Filipino American History Month Awards
Happy Filipino American History Month! 2024 was filled with moments of joy, community and celebrating our histories, the present, and future. SIPA’s impact in the community continues to be amplified through awards and celebrations that we’re so thankful for!
The City of Los Angeles was lit up for FAHM Pinay style, for all of SoCal to see! At the event SIPA was honored for their contributions to Filipino American history alongside Vickie Rollins of LADMC, Chef Lord Maynard of Kuya Lord, and artist Apl De Ap of the Black Eyed Peas.
”Maraming Salamat to the City of LA, Mayor Karen Bass, Miguel Sangalang, Commissioner Susana Reyes, and City Contoller Kenneth Mejia . Thank you to the staff of SIPA for the work you do every day in serving our youth, families and community of Historic Filipinotown and LA. Thank you to the board for lifting us up. Salamat to the community for the love. It means a lot. Congratulations to the committee making this event a success and celebratory every year,” shares Kimmy Maniquis, Executive Director of SIPA.
This year, Advancing Justice Southern California also honored our very own Eddy Gana, at the 41st Gala with the Ileto Courage Award for their dedication to healing communities, artistic contributions and advocacy for transgender and nonbinary family.
Kimmy Maniquis presented the award with her friend Ellen Swing, wife of John Eric Swing, Kimmy’s predecessor and Executive Director of SIPA who we lost to COVID in 2020; and was the inaugural recipient of the Ileto Courage Award.
“So much appreciation to the Ileto Family for 25 years of relentless advocacy in the hate crimes arena, and to Connie Chung Joe and AJ SoCal for recognizing Eddy’s contributions and for including SIPA in the celebration. Congratulations to Fritz Friedman for being honored with the Public Image Award for the decades of community advocacy.” shares Kimmy Maniquis.