On August 19, 1958, a series of sit-ins took place at lunch counters in Oklahoma City, marking a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement. This action was part of a broader movement of nonviolent protests that aimed to challenge racial segregation, particularly in public spaces like restaurants and lunch counters.

The sit-ins in Oklahoma City were initiated by a group of African American college students. They sought to desegregate the lunch counters at various stores, such as Katz Drugstore, which were traditionally reserved for white customers. The protesters, mostly young people, sat at the counters and refused to leave when asked, maintaining a peaceful presence in an act of civil disobedience.

This event was inspired by similar sit-ins that had occurred earlier, especially the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins in North Carolina. While the Oklahoma City sit-ins did not immediately result in desegregation, they contributed to the momentum of the national civil rights movement and helped to highlight the injustices of segregation in public spaces. Over time, the persistence of such protests helped to bring about significant changes in laws and attitudes toward racial segregation in the United States.

The Oklahoma City sit-ins were an important moment in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the power of nonviolent resistance and setting the stage for further actions across the country.