Community invited to design session for Clara Luper Civil Rights Center

Community members are invited to participate in a listening session aimed at shaping the future design of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center. MAPS 4 allocated $17.1 million for the design and construction of the building at NE 25th St. and Martin Luther King Blvd. This initiative aims to transform Oklahoma City's understanding of civil rights history, positively impacting the future of northeast Oklahoma City and the broader community. 

This event is scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd St. 

During this session, residents will have the opportunity to engage with the operator and design team. They can delve into community history, make suggestions and share their visions for the future, all of which will play a vital role in shaping the project's design. 

The center will be overseen by the Freedom Center of Oklahoma City, a nonprofit organization committed to educating, empowering and enlightening communities about the civil rights movement in Oklahoma. 

“We look forward to this opportunity to hear directly from community members as we begin the design process for the MAPS 4 Clara Luper Civil Rights Center,” said Christina Beatty, project director at Freedom Center of Oklahoma City. “Engaging with our community is critical for building a center that not only honors the past, but remains relevant today and for future generations, cultivating a sense of belonging for all who visit.” 

The project holds deep significance, honoring the legacy of Clara Luper and highlighting the pivotal role of local efforts in the national movement to end segregationist policies. The new facility will feature interactive civil rights exhibitions, spaces for community gatherings and educational programming. 

The project team also includes The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, which has commenced site work and demolition of the old post office at 1930 NE 24th St. Construction of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center is slated to begin next year.