John Eric Swing, community leader
John Eric Swing ‑ a leader in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown who had worked with multiple community organizations serving the Filipino American community – died on June 28, 2020, of COVID-19 complications. He was 48.
He was the executive director of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), which is dedicated to Filipino American empowerment.
Swing was appointed after a yearlong nationwide search. He was excited to work on the redevelopment of SIPA’s headquarters, which looked to include a small-business center, community space and a cultural center. The project was years in the making, and Swing had hoped to see it through.
He had been a staff member at SIPA since 2015 and formed close relationships with coworkers. Eddy M. Gana Jr., who serves as SIPA’s mental health counselor,...