Oklahoma City Unveils Massive Bronze Sculpture Commemorating Clara Luper Sit-In Movement

A significant 8,000-pound bronze sculpture commemorating the historic 1958 Oklahoma City sit-in movement led by Clara Luper was installed at the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza in downtown Oklahoma City. The sculpture, created by StudioEIS over four years, depicts Luper, her daughter, and the original 13 Black youths who challenged segregation at Katz Drug Store's whites-only lunch counter, marking a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Clara Luper's daughter and one of the original sit-inners, expressed that the bronze memorial ensures the legacy of young activists who effected extraordinary change will be remembered by future generations. The plaza and sculpture serve as a lasting tribute to the courage of these young activists and the broader fight for racial justice in America. Separately, in Okotoks, a beloved public art piece by Indigenous artist Rocky Barstad was restored and reinstalled after being stolen and damaged earlier this year, symbolizing community reconciliation efforts. Both stories highlight the importance of public art in preserving history and fostering community identity.