Katz Sit-In
The Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s was huge throughout the United States. Following the messages of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., many African Americans attempted to be heard in their demands for equality. This was nowhere more clear than in the messages sent by the sit-in at the Katz Drug Store.
In August 1958, Clara Luper, along with children from the NAACP Youth Council, walked into Oklahoma City's Katz Drugstore and sat down at the lunch counter. Being African American, they were refused service and told to leave. The protesters refused to leave, however, until they were served. They did not move, despite being spit on, cursed at, taunted, and having food and drink thrown at them. The police were kept on hand in case of any disorder, but the protesters left quietly at closing. They returned the next day, and after two days of their non-violent sit-in, the youth were served their drinks.
This action led the way to the desegregation of all 38 Katz lunch counter outlets, and before Luper ever had to set foot in Veazy's Drugstore across the street, they changed their policy, too. The most difficult battle ended up being with Brown's department store. The sit-in began in August of 1958 and continued - without stopping - until June of 1961. Ultimately, Brown's changed their policies, as well, solidifying the impact non-violent protests can have.
Return to Civil Rights
Return to African American Events/Topics
Return to History Topics