The hard-won cultural legacy of Chicano Park continues through school projects.
Earlier this month, Spreckels Elementary School unveiled a mural, “Paws for Peace Pillars,” that was inspired by the colorful art that graces the Barrio Logan park. The homage was created by hundreds of students, ranging in age from kindergarteners to fifth graders.
“We have about 680 students, and we had practically every single one of them stamp a paw print on the mural because our mascot is a wildcat. [Which left] their mark on the mural, even if it’s just one little pawprint,” said Anna Sun, one of the organizers and a parent.
The school also participated in the KPBS One Book, One San Diego program, where classrooms read “Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park” by María Dolores Águila.
Fourth-grade teacher Lori Huntsman wanted to extend the students’ knowledge of living local history from the book to their mural.
“Having this peace pillar helps kids feel like they’ve contributed to the community. They’re connected to the community, and the hope is that they feel a sense of belonging because it’s representing ideas and symbols that are meaningful to them,” Huntsman said.
Story written by Fatima Gabir, Times of San Diego. Read entire article: https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2025/03/17/spreckels-elementary-unveils-chicano-park-inspired-mural/