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Sammy Davis Jr.’s connection to Las Vegas wasn’t simply a professional one; it was a deeply personal relationship forged over decades of performing, battling prejudice, and finding a complicated home in the entertainment capital. Although celebrated for his dazzling talent as a singer, dancer, and actor, Davis’s story in Las Vegas is also one of navigating a segregated city and pushing for greater inclusion, even as he enjoyed unprecedented success. His impact on the city’s cultural landscape continues to resonate today.

Davis himself famously declared, “This town made me and there ain’t no doubt about it.” His rise in Las Vegas began in 1956, when Jack Entratter, the boss at the Sands Hotel, offered him a groundbreaking $25,000 a week – a testament to his growing star power. This initial success paved the way for a career intrinsically linked to the city’s glittering showrooms and evolving social dynamics. The story of Sammy Davis Jr. In Las Vegas is a compelling example of how entertainment and social change intersected during a pivotal era.

The Summit at the Sands and the Rat Pack Era

By 1960, Davis had turn into a central figure in what would become known as the Rat Pack, alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. Though Sinatra reportedly disliked the moniker, preferring to call the group “the clan,” the Rat Pack quickly became synonymous with cool, charisma, and a rebellious spirit. The group’s influence solidified during the filming of Ocean’s 11 in Las Vegas, culminating in what was dubbed the “Summit at the Sands.” This event wasn’t just a gathering of stars; it was a cultural moment that cemented their collective image and drew national attention to Las Vegas.

In 1963, Davis, Sinatra, and Martin joined forces again for “Three Coins in the Copa,” a highly successful performance at the Sands showroom. This collaboration further amplified their individual fame and solidified their status as Las Vegas headliners. However, Davis’s relationship with the Sands wouldn’t last indefinitely.

A Move to Caesars Palace and a Search for Intimacy

The sale of the Sands Hotel to Howard Hughes and the subsequent departure of Jack Entratter prompted Davis to move his performances across the street to Caesars Palace. Despite the move, Davis expressed a strong desire to remain at the Sands had Entratter still been in charge, stating he would have performed there “for nothing.” He spent a decade at Caesars Palace, but ultimately found the larger venue lacking the intimacy he preferred. He felt the Circus Maximus showroom was too expansive for the connection he sought with his audience.

Challenges and Triumphs: Health, Activism, and a Second Wind

The 1980s brought both professional opportunities and personal struggles for Davis. In 1983, there was considerable excitement surrounding a planned opening of a new arena near the UNLV campus featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. However, Davis was unwell at the time, and Diana Ross ultimately filled in for him at the opening of the Thomas and Mack Center. This marked a turning point, as Davis’s health began to decline due to years of alcohol and drug abuse, compounded by a heavy smoking habit – reportedly four packs of cigarettes a day.

Despite these challenges, Davis remained a vocal advocate for civil rights. He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. And actively raised funds for the NAACP, using his platform to fight for racial equality. He also insisted that his family be allowed to attend his shows, challenging the discriminatory practices prevalent at the time.

Davis experienced a resurgence in popularity later in his career, notably through a successful collaboration with Jerry Lewis at Bally’s, drawing large crowds and positive reviews. He continued to perform in Reno, where Bill Harrah, the owner of Harrah’s, was a devoted fan, even naming the showroom at Harrah’s Reno “Sammy’s.”

A Legacy Dimmed Too Soon

In 1989, Davis was diagnosed with throat cancer. He passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of sixty-four. In a moving tribute, the Las Vegas Strip dimmed its lights for ten minutes two nights later, a rare honor reflecting his profound impact on the city.

Describing Sammy Davis Jr. In just a few words, one account recalls the sentiment of a woman who attended his show at the Sands in 1964 after her wedding: “Once you’ve seen Sammy Davis, Jr., you don’t demand to see another show.” This simple statement encapsulates the captivating energy and undeniable talent that made him a legend in Las Vegas and beyond.

Sammy Davis Jr.’s story serves as a reminder of the complex history of Las Vegas, a city built on entertainment, ambition, and the ongoing struggle for equality. His legacy continues to inspire performers and activists alike, and his contributions to the cultural fabric of Las Vegas will not be forgotten. As we reflect on his life and career, it’s clear that his influence extends far beyond the bright lights of the Strip.

What lasting impact will Sammy Davis Jr.’s fight for racial equality have on the entertainment industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

New Delhi – Addverb Technologies unveiled Elixis-W, a wheeled humanoid robot, at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi on February 20, 2026, signaling a new phase in India’s industrial automation capabilities. The robot, described as India’s first Made-in-India wheeled humanoid, is designed for industrial use and represents a shift from structured automation to collaborative robotics, according to company officials.

Elixis-W was also showcased at LogiMAT India 2026, where it garnered attention from industry leaders and automation professionals. Jalaj Dani, Chairman of Addverb Technologies, stated the launch reflects the increasing strength of indigenous engineering and its role in shaping the future of Indian industry. The company intends for the robot to move humanoid robotics in India from conceptualization to practical application.

The robot is equipped with stereo depth cameras, 3D LiDAR sensors, and multimodal AI perception, enabling it to navigate complex spaces with accuracy, particularly within warehouse and industrial settings. Addverb Technologies’ Co-founder & CEO, Sangeet Kumar, highlighted the company’s evolution from addressing structured challenges in warehouses to building systems capable of operating safely alongside people in less predictable environments.

The development of Elixis-W positions India as an active contributor to advanced robotics, rather than simply following global trends. The robot’s unveiling comes as conversations across the automation industry center on productivity and the next phase of industrial growth. A LinkedIn post by Lovely Rajput highlighted witnessing the robot in action at the summit, describing it as the future of home assistance, though its primary focus remains industrial applications.

Addverb Technologies’ approach with Elixis-W is described as a practical step forward, rather than a purely demonstrative one. The company began by focusing on structured challenges in warehouses and factories, and has expanded to building systems for less predictable industrial environments. The robot’s development is intended to address the growing need for collaborative robotics in India’s industrial sector.

Basel’s famed Fasnacht celebrations began Monday, but the festivities were quickly shadowed by concerns over safety and inclusivity. While six people required medical attention during the Morgestraich, the official start of the carnival, a growing chorus of voices is questioning whether the traditional event provides a safe space for all participants. The JUSO beider Basel, the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party, issued a statement Monday criticizing the Fasnacht as unsafe for women, queer individuals, and people of color.

The JUSO argues that despite the Fasnacht Committee’s recently implemented code of conduct against discrimination, concrete protective measures remain insufficient. This isn’t a new concern; the organization has been calling for “binding steps for more accessibility and protection for all” for the past year. The criticism centers on the potential for harassment and violence, particularly during the “drey scheenschte Däg” (the three most stunning days) of the carnival.

According to the JUSO, women and queer individuals are disproportionately exposed to sexual harassment during the Fasnacht. They point to the increased potential for violence fueled by alcohol consumption and a perceived sense of impunity stemming from the anonymity and “Narrenfreiheit” (fool’s freedom) traditionally associated with the event. Specific examples cited include the deliberate stuffing of “Räppli” (small bags of treats) into the clothing of young women, creating opportunities for unwanted physical contact. “What is lacking is not the possibility – but the will to create a Fasnacht for all,” stated Aylo Hangartner, Vice President of JUSO BL, in the press release.

The situation is reportedly even more dire in Liestal, where the JUSO claims the local Fasnacht currently lacks any protective concept or support structures for those who experience discrimination or harassment. Janine Oberli, President of JUSO BL, characterized this as a deliberate prioritization of maintaining the event over ensuring the safety of all attendees. “Responsibility means protecting all participants, not just keeping the festival running,” she said.

The JUSO’s concerns extend beyond individual incidents to a broader critique of how tradition is used to normalize harmful behavior. Leon Bürgin, Co-President of JUSO BS, emphasized that looking the other way makes individuals complicit in perpetuating these issues. The organization is calling for a series of concrete measures to address these concerns, including the establishment of an awareness team, a 24/7 emergency hotline, clear consequences for discriminatory behavior, and a ban on costumes and group names deemed racist, sexist, or ableist.

These calls for change approach after the Fasnacht Committee published a guide against racism last year, as reported by SRF here. However, the JUSO argues that a guide alone is insufficient without accompanying structural changes.

The Badische Zeitung reported that the Fasnacht Committee does not see a systematic problem and has distanced itself from all forms of discrimination. However, the JUSO maintains that systemic issues require systemic solutions.

The debate over safety and inclusivity at the Basler Fasnacht highlights a broader tension between preserving tradition and ensuring a welcoming environment for all. The JUSO’s demands for concrete action are likely to fuel further discussion as the carnival continues. The organization plans to continue advocating for these changes in the coming year, pushing for a Fasnacht that truly lives up to its reputation as a celebration for everyone.

What remains to be seen is how the Fasnacht Committee and local authorities will respond to these criticisms and whether they will implement the changes demanded by the JUSO. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Basler Fasnacht can evolve to become a truly inclusive and safe event for all its participants.

Share your thoughts on the evolving conversation surrounding the Basler Fasnacht in the comments below.