Leaders To Be Honored At Historic Westside Legacy Park
Park Is A Place To Experience The History Of The Westside
The public is invited to the induction ceremony for the 2026 honorees to be enshrined at the Historic Westside Legacy Park, Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 a.m. City of Las Vegas Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong and Clark County Commission Vice Chairman William McCurdy II are scheduled to speak at the event.
The park is located at 1600 Mount Mariah Drive, and the event will feature the induction ceremony, music and speakers. The Historic Westside Legacy Park is a partnership between the city of Las Vegas and Clark County and opened in December 2021 with 36 honorees.
“There are many leaders and icons deserving of enshrinement at the Historic Westside Legacy Park, and it is an honor to welcome the Class of 2026,” Councilwoman Summers-Armstrong said. “The park offers a beautiful space for visitors to stroll, experience the history of the Westside, and remember those who have paved the way for future generations in the community.”
“The 2026 Legacy Park honorees have made a lasting impact in our community and the lives of individuals in the Historic Westside,” Commissioner McCurdy II said. “Our future leaders are fortunate to have the rich history of these individuals to look up to and hopefully build upon in their lifetimes.”
The 2026 honorees include:
Reverend Mary L. Carroll, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church. Reverend Carroll was one of the first Black women property developers in the Historic Westside. Known as a “Church Builder,” she started The Calvary Baptist Church in 1960, located at F Street and Owens Avenue. In August 1980, she opened the doors of the Greater Calvary Baptist Church still located at 317 Madison Ave.
Greg McCurdy, who served for 30 years with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department where he was a deputy chief and an assistant sheriff. He is a lifetime member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and The International Association of Chiefs of Police. He was named Police Officer of the Year in 1986 for his work to diversify the department’s recruitment efforts and later became the department’s first full time public information officer. In 1995, he launched a radio program entitled Police Officers Promoting UNITY, on Power 88.1, giving community members a platform to engage with police officers on issues of trust, safety and accountability.
Alma Faye Hudson-McDonnell moved to Las Vegas in 1972, and married Bishop Bill McDonnell. The couple ministered to the community at the Vegas View Church of God in Christ. She also established an impeccable professional career with the Clark County School District that bridged 32 years of service. Student success advocate and dean of students were among the many positions she held until her retirement in 2008.
Bishop Bill Herbert McDonnell, Jr. was known as "Bishop Bill." He worked his way up through the Vegas View Church of God where he served as youth pastor, an assistant pastor and bishop. In 2011, he became the President of the Churches of Southern Nevada. For more than 28 years, he successfully pastored both the Ebenezer Church of God in Christ and The Wealthy Place Ministries. He founded the Shepherd's Breakfast, a diverse community gathering that has entertained many public officials. The objective of the breakfast is to continue to forge personal connections in Ward 5, and to enhance and advance neighborhoods.
Reverend Sam Roberson moved to Las Vegas in July 1957. He has become synonymous with St. James the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, as well as his 31-year radio broadcasting career. The last stop in his radio career was a move to Power 88.1 in 1978. He was with the station for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1997. He also served as the President of Jackson Avenue Merchant Association, past president of the NAACP Las Vegas Branch and Co-organizer of the Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce.
Juanita Smith became the first black woman to work at the Basic Magnesium Plant in Henderson, fabricating ammunition for World War II. She was initially told to "get a broom and sweep floors” but refused and filed a discriminatory complaint. Within days, she was working on the assembly line with all the other women, making ammunition. She later earned the distinction of becoming a certified national public housing manager, and in 1957, was appointed by city of Las Vegas Mayor Oran K. Gragson to be the first relocation supervisor for the Madison School Urban Renewal Program in Las Vegas.
The community submitted nominees and a panel of community volunteers selected the honorees. For more information on the honorees, visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/LegacyPark.
Legacy Park is a tribute to the many trailblazers who have led the community through the years. The park incorporates unique elements, such as a timeline of the Historic Westside and an interpretive walking trail. It also includes public artwork and stories of the Westside, along with trees, landscaping and a playground.
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