THE CLARA LUPER LEGACY

CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST

2012.201.B0366B.0546 Oklahoma Publishing Company Collection, Oklahoma Historical Society, July 4, 1964.

The 62nd Anniversary of the Sit-In Movement - Dedication Video

Video Program:

Moderator: Joyce Jackson - Editor/Publisher of SHADES magazine

• Tribute in Music: Jahruba and the Jahmystics - "Clara Luper"

• Invocation: Reverend John A. Reed, Jr.

• Opening Selection: Kirk Franklin and choir - "Lift Every Voice and Sing"*

• Welcome and Occasion: Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Clara Luper Legacy Committee

• Greetings: David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City

• Honoring the Movement: Rep. Kendra Horn, 5th District

• Spoken word poetry: Tinasha LaRayé - "13 Cokes and a Side of Freedom"

• Clara Luper Legacy Exhibit Tour: Chyna McMoore, Theoni Williams, and Nala Tippett

• Tribute to Clara Luper: Dr. Bob Blackburn, Executive Director OHS

• Saxophone Selection: AnnEtta Booze - "Amazing Grace"

• Recognition of Original 13, Commandoes, and all Sit-Inners: Larry Jeffries

• Solo: Cornelius Anderson - "His Eye is on the Sparrow"

• Keynote Speaker: Rev. Amos Brown, Pastor of Third Baptist Church, San Francisco, California and Chairman of Religious Affairs of NAACP

• The Future: Amaya Harris, BLM/YLO

Jabee Williams, Clara Luper Legacy Committee

• Closing Remarks: Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Clara Luper Legacy Committee

• Closing Song: Morehouse College - "We Shall Overcome"*

• Closing Prayer: Minister Gwenda Roberts

Thanks to the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Tower Theatre.

*Kirk Franklin's "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - courtesy of Spirit Power Worship

*Morehouse College's "We Shall Overcome" - courtesy of Kortland Whalum

A BRIEF HISTORY

The story of Oklahoma City's leading civil rights activist

2012.2012.B1439.0757 Oklahoma Publishing Company Collection, Oklahoma Historical Society

Marilyn Luper Hildreth

In order to understand where we are going, we must understand where we have been. It is our responsibility to tell the story of the Oklahoma civil rights movement. My mother, Clara Luper, loved and was totally involved in her community. She believed all children could learn and referred to them as her diamonds. She always dreamed of a better day. And would say to us, "I want you to go to places I have never been and dream dreams I have never had." I would often ask her after a demonstration when people would spit on us, kick us, laugh, and call us names, "Do I have to love these people?" She would say, "You have no choice. You must love your enemies as you love yourself."

About Us

The Clara Luper Legacy Committee works to support the sit-in and civil rights movement, Oklahoma, and the nation.

We are here to educate and
to keep the story of educator and activist, Clara Luper, alive.