Thousands Honor Civil Rights Legacy at Clara Luper Plaza Dedication

UPDATE: Thousands gathered in Oklahoma City on November 1 to celebrate the dedication of the new Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza, honoring a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This historic ceremony marks a significant recognition of the courageous act performed by Clara Luper and 13 student activists on August 19, 1958, when they staged a sit-in at the Katz Drug Store, challenging segregation and inspiring nationwide activism.

The dedication featured a striking art installation at the former Katz location on North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street, showcasing a 4-ton bronze lunch counter with life-sized depictions of Luper and the original sit-inners. This powerful tribute symbolizes the enduring fight for equality and serves as a reminder of the impact that young activists can have on society.

Among the attendees were family members of the original sit-inners, including Marilyn Luper Hildreth, who emphasized the importance of remembering this moment: “For so long, this moment in Oklahoma City has been overlooked in the history books, yet it helped change the nation,” she stated. As a child of just ten years old, she sat at the Katz counter, and she expressed that her mother would have been proud to see such a tribute.

“This sculpture ensures that future generations will remember that ordinary young people, acting together, can create extraordinary change,” added Hildreth.

The dedication ceremony featured performances from local choirs and remarks from key figures including Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Rev. Dr. Lee Cooper Jr.. John Kennedy, a project developer, highlighted the community effort behind the plaza, stating, “We are proud to recognize the courage and vision of the original 13 sit-inners and their teacher, Ms. Luper.”

The artwork was created over four years by StudioEIS, an acclaimed New York-based firm, which emphasized the collaborative spirit that fueled the sit-in movement. “This project has been one of the most collaborative undertakings in our 50 years,” said Elliot Schwartz, founder of StudioEIS.

The plaza, funded entirely through private donations, represents a shared commitment to honoring civil rights history. Significant contributors included the American Fidelity Foundation, Chickasaw Nation, and the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, among others.

As the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to engage with the plaza and its sculptures, ensuring that the legacy of the sit-in movement continues to inspire future generations. This dedication not only commemorates a vital chapter in Oklahoma City’s history but also reinforces the message that collective action can lead to significant change.

The Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights, urging everyone to reflect on the lessons of the past and the power of unity. As we look forward, the plaza will serve as a gathering place for education and activism, perpetuating the spirit of change ignited by Luper and her fellow activists.