Oklahoma City unveils sculpture honoring 1950s sit-ins against segregation
By Dacoda Wahpekeche
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — Oklahoma City has taken a significant step in commemorating the 1950s protests against segregation with the installation of a new sculpture depicting the historic sit-ins led by Clara Luper.
Clara Luper was a historical figure in Oklahoma, who led protests against segregation at Robinson and Main streets in downtown Oklahoma City during the 1950s.
Marilyn Luper, daughter of Clara Luper and a participant in the sit-ins, expressed her excitement about the sculpture’s completion.
“This is a dream come true,” Marilyn said.
Marilyn, her brother Calvin and others participated in the Katz Drug Store sit-ins, and now Marilyn sees herself depicted in the sculpture, which brings back memories of that time.
“I feel good on the inside,” Marilyn said.
The sculpture, made of 8,000 pounds of bronze, required a crane to be placed in its permanent location.
“It brings back memories. It feels good, because I can see the change in this nation,” Marilyn said. “I just wish that my mother could have lived to see this day because she would have been so happy.”
Clara Luper’s statue is not yet in place, but it is expected to be completed by Nov. 1.
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