LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Anna Bailey was one of the first African American showgirls to dance in Las Vegas. For Black History Month, News 3 caught up with the 98-year-old on her career and the impact she made.
The New York native arrived in Las Vegas when she was 20 years old in 1955 and got her start dancing at the Moulin Rouge.
“We crossed over the railroad tracks, and it got dark and we said uh uh, but when we saw the rouge we were excited,” said Bailey.
She danced at several casinos when the property closed including the Flamingo and the Dunes.
She later married Dr William “Bob” Bailey who was the first commissioner of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission
He was instrumental in the signing of the Moulin Rouge Agreement in 1960, which ended segregation on the strip.
The pair had two children who still live in Las Vegas. Kimberly Bailey Tureaud and Attorney John Bailey.
Bailey was honored this month at the Las Vegas Black Image Honors for her contributions to Las Vegas.
She will turn 99 this summer.
“It feels good. I’m glad that I can make it because a lot of my friends are gone even some of the girls that I work with.to be able to think a little bitI like being 99”
