Black Greekdom Mourns the Death of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Eric Washington, an Advocate for Community Engagement and Violence Prevention

Black Greekdom is mourning the loss of Eric Washington, a Grambling State University alumnus and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., who was killed in a shooting in Compton, California, early on Saturday, July 4. Known to friends and community members as “E. Wash.,” Washington had built his life around public service.

News of his passing was shared by the Hub City Alphas of Compton, who mourned the loss of their brother in a statement posted to social media. “Eric was the embodiment of service, leadership, and brotherhood,” the chapter wrote, remembering him as “a mentor, peacemaker, friend, and a light to everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

Washington devoted his career to public service and to uplifting underserved communities. Through his work with California Assembly member Mike Gipson and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), he dedicated his life to creating opportunities for others, keeping him in the communities of Watts and Compton day after day.

A committed student, Washington earned an associate’s degree from El Camino Compton College and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Texas before completing a Master of Public Administration at Grambling State University. It was during his time at Grambling that he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., embracing a brotherhood built on scholarship and service.

As his chapter wrote, Washington truly lived the Alpha Phi Alpha motto, “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” His brothers noted that his life was taken far too soon by senseless gun violence, and they are honoring the legacy he leaves behind through the countless lives he touched.

As of this reporting, the shooting remains an active homicide investigation with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities have not released a motive or any suspect description, and no arrests have been made.

Watch The Yard sends its deepest condolences to Eric Washington’s family, friends, and the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha during this difficult time. Rest in power, Brother Eric “E. Wash.” Washington.