Thousands Honor Civil Rights Legacy at Clara Luper Plaza Dedication

UPDATE: Thousands gathered in downtown Oklahoma City today for the dedication of the Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza, a monumental tribute to the Civil Rights Movement. This significant event took place on November 1, 2023, commemorating the courageous actions of Clara Luper and the original sit-inners who fought for desegregation over six decades ago.

Clara Luper, a dedicated schoolteacher, played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights as a member of the NAACP Youth Council. On August 19, 1958, she led a group of 13 students in a sit-in at Katz Drug Store, a pivotal act that resulted in the desegregation of the establishment within three days. This courageous move not only marked a turning point in Oklahoma’s history but also ignited a national wave of sit-ins that propelled the Civil Rights Movement forward.

The newly unveiled plaza, located at North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street, features a striking 4-ton bronze lunch counter with life-sized sculptures of the original sit-inners, Luper herself, and a Katz employee. The installation stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of youth activism and community solidarity.

During the emotional dedication ceremony, attendees were treated to performances by local choirs and powerful speeches. Among those who spoke was Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Clara Luper’s daughter, who emphasized the importance of remembering this critical moment in history. “For so long, this moment in Oklahoma City has been overlooked in the history books, yet it helped change the nation,” she stated. “This sculpture ensures that future generations will remember that ordinary young people, acting together, can create extraordinary change.”

“The project represents a true community effort to honor the birthplace of the sit-in movement here in Oklahoma City,” said John Kennedy, project developer. “We are proud to recognize the courage and vision of the original 13 sit-inners and their teacher, Ms. Luper.”

StudioEIS, the acclaimed sculpture and design firm based in New York, took four years to create the installation. Founder Elliot Schwartz noted, “This project has been one of the most collaborative undertakings in our 50 years. The final work reflects the same spirit of unity that powered the sit-in movement.”

The plaza has been made possible through generous private donations from organizations including the American Fidelity Foundation, Chickasaw Nation, and many others committed to preserving this vital part of civil rights history.

As the dedication concluded, attendees were invited to explore the plaza and its meaningful sculptures, reinforcing the idea that community action can lead to monumental changes in society. The Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza not only honors the past but inspires future generations to continue the fight for equality.

This dedication is a crucial reminder of the power of collective action and the ongoing relevance of Clara Luper’s legacy in today’s world. As discussions around civil rights continue to evolve, the plaza stands as a beacon of hope and change in Oklahoma City.