Clara Shepard Luper: Champion of Civil Rights and Equality
(May 3, 1923 – June 8, 2011)
Introduction: Clara Shepard Luper was a remarkable civic leader, dedicated schoolteacher, and pioneering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Her enduring legacy is rooted in her leadership during the 1958 Oklahoma City sit-in movement, where she fearlessly challenged racial segregation. Luper’s tireless efforts in desegregating establishments and promoting equality left an indelible mark on the civil rights struggle.
The Oklahoma City Sit-In Movement: Clara Shepard Luper’s most iconic achievement occurred in 1958 when she, along with her young son, daughter, and members of the NAACP Youth Council, organized a series of meticulously planned nonviolent sit-in protests at downtown drugstore lunch counters in Oklahoma City. Their collective courage and commitment led to the successful overturning of segregation policies at these establishments. This historic sit-in served as a catalyst for subsequent protests in Oklahoma City between 1958 and 1964.
The Clara Luper Corridor: To honor her legacy, the Clara Luper Corridor was established, a streetscape and civic beautification project stretching from the Oklahoma Capitol area to northeast Oklahoma City. This project serves as a visual reminder of Luper’s contributions to civil rights and the enduring importance of her work.
Political Ambitions: In 1972, Clara Luper sought election to the United States Senate in Oklahoma. When questioned by the press about her ability to represent a diverse constituency, she responded with unwavering conviction: “Of course, I can represent white people, black people, red people, yellow people, brown people, and polka dot people. You see, I have lived long enough to know that people are people.”
National Impact and Challenges: Clara Shepard Luper’s influence extended beyond Oklahoma. She played a significant role on the national stage during the tumultuous 1960s civil rights movements. In a 2003 interview, she reflected on her challenges and motivations, stating, “My biggest challenge, I think, was within myself – to believe that I could continue in spite of conditions. My biggest challenge that I could continue without knowing where our next dollar was coming from. And the main challenge and the main satisfaction was knowing that someday we’d be able to do what my father, who was a veteran in World War I, was not able to do, and that was to enjoy the privileges of first-class citizenship.”
Passing and Memorial: On June 8, 2011, Clara Shepard Luper’s remarkable journey came to an end, but her legacy endures. Her passing was a profound loss, yet her contributions to civil rights continue to be celebrated through various memorials, educational initiatives, and ongoing struggles for equality.
Clara Shepard Luper’s life serves as a testament to the enduring power of determination and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a more just and equitable society. Her work in desegregating establishments and her commitment to equality have left an indelible mark on the ongoing fight for civil rights in the United States.