Welcome back to Standard Time, when the sun goes down before the evening TV news comes on. Let’s start your work week with the latest on the federal government shutdown, a look back at a special weekend event honoring Clara Luper, and a fascinating story my mother-in-law sent me from YouTube about a prison beauty school.

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By Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma officials said late Friday that a vote will be held Monday to give $1 million per week to Oklahoma’s food banks during the federal government shutdown, a fraction of what is needed.

Two federal judges ordered Friday that the Trump administration must continue providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps. The benefits are set to be cut off nationwide Saturday because of the federal government shutdown, affecting over 680,000 Oklahomans. 

Gov. Kevin Stitt, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow and Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said in a joint statement that the funding will be provided from the state emergency fund, which is currently at $7.8 million, for up to seven weeks and will prioritize support for the most vulnerable SNAP recipients. The plan is contingent on a lack of federal funding for SNAP during the shutdown, according to a news release. 

It was not immediately clear Friday how this plan would be affected by the orders from federal judges or how the funding would be divided between Oklahoma’s food banks. 

The vote will be held 5 p.m. Monday at a Contingency Review Board meeting. Stitt, Hilbert and Paxton are the only voting members on the board.  

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Thousands gathered in downtown Oklahoma City on Saturday to dedicate the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza, a permanent tribute to the Oklahoma City youth and teacher who ignited the nation’s sit-in movement.

On Aug. 19, 1958, the original 13 student members of the NAACP Youth Council, led by schoolteacher Clara Luper, participated in a sit-in at Katz Drug Store. That act of courage resulted in the desegregation of Katz stores and inspired a wave of sit-ins that propelled the Civil Rights Movement, advancing equal rights for all.

The newly dedicated art installation, located at North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street at the former Katz site, commemorates this historic moment with a 4-ton bronze lunch counter featuring realistic, life-sized depictions of the original 13 student “sit-inners,” Luper and a Katz Drug Store employee.

10 of the 13 original sit-in participants attended, marking one of the most significant gatherings in the past decade. Others who participated in subsequent sit-ins were also present. The dedication program included musical performances by local choirs and remarks from Clara Luper’s daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth; committee members the Rev. Dr. Lee Cooper Jr. and John Kennedy; Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt; and StudioEIS representative Elliot Schwartz.

“For so long, this moment in Oklahoma City has been overlooked in the history books, yet it helped change the nation,” said Luper Hildreth, who sat at the Katz counter at just 10 years old. “Seeing it honored in bronze, with such care and collaboration, would have meant the world to my mother. This sculpture ensures that future generations will remember that ordinary young people, acting together, can create extraordinary change.”

StudioEIS, an internationally acclaimed sculpture and design firm in Brooklyn, New York, spent four years creating the art installation, working directly with sit-inners to ensure authenticity. Oklahoma artist LaQuincey Reed helped sculpt Luper’s likeness, while celebrated sculptor Ed Dwight consulted on the design. The bronze was poured by Artworks Foundry in Berkeley, California, using the centuries-old “lost wax” technique.

“This project has been one of the most collaborative undertakings in our 50 years,” said Schwartz, founder of StudioEIS. “The final work reflects the same spirit of unity that powered the sit-in movement.”

At the close of the ceremony, sit-in participant and project committee member Joyce Henderson led the crowd in “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” an anthem sung by youth as they walked to participate in the sit-ins. Guests were then invited to experience the plaza and sculptures for themselves, including sitting on an empty mahogany seat in the middle of the lunch counter.

“The project represents a true community effort to honor the birthplace of the sit-in movement here in Oklahoma City,” said John Kennedy, project developer. “We are proud to recognize the courage and vision of the original 13 sit-inners and their teacher, Ms. Luper. May we never forget that we all have an opportunity to make a difference and that small actions can lead to big change.”

The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza was made possible entirely through private donations, with support from more than 30 Oklahoma families, foundations, corporations and tribal partners.

What is being dedicated?
The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza, a permanent public tribute to the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-in.

Where is it located?
North Robinson Avenue and West Main Street in downtown Oklahoma City, at the former Katz Drug Store site.

What does the installation include?
A 4-ton bronze lunch counter featuring life-sized depictions of the 13 student sit-inners, Clara Luper and a Katz Drug Store employee.

How many original sit-inners attended?
Ten of the 13 original participants, making it one of the most significant gatherings of sit-inners in the past decade.

Who created the artwork?
StudioEIS (Brooklyn, New York), with contributions from LaQuincey Reed and Ed Dwight. The bronze was poured by Artworks Foundry in Berkeley, California, using the lost-wax technique.

Was there public participation?
Yes. Guests were invited to experience the plaza and even sit in an empty mahogany seat at the counter.

How was the project funded?
Entirely through private donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and tribal partners.

Why is the 1958 sit-in significant?
The action led to the desegregation of Katz stores within three days and inspired sit-ins that advanced the Civil Rights Movement.

After serving time at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, Christie Luther didn’t just rebuild her own life — she created a path for hundreds of other women to do the same. She founded R.I.S.E. Program Inc., the first licensed cosmetology and barber school inside an Oklahoma women’s prison, giving incarcerated women not just a skill, but a future.

R.I.S.E. isn’t just about haircuts. It’s about mentorship, confidence, and dignity. Luther calls her students “sisters” and “friends,” and the impact shows: of 180 graduates so far, only one has returned to prison.

A new video from We The Builders spotlights Luther’s work as part of a series on everyday people transforming their hometowns through practical, human-sized solutions. The message: change doesn’t always start with policy — it starts with people.

Editor’s Note: If you find newsworthy content related to Oklahoma on YouTube or anywhere else, message me at [email protected].

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A hand-curated list of the best journalism from across the state:

• SNAP details are up in the air, despite court decisions and Oklahoma funds (KOSU)

• Food stamp freeze: These resources could help if you lost your benefits (Tulsa Flyer)

• Oklahoma lawmakers warn of deepening impact from federal shutdown (News 9)

• Oklahoma hospitals bracing for impact of Medicaid cuts in communities 'already at risk' (The Oklahoman)*

• Forecast bleak for mental health providers serving Tulsa area, across the state (Tulsa World)*

• Hundreds of new Oklahoma laws take effect Saturday (Oklahoma Voice)

• Edmond police say 3-year-old boy died after being found in pond at apartment complex (The Oklahoman)*

• 2 emergency responders, 1 volunteer killed in Hartshorne event accidents, officials confirm (News On 6)

• Former Corrections Director approved million dollar deal with AI company, then went to work for them (Oklahoma Watch)

• Tulsa Airport announces 4 new direct flights, with big projects progressing (Tulsa World)*

• Tulsa mayor wraps latest community conversations by focusing on neighborhood needs (Public Radio Tulsa)

• Oklahoma City announces new downtown New Year’s celebration (KOSU)

• Oklahoma union workers rally as Starbucks Workers United prepares to strike (KGOU)

• Tulsa Ballet’s ‘Giselle’ at Tulsa PAC among the best-ever productions of the classic ghost story (Tulsa Flyer)

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 to help keep Thunder undefeated (AP)

• Former Southmoore player Cam Little kicks longest field goal in NFL history for Jaguars (KOCO)

• Oklahoma native Jordan Baker was home plate umpire for World Series Game 7 (News 9)

• Oklahoma’s reigning high school football champs are winning at NIL too. How Bixby athletes are making extra cash. (Tulsa Flyer)

Beautiful, warm week ahead.

🌡️ Monday's high in OKC 75°
🌡️ Monday’s high in Tulsa 72°

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