How about stepping into a place named after a true Las Vegas pioneer? I’m talking about Hoggard Playground. This isn’t just any playground. It carries the name of Mabel Hoggard.
Mabel Hoggard was a remarkable woman. She left an indelible mark on Nevada. She was the first certified African American teacher in the state. Can you believe it?
Let’s rewind a bit. Mabel Hoggard’s journey began far from Nevada. She grew up in the Midwest. She experienced racism for the first time at age 17. This happened when she moved to Nashville to attend college.
She recalled a painful incident on a bus. The bus driver used a racial slur against her. This was her first experience with mistreatment. It shaped her views on democracy and equality.
Mabel’s commitment to social justice was unwavering. Earlier in her career, she lost a teaching job. This happened because she refused to pay part of her salary to local authorities’ political campaigns. Imagine that.
Fate intervened when Mabel stopped in Las Vegas. She was on her way to a job in California. She met J. David Hoggard. He was one of the first African American police officers in Las Vegas. They married and blended their families.
Mabel Hoggard’s activism continued. She and fellow African American teachers faced segregation at a conference luncheon. They were barred from attending due to the hotel’s discriminatory policies. They responded with a powerful statement. They made their case at the conference. No luncheon was held that year or in subsequent years.
Mabel believed in exposing others to the Black experience. She attended events for teachers. She felt it was important. Twenty-eight years after she began teaching. Bonanza Elementary was renamed in her honor. It became the Mabel Hoggard Elementary School.
Mabel Hoggard died in 1989. Her legacy lives on. Her commitment to the community remains inspiring. It lives at the Mabel Hoggard Math & Science Magnet School. It also lives here at Hoggard Playground.
So, as you enjoy Hoggard Playground, remember Mabel Hoggard. She was a trailblazer. She fought for justice. She dedicated her life to education. She shaped the future of Las Vegas. This playground stands as a testament to her enduring legacy. It reminds us to strive for a better, more equitable world for all.