African American Elks. Covington native Benjamin F. Howard (1860-1918) was co-founder, with Arthur J. Riggs of Shelbyville, of the first national African American Elks organization, called Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World. Chartered in Ohio, 1899; Howard elected as first Grand Exalted Ruler. Covington's Ira Lodge No. 37 formed in early 1900s. Presented by City of Covington and Kentucky African American Heritage Commission.