Remembering civil rights activist Clara Luper

Clara Luper, one of the most well-known civil rights activists in the United States, died Wednesday night in Oklahoma City. Clara was 88. She was well known for her non-violent protests and is credited for the development of the sit-in.

Clara Luper was the first black student to enrol in the history department at Oklahoma University. She taught American History for 41 years in Oklahoma City schools.

In 1958 she took a group of black students to New York City so they could experience, for the first time, equal treatment in public places. When they returned to the segregated Southern states, a youth council group and Clara decided to change the way restaurants treated black people. With 13 children from ages 6-13, Clara directed the famous sit-in at Katz Drug in downtown Oklahoma City. The children were covered in spit, catsup, and hot grease; cursed at; and punched and kicked. Despite this, one child was eventually served, and doors opened for equality for black people in restaurants.

Clara stressed the importance of self-respect and the non-violent activism of Martin Luther King, Jr. She remained an active part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Clara Luper will be remembered for paving the way for black Oklahomans to be free, and will forever remain a positive influence to black communities around the world.

Teasha Bayles