Clara Luper - Epilogue

As I look back over the years I realize that “Behold the Walls” is a rare narrative with unparalleled insights and truths about the Sit-In-Movement. 

It unravels the minds of the Sit-Inners, restaurant owners, and the general public unveiling an entirely new view of the Sit-Ins from actual participants.

It stimulates and nourishes your thinking about the Sit-In Movement.

The story portrays that matchless history of Faith, Strength, and Nonviolence by those who participated.

As I look back my veins and arteries seem to overflow with Courage, Dedication, Discipline, Determination, and Hard Work.

It gives Strength to the past, Faith to the present, and Hope for the future.

It is my wish that as you read “Behold the Walls,” you will realize that there were others (Blacks and Whites) who were truly unsung heroes.

Their names were written on the eternal pages of invisible history.

Although the story has often been overlooked, the story will stand erect through the years, clothed in full panoply of documented facts.

The energy, determination, and ambition of Freedom Hungry People must be applauded.

I am happy to tell them that I am looking forward to an unpredictable future.

I am not the kind of person who sits around and complains.  I know that I have made mistakes and I have learned from them.

I have been knocked down and while on my back I knew; if I could look up, I could get up.

My “daddy” taught me to work hard and do my job (no matter how small) so well that no one could do it better.  Then he would yell out…
“Whatever you do, don’t quit, just keep on Believing.
Believe in the stars when you can’t see them,
Believe in the Sun when it isn’t shinning,
Believe in the rain during extreme periods of drought, and
Keep on believing in a God that you have never seen.”

Although my daddy sleeps in yonder graves I still believe.  I believe in the Declaration of Independence.  I believe in the Constitution of the United States with its Amendments.  I believe in the lessons of Patriotism that I learned in Hoffman, Oklahoma.

My heart still feels great when I pledge allegiance to the United States flag, Songs like “My Country Tis’ of Thee’” still bring tears to my eyes.

I love America in spite of the Walls that I have seen.

Yes!  I recall the Walls of Segregation, Discrimination, and Hatred.

Yes!  I recall bitter memories, but I also have sweet memories of Blacks and Whites that have soothed my self esteem with their prayers, love, concern, and support.

Yes!  Yes!  I have traveled extensively all over the world.  I have traveled to Japan, Saipan, Guam and other places.

Yes!  I have spoken in Kindergarten classrooms, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Universities, Churches, groups, fraternities, sororities, and other groups.

Yes!  I have acquired over 550 trophies, honors, awards, and have accepted them on behalf of those who made the awards possible.

Yes!  I shall continue to be active in Civil Rights.  I am proud of the scholarships, awards, and honors established in my name. 

Yes!  I am proud to be a part of the organized efforts to orchestrate an African American Plaza on State Capital Grounds.

Finally, I want those who read my book to remember that I am a Black Woman, Born of America, born of her dreams and aspirations.