Kent Wong, a prominent community leader and former director of the UCLA Labor Center, passed away on October 8, 2023, at the age of 69 due to cardiopulmonary failure. A fifth-generation Chinese American, Wong dedicated his life to advocating for immigrant workers and labor rights, influencing policies and initiatives across California and beyond.
Wong’s extensive career included significant roles as a staff attorney for the Service Employees International Union and as vice president of the California Federation of Teachers. He played a pivotal role in founding the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and served as board chair for the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy. His work was characterized by a commitment to immigrant justice, a cause he championed throughout his life.
Legacy of Advocacy and Education
During his tenure at the UCLA Labor Center, Wong expanded the staff from three to 42 members, significantly enhancing the center’s capacity to support labor research and advocacy. With the backing of state Senator Maria Elena Durazo, Wong secured $15 million in state funding to establish a permanent facility for the center in Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park, strategically located near numerous labor union offices.
His recent initiatives included the creation of labor research centers at five University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego. These centers complement existing facilities at UC Merced and UC Berkeley, highlighting Wong’s commitment to fostering academic research on labor issues.
As news of his passing spread, colleagues and friends expressed profound grief and concern for the future of the projects he championed. David Sickler, former regional director of the AFL-CIO, remarked, “I worry about what the future’s going to be like without him,” emphasizing Wong’s vital role in various initiatives supporting undocumented workers.
Wong’s influence extended beyond California. Nearly two decades ago, he facilitated sister-city agreements between the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and labor councils in Shanghai and Beijing, promoting collaboration on labor standards and conditions. Earlier this summer, he was working on hosting discussions among U.S. and Palestinian labor academics, demonstrating his commitment to global labor rights.
Nonviolent Resistance and Personal Connections
Wong was a staunch advocate for nonviolent resistance, a philosophy he practiced and taught alongside civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson Jr. at UCLA. Wong’s approach to activism was characterized by a belief in creating moral forces that challenge unjust practices. His colleague, Larry Frank, described nonviolent resistance as a profound concept, emphasizing its role in effectively advocating for change.
Friends and colleagues remembered Wong for his unique ability to identify talents in others and integrate those strengths into labor projects. Sickler noted, “He seemed to understand the talent they possessed — and whether they were genuine or not.”
Wong’s engaging personality extended beyond his professional life. He enjoyed cooking for friends and family, often preparing meals with ingredients he carefully selected from local markets. His passion for jazz music led him to discover clubs during his travels, and he was known as a devoted husband and father.
Despite his gentle demeanor, Wong was unwavering in his convictions. His colleague Roxana Tynan observed, “It wasn’t so much like, ‘We’re fighting on an issue,’ but more like, ‘I’m helping to show you the moral pole here.’”
Wong’s passing leaves a significant void in the labor and immigrant rights movements. With rising challenges in advocating for these causes, particularly during politically charged times, the legacy he leaves behind will be a guiding light for many. His contributions to labor rights and immigrant advocacy established a framework that many continue to rely on.
As the community reflects on Wong’s impact, colleagues express their hope that his work will inspire future generations of activists and leaders. “I’ve never known a finer human being,” Sickler stated, underscoring the respect and admiration Wong garnered throughout his life. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire those committed to social justice and labor rights.
