Museum.
However, as the city’s plans progressed, Walker felt left out of the conversation. Despite her history of preserving Black heritage in Nevada, the new Hundred Plan in Action, published in September 2024, made no mention of Walker, her museum, or any collaboration.
As the community eagerly awaited updates on both the city’s museum plans and Walker’s efforts to reopen her museum, a glimmer of hope emerged. With the election of Shondra Summers-Armstrong to the Ward 5 seat, Walker found a new ally who reached out to discuss her needs and aspirations for the museum.
With plans to reopen her museum within the next four to six months, Walker remained steadfast in her mission to share the stories and contributions of African Americans in Nevada. While the city continued its preparations for a new museum, featuring a curated exhibit by local experts, the future of African American heritage in Las Vegas looked promising.
As the saga of the first African American museum in Nevada unfolds, one thing remains clear: the resilience and determination of individuals like Gwen Walker, who tirelessly work to preserve and celebrate the cultural legacy of their community. Stay tuned for more updates on the journey towards a world-class museum in Las Vegas.
