Community Mourns Loss of Labor Leader Kent Wong, 69, Dies

UPDATE: Kent Wong, a towering figure in labor and immigrant rights, has passed away at the age of 69 from cardiopulmonary failure. His death on October 8, 2023 has sent shockwaves through communities across Los Angeles and the nation, as leaders remember his unwavering commitment to the protection of immigrant workers.

Wong was a fifth-generation Chinese American whose influence spanned California and beyond. He was not only the former director of the UCLA Labor Center but also a professor of labor studies and Asian American studies. His work championed the rights of immigrant workers, advocating for protections that were once considered unpopular.

As of his passing, Wong was actively involved in 14 labor and immigrant-related projects. His recent achievements included guiding the establishment of new labor research centers at five University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego. This expansion joins existing facilities at UC Merced and UC Berkeley, further strengthening labor research in the state.

“I worry about what the future’s going to be like without him,” said David Sickler, former regional director of the AFL-CIO. “I am concerned for the many movements that he’s been a part of.”

Wong’s influence was profound. He was known for his calm demeanor and strategic thinking, traits that helped advance crucial labor rights, especially for undocumented workers. His advocacy extended internationally, having previously facilitated agreements between labor councils in Shanghai and Beijing, promoting shared labor standards and conditions.

In his local community, Wong’s efforts were equally impactful. He organized a massive nonviolence training session for approximately 1,400 activists in response to ICE raids in Los Angeles earlier this year. His dedication to nonviolent resistance was a cornerstone of his activism, which he taught alongside civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson at UCLA.

Wong’s absence leaves a significant void. “Those centers are in their infancy,” Sickler emphasized, expressing concerns that without Wong’s guidance, these initiatives may struggle to thrive amidst ongoing political pressures.

“At the heart of everything Kent did was his unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting immigrant workers,” stated California state senator Maria Elena Durazo, highlighting Wong’s legacy.

Wong’s contributions to labor movements were numerous; he served as vice president of the California Federation of Teachers and founded the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance. His work was characterized by a spirit of inclusivity and respect, even towards his opponents, making him a unique figure in today’s often polarized political landscape.

Friends and colleagues remember Wong not only for his professional achievements but also for his warm personality, love of good food, and deep commitment to his family. His passing is a significant loss to the labor and immigrant rights communities, leaving many to ponder the future of the movements he cherished.

The legacy of Kent Wong will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of activists. As labor and immigrant rights leaders reflect on his contributions, they face the urgent challenge of carrying forward the vision he championed. The fight for immigrant rights and labor justice in Los Angeles and beyond will persist, even as the community mourns the loss of a giant.