The Corazon of Barrio Logan- The Murals of Chicano Park

Chicano Park’s location is both a blessing and a curse for the community. Situated under the Coronado Bridge, it is almost entirely hidden from view. However, the pillars that puncture the park allow for a sight you can’t find anywhere else.

On the pillars are murals that serve as visual representations of struggles the Latino community has faced, as well as tributes to some of the biggest activists for Chicano rights.

Most of Chicano Park’s struggles are not widely known, and without many literary works being published about the park, its struggles remain largely invisible to the wider community. Chicano activist Herman Baca said Chicanos have been historically nonexistent to politicians and policy makers in San Diego. They were believed to not hold any political power, he said.

“Back then we were seen as a little minute minority, not like today,” Baca said. “We were known as the invisible, the forgotten.”

However, by just gazing at one of the many obelisk-sized paintings, a passerby can learn something about Latino culture. The Historical Mural is one of the few that isn’t painted on a pillar, but rather on the freeway exit. This wider space allows for a piece brimming with historical significance. Bordered with over 20 historical figures, such as Baca and Frida Kahlo, it tells the story of not just the Park but also Chicano culture.

The Historical Mural’s many faces are painted in its upper portion to act as protectors of the current generation. Under the guardian angels of Chicano history are depictions of major events the local community has had to endure. The painting of a Coors beer can with the words “Chale con Coors” (boycott Coors), illustrates the boycott of Coors in 1968 due to the companies racist hiring practices against Chicanos at the time.

“Unless we write our own history, it will not be written or told,” said Professor Alberto Pulido, vice chair of the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center.

Another mural, ¡Varrios Si, Yonkes No! (Neighborhoods Yes, Junkyards No!), depicts the moment residents of Barrio Logan decided to stand up against the junkyards surrounding the neighborhood. The junkyards became a major issue after a stack of crushed cars fell into a residents backyard.

The simplicity of the design is based on a flyer that was used to rally the community during this time period. Its effectiveness lies within its artistic rendition of the poster. Instead of creating a whole new design, it utilizes historical documents in its favor. While some of the murals use historical figures or events as templates, other murals apply symbols to signify an idea.

Many of the murals decayed over the years. Victims of the passage of time and the elements. This led to a revitalization of the murals nearly two decades later. While some were simply repainted with fresh layers, others had different symbols, ideas and faces painted on them while still retaining the original concept.

“The artists received a grant of around $1.6 million to restore 20 of the more antiquated and older murals,” said local muralist and activist Salvador Barajas.

The mural of Quetzalcoatl The Prophecy,  the feathered serpent deity of Mayan culture, was the first collaborative piece for the community. Hundreds of residents from Barrio Logan came together to bring color to the lifeless walls of the freeway entrance with their own paintings. A small group of muralists later helped join the individual paintings. The final result was a culmination of multiple ideas that are interpreted as unity and balance.

The yin/yang, swastika, and flag of the United Farm Workers are layered into the murals, illustrating the idea of unity, harmony and balance. Originally the swastika was a symbol of divinity and spirituality in Eurasian cultures and Indian religions before it was appropriated by the Nazis. Surrounding these symbols are a Mayan princess and prince as well as Mayan deities, symbolizing that these gods protect and watch the park.

The murals of Chicano Park are more than just art projects; they are a documentation of Chicano history. They are like unsung heroes, hardly recognizable to many, but cherished by the members of Barrio Logan. The resurrection of the murals and dedication to keep them alive is proof of the resilience of Chicano Culture. Their spirit and undying will is as strong as it ever was.