LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — People from several groups joined the Las Vegas chapter of the National Action Network to protest near a popular Henderson mall Monday over a railroad display that had been in the mall.
The train display, done by the Las Vegas Garden Railway Society, was up at the Galleria at Sunset Mall from May 30 until July 5 when it was taken down following complaints of racism.
According to a news release from the National Action Network, “community members are outraged that a racist train display showing a Black man being prepared to be hung was tolerated and allowed at the mall for hundreds of children, families & community members to see.”
“I received this as a text from my mother and I was like, is this real? And she said yes,” said Tamika Shauntee, with the ACLU.
“I’m saddened to be here again on things we thought were over with lynching displays, Confederate flags, things that remind you of the past days of slavery,” said Bishop Bill H. McDonnell.
“I just need you to know that someone took time to make this, put it together, and put it in the mall,” said Michelle Maese, president of SEUI 1107. “And then women, children, families, everybody walked by hundreds of times and saw this.”
The National Action Network reached out to the Las Vegas Garden Railway Society two days ago but had still not heard back when they held the protest.
Robert Bush, president of the Las Vegas chapter, said they want a public apology or they will protest every future train display event.
“Until they come to the table, every train event that they have we will be there to shut it down.”
According to the railway society’s website, there are four events planned between now and the end of the year. 8 News Now reached out to the railway society but has yet to hear back.
The protesters have also called for the railway society to undergo cultural sensitivity training. Members from the National Action Network are supposed to meet with management from the Galleria and have requested that someone from the railway society be at the 2 p.m. meeting.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak Tweeted about the display around 2:20 p.m. Monday writing, “Racism has no home here in Nevada. This is completely unacceptable and our community deserves answers.”
Brookfield Properties, which owns the Galleria, issued this statement:
Thanks for reaching out. We are disgusted by this display. We took immediate action demanding the company remove it. While they were cooperative, we will not be working with them again. We are destination for the entire community and apologize to our customers and tenants who were rightfully offended by this.
Lindsay Kahn, director of public relations, Brookfield Properties
