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Oklahoma City Dedicates Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza at Historic Katz Site

A privately funded, four-year StudioEIS project installs a four-ton bronze lunch counter with life-sized figures honoring the 1958 sit-in that desegregated Katz stores.

Overview

  • Thousands attended the free public dedication on Saturday at Main Street and Robinson Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City.
  • Ten of the original 13 sit-inners joined Clara Luper’s daughter, city leaders, faith and civic organizers, and a StudioEIS representative for remarks and performances.
  • The installation stands at the former Katz Drug Store location at North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street.
  • The sculpture features a four-ton bronze lunch counter with realistic depictions of the 13 students, Clara Luper, and a Katz employee.
  • Organizers said the plaza was funded entirely by private donations from foundations, families, and organizations including the Chickasaw Nation, the Inasmuch Foundation, and Love's Travel Stops.