Civil Rights Leader Clara Luper Honored In MAPS 4 Project

Oklahoma City is starting the design process for a Maps 4 project in the northeast part of the city.

Northeast Oklahoma City has a rich history, and it's still growing, according to Christina Beatty. 

“Well, we have a huge legacy here. We want to make sure it is well known on an even larger scale,” Beatty said.

With growth comes new developments.

“We are imagining approximately a 26,000 square foot building and we really are looking to devote about 3,000 square feet to exhibitions,” Beatty said.

Beatty said this center is honoring civil rights leader Clara Luper.

“She truly was a leader for this community helping young people to understand their potential and the possibilities in the world,” Beatty said.

The Clara Luper Civil Rights Center will be an educational resource and a place for community gatherings. It’s something Luper always dreamed of.

“As Blacks, we need to wake up to our potential. And as whites, we need to see the imaginary potential of our people and become involved in the experiences that are necessary to achieve these goals,” Clara Luper said.

The City said this project costs about $17 million.

“We've recently demolished the post office that was there. That's the general site where the building will be,” David Todd said.

The city is also considering turning a historic gas station into a cafe. This center will be at Northeast 25th Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Beatty says she's working on another project nearby at the Freedom Center.

“It was the home of the NAACP youth council for over 40 years. We're in the process of restoring that building now,” Beatty said.

The city along, with the Freedom Center, want to hear from people in the community about what they would like to see in the center. They’re hosting a listening session on October 12th at 6 p.m. at the Ralph Ellison Library.