Oklahoma City, January 8, 2026
Oklahoma City is set to unveil the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, a new museum and community hub aimed at celebrating the legacy of civil rights leader Clara Luper. The center will feature classrooms, event spaces, and exhibition areas dedicated to Luper’s contributions. Located near the Freedom Center, the center is part of a broader effort to enhance civic engagement and preserve civil rights history in the area.
New Clara Luper Civil Rights Center Set to Honor OKC’s Legacy
A Community Space to Celebrate Civil Rights in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is making strides with the introduction of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, a forthcoming museum and community hub aimed at acknowledging the immense contributions of civil rights leader Clara Luper. With a groundbreaking event expected this summer near the Freedom Center at the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and 25th Street, this project promises to enhance civic engagement and celebrate Oklahoma City’s rich history of civil rights activism.
The MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Committee recently evaluated the design proposals for this ambitious $18.1 million initiative. The center is set to include essential facilities such as classrooms for after-school and summer programs, an expansive event space for lectures and performances, exhibition areas dedicated to narrating Clara Luper’s remarkable life, and even a café. This robust community infrastructure aims to foster learning, discussions, and personal initiative—reflecting the values that Luper stood for throughout her life.
Background and Significance of Clara Luper
Clara Luper was instrumental in the civil rights movement, leading efforts to desegregate various public venues in Oklahoma. Under her guidance, the NAACP Youth Council conducted some of the earliest and most impactful sit-ins in the 1958 Katz Drug Store, making Oklahoma City one of the pioneering sites in the national movement against segregation. The new center not only honors this legacy but also aims to serve as an educational resource for future generations, ensuring that this critical chapter in American history is not forgotten.
Project Details and Timeline
The proposed Clara Luper Civil Rights Center will be strategically located adjacent to the Freedom Center, the longstanding headquarters for the NAACP Youth Council during the 1950s civil rights actions. Christina Beatty, the executive director of Freedom Center OKC, noted that the foundational work of the project is well underway. Following the upcoming subcommittee review, the final design plans will be submitted for approval by the Citizens Advisory Board and the City Council, with approvals anticipated in the forthcoming months.
Complementary Developments in the Area
In addition to the Civil Rights Center, Oklahoma City is also celebrating the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza. This dedicated site pays homage to Clara Luper and the dedicated students from the 1958 sit-in protest. Visitors to the Plaza can engage with a striking 16-foot bronze lunch counter complete with 15 life-size figures and an empty stool, encouraging reflection and dialogue about civil rights and social justice.
The initiatives are not only about honoring past achievements but also connecting Oklahoma City’s history with its urban landscape. The Clara Luper Corridor is a prominent streetscape improvement project that links the Oklahoma State Capitol complex to Northeast Oklahoma City, enhancing accessibility and walkability while incorporating public art and native landscaping. These developments showcase a vibrant commitment to community growth and civic responsibility.
Educational and Community Focus
The Clara Luper Civil Rights Center is structured to serve as both an educational hub and a community gathering space The inclusion of classrooms and event spaces fosters an atmosphere for continuous learning and community engagement, promoting a sense of initiative among residents. Through programs focused on civil rights history and current social issues, the center will enhance public understanding of civil rights, fostering a culture of respect and individual achievement.
Conclusion
The Clara Luper Civil Rights Center represents a vital step in commemorating civil rights progress in Oklahoma City. With a robust budget, comprehensive facilities, and supportive community infrastructure, this initiative has the potential to enrich civic engagement and education. Residents are encouraged to support this endeavor and participate in the ongoing dialogue about civil rights and community development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center?
The Clara Luper Civil Rights Center is a new museum and community space dedicated to honoring civil rights leader Clara Luper. It aims to highlight civil rights history and provide educational and community spaces in Oklahoma City.
Where is the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center located?
The center is located near the Freedom Center at Martin Luther King Avenue and 25th Street in Oklahoma City.
When is the groundbreaking for the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center?
A groundbreaking is anticipated this summer.
What facilities will the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center include?
The center will include classrooms for after-school and summer programs, a larger event space for lectures, performances, and other programming, exhibition areas, a lounge focusing on telling the story of Clara Luper’s life, a café, several lounges, and event spaces.
What is the budget for the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center?
The proposed budget for the center is $18.1 million.
What is the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza?
The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza is a dedicated space in downtown Oklahoma City honoring Clara Luper and the 13 students who led the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-in, one of the nation’s earliest civil rights protests. The site features a 16-foot bronze lunch counter with 15 life-size figures and an empty stool inviting visitors to reflect and engage.
What is the Clara Luper Corridor?
The Clara Luper Corridor is a multimillion-dollar two-mile streetscape project connecting the Oklahoma State Capitol complex with the historically African-American area of Northeast Oklahoma City. It includes improvements to walkability, public art installations, native landscaping, and mobility enhancements such as protected bike lanes and bus routes.
Who was Clara Luper?
Clara Luper was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, leading campaigns to desegregate public places and advocating for equal rights in Oklahoma. Her leadership in the 1958 sit-ins at Katz Drug Store and other establishments played a significant role in challenging segregationist policies and advancing civil rights in the state.
Key Features of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the Freedom Center at Martin Luther King Avenue and 25th Street in Oklahoma City |
| Facilities | Classrooms for after-school and summer programs, event space for lectures and performances, exhibition areas, lounge focusing on Clara Luper’s life, café, lounges, and event spaces |
| Budget | $18.1 million |
| Groundbreaking | Anticipated this summer |
| Related Projects | Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza, Clara Luper Corridor |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Oklahoma City Developments and Future Projects
