Bring stability back to the community

​​​Eric “E‑Wash” Washington was a respected Southern California community organizer, public servant, and violence‑intervention leader whose work centered on anti‑gun‑violence advocacy, community healing, and mentorship for Black and Brown youth. A proud graduate of Grambling State University, a historically Black university in Grambling, Louisiana, Eric was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. His commitment to service, leadership, and brotherhood shaped the way he showed up for his community every day.

 

Eric served as a Community Engagement Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), where he played a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships with the Watts Gang Task Force and the Watts Rising Collaborative. His public‑service career also included work as a Field Deputy for California Assemblymember Mike Gipson and former Los Angeles City Councilmember Joe Buscaino, positions through which he amplified community voices and advanced neighborhood‑driven solutions.

 

Tragically, Eric was killed on July 4, 2026, at just 37 years old, after courageously stepping in to de‑escalate a dispute in Compton, California. His death was a profound loss for the communities he served. In recognition of his impact, HACLA and its nonprofit partner established awards in his honor, ensuring that his legacy of service, mentorship, and violence prevention leadership continues to inspire future generations.