Oklahoma Sit-In Participants Inspire OCU Students

Firsthand accounts of the civil rights movement shared with college students

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Participants of the historic Katz Drugstore sit-in in Oklahoma City shared their personal experiences of the civil rights movement with students at Oklahoma City University. The panelists, including members of the Clara Luper Legacy Committee, described the courage and risks they took to demand equal treatment, inspiring the next generation to carry on the fight for justice.

Why it matters

The sit-in movement in Oklahoma City was a pivotal moment in the civil rights struggle, helping to break down barriers of segregation. By sharing their firsthand accounts, the panelists ensured this important history is not forgotten and continues to motivate young people to stand up for equality.

The details

During the annual Lessons in Leadership panel at OCU, students heard from Ruth Rolfe, Joyce Jackson, and Joyce Henderson - all of whom participated in the Katz Drugstore sit-ins led by civil rights icon Clara Luper. The panelists recounted walking into businesses where they were unwelcome, risking arrest as they demanded to be served, and finding strength in Luper's guidance to not be afraid.

  • The Katz Drugstore sit-ins took place in Oklahoma City in the late 1950s.
  • The Lessons in Leadership panel featuring the sit-in participants was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Clara Luper

A civil rights leader who organized and led the Katz Drugstore sit-in movement in Oklahoma City.

Marilyn Luper-Hildreth

The daughter of Clara Luper, who participated in the civil rights movement.

Danielle Pullen

The director for the office of diversity and inclusion at Oklahoma City University.

Avony Green

A Clara Luper scholar at Oklahoma City University.

Ruth Rolfe, Joyce Jackson, and Joyce Henderson

Participants in the Katz Drugstore sit-in movement in Oklahoma City.

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What they’re saying

“You really have to know what it's like at that time to be involved with this kind of movement.”

— Ruth Rolfe, Sit-in participant (koco.com)

“When I was a child, we could not live northeast of 8th Street. We could not drink out of any water fountains, except those earmarked colored.”

— Marilyn Luper-Hildreth, Sit-in participant (koco.com)

“I'll have to tell you that I was one of the students that couldn't wait to go to jail.”

— Joyce Jackson, Sit-in participant (koco.com)

“When you start talking about the experiences we had and had the opportunity to be a part of the sit-in movement, I tell people that's something that is priceless.”

— Joyce Henderson, Sit-in participant (koco.com)

“Learned more about the struggles that Ms. Luper went through, so I can be as educated as possible for all the people who sacrificed to get me in this position I'm in today.”

— Avony Green, Clara Luper scholar (koco.com)

What’s next

The Clara Luper Legacy Committee plans to continue sharing the stories of the civil rights movement with future generations of students at Oklahoma City University.

The takeaway

By hearing firsthand accounts of the courage and sacrifice of the Oklahoma City sit-in participants, OCU students were inspired to carry on the fight for equality and justice, ensuring this pivotal moment in history is not forgotten.