STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

This Day in Black History: Aug. 19, 1958

NAACP Youth Council begins sit-ins at Katz Drug Store lunch counter in Oklahoma City on Aug. 19, 1958.

The NAACP Youth Council began a sit-in the Katz Drug Store lunch counter in Oklahoma City on Aug. 19, 1958, to protest whites-only seating at the establishment.
Led by Clara Luper, a high school teacher, and her students, the sit-in was as one of the first to garner national attention. Their efforts proved successful because shortly after the sit-in began the store owner agreed to integrate the lunch counter.
The group continued to protest other restaurants in Oklahoma City and was integral to integrating many others across the Midwest over the years.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

(Photo: Courtesy of The Oklahoma Historical Society)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.