The Freedom Center of OKC Launches The Clara Luper Distinguished Speaker Series

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Freedom Center of Oklahoma City announces the launch of its inaugural program, the Clara Luper Distinguished Speaker Series, a new initiative to engage community members and bring people together to bridge history with the present, fostering learning, connection, and a shared vision for a world without racism and bigotry.
The 2026 series theme is “Lest We Forget”, calling us all to remember the struggles, stories, and sacrifices of the Civil Rights Movement, not out of nostalgia, but out of responsibility.
“This theme honors truth, challenges erasure, and explores how memory fuels modern movements,” said Jordan Broiles, Programs Manager at the Freedom Center, and the creator of the Clara Luper Distinguished Speaker Series.
With the inaugural event set for 6:00 p.m. on March 30 at the Metro Tech District Center Auditorium, 1900 Springlake Drive, the evening promises to be one of dialogue and reflection with the focus on exploring Clara Luper’s memoir “Behold the Walls.”
The event will be moderated by the commemorative edition’s editor, Dr. Karlos Hill, and will feature panelists who are closest to the story, including Clara’s daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth; Dr. Nancy L. Davis, the daughter of civil rights pioneer Nancy Randolph Davis; and Susan Porter, the youngest daughter of Oklahoma’s first African American senator, E. Melvin Porter.
This program is a prelude to the variety of offerings planned for the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, expected to open late 2027. Throughout this year, future installments of the Speaker Series will expand the conversation to include speakers from across the country who reflect the longstanding mission, work, and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement.
Sponsored by Metro Tech, Paycom, and Oklahoma City Community Foundation, this event is free and open to the public. Registration is now available. Participants are strongly encouraged to reserve their seats at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/QYCyjQFwyK
About the Freedom Center of Oklahoma City
The Freedom Center of Oklahoma City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to educate, empower, and enlighten our nation to reflect on the past, present, and future of the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma. As caretakers of the historic Freedom Center building, we develop facilities and programs to preserve our history and work towards a world without racism and bigotry.
About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that works with individuals, families, and organizations to benefit our community now and in the future. Together, we strive to make the greatest impact in our community. To join us or learn more about our work to maximize charitable funds, visit occf.org.
Contact: Joyce Hishaw-Willis, info@freedomcenterokc.org