Thousands Celebrate Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza Dedication

On November 1, 2023, thousands gathered in downtown Oklahoma City for the dedication of the **Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza**, honoring a pivotal moment in American civil rights history. The plaza commemorates **Clara Luper**, a local schoolteacher and civil rights activist who, along with 12 other students, participated in a historic sit-in at **Katz Drug Store** on August 19, 1958. Their courageous act led to the desegregation of Katz stores within just three days and sparked a broader movement for equal rights across the nation.

The newly established plaza, located at **North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street**, features a striking art installation: a **4-ton bronze lunch counter** depicting life-sized figures of the original 13 student “sit-inners,” Luper, and a Katz Drug Store employee. This artwork is designed to ensure that future generations recognize the significance of their actions.

Community and Historical Impact

The dedication ceremony was marked by musical performances from local choirs and speeches from several prominent figures, including Luper’s daughter, **Marilyn Luper Hildreth**, and Oklahoma City Mayor **David Holt**. Hildreth expressed her pride in the recognition of her mother’s legacy, stating, “For so long, this moment in Oklahoma City has been overlooked in the history books, yet it helped change the nation. Seeing it honored in bronze, with such care and collaboration, would have meant the world to my mother.”

The event also featured remarks from project committee members, including the Rev. Dr. **Lee Cooper Jr.** and project developer **John Kennedy**. Kennedy emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “This project represents a true community effort to honor the birthplace of the sit-in movement here in Oklahoma City. We are proud to recognize the courage and vision of the original 13 sit-inners and their teacher, Ms. Luper.”

Artistic Collaboration and Funding

The bronze installation was crafted by **StudioEIS**, an internationally recognized sculpture and design firm based in Brooklyn, New York. According to **Elliot Schwartz**, founder of StudioEIS, the project took four years to complete, highlighting its collaborative spirit. “The final work reflects the same spirit of unity that powered the sit-in movement,” Schwartz noted.

Funding for the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza came entirely from private donations, with support from various entities, including the **American Fidelity Foundation**, the **Chickasaw Nation**, and the **Communities Foundation of Oklahoma**, among others. This collective effort underscores the community’s commitment to preserving the history of the civil rights movement and honoring those who fought for justice.

As attendees explored the plaza and its sculptures, they reflected on the vital role that ordinary individuals can play in enacting change. The dedication of the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza serves not only as a reminder of the past but also as an inspiration for future generations to take action against injustice.