New Logan Heights Elks Lodge murals depict African American, Chicano music icons and community leaders

In the heart of San Diego’s Logan Heights neighborhood, a compelling visual tribute has emerged on the walls of the Clementine McDuff Elks Lodge #598, capturing the rich cultural and musical heritage of the area’s African American and Chicano communities. This large-scale mural project, recently unveiled, celebrates local musicians and civil rights figures who have profoundly shaped the neighborhood’s identity.

The Elks Lodge, situated near the bustling intersection of Commercial Street and Hensley Avenue, stands as a historical landmark within Logan Heights. It played a significant role during the segregation era as a stop on the Chitlin' Circuit, a network of venues that welcomed Black artists at a time when mainstream establishments barred them. Musicians such as Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, and local legends like George Semper graced its stage, embedding the lodge deeply into San Diego’s musical narrative.

Muralist Mario Torero, a founding artist of San Diego’s renowned Chicano Park and a native of Logan Heights, has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Drawing on his personal experiences growing up in the segregated Black section of the city and his history as a performer who once opened for Etta James at the lodge, Torero has helped shape a visual homage that intertwines art, history, and community memory.

The murals depict an array of influential figures from the neighborhood’s vibrant jazz, soul, and garage band scenes, highlighting their contributions to the evolution of Imperial Avenue’s music culture. This artistic endeavor extends beyond mere celebration; it aims to educate current and future generations about the struggles and triumphs of those who paved the way in an era marked by racial division.

Complementing the musical focus, the lodge also honors its connection to the San Diego Original Black Panther Party. A tribute painted by a visiting aerosol art crew adorns the building’s Commercial Street-facing wall, acknowledging the lodge’s ongoing role as a community hub. The Elks Lodge and the Black Panther Party have collaborated on initiatives such as food distribution, reflecting a shared commitment to local empowerment and social justice.

Renard “Hawk” Hilliard, a member of both the Elks Lodge and the Black Panther Party, underscores the significance of the lodge as a rare inclusive venue for Black entertainers during the mid-20th century. Established at its current site since 1955, the lodge has been a steadfast institution supporting artistic expression and community cohesion in Logan Heights for over a century.

The mural project, which remains in progress, has taken on additional poignancy following the recent passing of Daniel Davis, a leader within the Elks Lodge. Plans are underway to incorporate tributes to him and other prominent members into the mural’s design, enriching the narrative of community leadership and resilience.

Funded through grants from the Prebys Foundation and the California Arts Council, the murals are part of the broader Imperial Avenue Legacy Project. This initiative seeks to revitalize the arts in the area while preserving the historical and cultural legacies that define the neighborhood.

Through these vivid murals, the Clementine McDuff Elks Lodge continues to serve as a beacon of artistic celebration and historical remembrance. By documenting the neighborhood’s musical past and ongoing community activism, the project aspires to inspire a renewed sense of pride and unity among residents and artists alike, reinforcing Logan Heights as a vital node of cultural heritage in San Diego.