Thousands Celebrate Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza Dedication

UPDATE: Thousands of community members gathered in downtown Oklahoma City on November 1, 2023, to celebrate the dedication of the Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza, commemorating a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This event marks a significant recognition of Clara Luper’s enduring legacy and the courage of the original 13 students who bravely challenged segregation.

The plaza, located at North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street—the historic site of the Katz Drug Store sit-in on August 19, 1958, features a striking 4-ton bronze lunch counter. The sculpture depicts realistic, life-sized figures of the original sit-inners, alongside Luper and a Katz employee, immortalizing their courageous act that led to the desegregation of the store just three days later.

At the dedication ceremony, attendees were treated to performances by local choirs and heartfelt speeches from notable figures, including Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Clara Luper’s daughter, who shared her emotional connection to the event. “For so long, this moment in Oklahoma City has been overlooked in the history books, yet it helped change the nation,” Luper Hildreth stated. “This sculpture ensures that future generations will remember that ordinary young people, acting together, can create extraordinary change.”

The project was a labor of love, taking four years to complete under the guidance of StudioEIS, a renowned sculpture and design firm based in Brooklyn, New York. Founder Elliot Schwartz emphasized the collaboration involved, saying, “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.”

John Kennedy, the project developer, highlighted the plaza’s significance, stating, “The 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.”

The dedication was made possible entirely through private donations from various organizations, including the American Fidelity Foundation and the Chickasaw Nation, among others. This community-driven effort demonstrates a collective commitment to preserving this crucial chapter in American history.

As the ceremony concluded, guests were invited to explore the plaza and engage with the inspiring sculptures, ensuring that the legacy of Clara Luper and the Civil Rights Movement continues to resonate with all who visit.

This historic dedication not only honors the past but also serves as a reminder that individuals can inspire significant change. The Clara Luper National Sit-in Plaza stands as a powerful symbol of courage, unity, and the ongoing struggle for equality.