OPINION: Writer learns about Clara Luper, Civil Rights movement

February was Black History Month. Unfortunately I went the entire month without learning a single thread of black history, except perhaps for a few snippets of information I found in my law textbooks. Fortunately, I was sort of called to repentance during the first days of March by Tinasha Williams, second year liberal arts graduate.

Williams brought up the name of Clara Luper, who admittedly I had never heard of.

Somewhat embarrassed, I declared my ignorance to Williams who responded with a statement of her respect for Luper and encouraged me to take the time to read about her. I did, and it may have changed my life, or at least my outlook on life.

As I read about Luper, I found her to be an amazing person. She basically started the famous diner sit-ins that helped to shape the peaceful Civil Rights movement, and she did so in downtown Oklahoma City.

How is it I had never heard of her?

The thing that touched me the most about this woman is how much of a role model and an influence she has been to this community. In 1950, Luper became the first black student in the University of Oklahoma’s history department and has for years since been a respected teacher in the community.

As I read comments and blogs that recounted personal experiences from her classroom, I realized that Luper’s influence transcended the history books and has had an immeasurable effect for good in the individual lives she has touched. Just reading about her touched my life.

The most important reason I can give to study black history is to connect with the people you’re reading about. When I read the records of Luper’s struggles and successes, I felt a deeper respect and understanding for her and for her race.

Today it seems America is pulling apart at the seams of politics, economics, morals and race. Some would like to claim that racism is over, but, in reality, our nation is still divided by cultural misconceptions and fear.

Understanding and respect are what we need to quench our fears and keep the fabric of this nation intact. In fact, I not only urge us all to read black history, but I also encourage everyone to read the early American history of all races. I’m confident that if we read the American history of early Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and others, we will develop a new level of respect and understanding these cultures.