Labor Leader Kent Wong Dies at 69, Leaving a Legacy of Change

UPDATE: Renowned labor leader Kent Wong has died at the age of 69, prompting widespread mourning across the labor and immigrant rights movements. Wong, who passed away on October 8, 2023, from cardiopulmonary failure, was a pivotal figure in advocating for immigrant worker protections and labor rights nationwide.

Wong’s influence extended deeply into California’s labor landscape. As the former director of the UCLA Labor Center, he played a crucial role in the establishment of new labor research centers at five University of California campuses, including UC Davis and UC Irvine. His vision culminated in securing $15 million in state funding for a permanent home for the UCLA Labor Center in Los Angeles.

His passing has left a significant void in the labor community. David Sickler, former regional director of the AFL-CIO, expressed his concerns, stating, “I worry about what the future’s going to be like without him.” Wong was actively involved in 14 labor and immigrant-related projects at the time of his death, underscoring his relentless commitment to social justice.

Throughout his career, Wong championed initiatives that supported undocumented workers, co-founding the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and leading various campaigns that reshaped labor rights in the United States. His work in Los Angeles included facilitating nonviolence training for over 1,400 individuals last summer, directly addressing the heightened threats posed by federal immigration raids.

“At the heart of everything Kent did was his unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting immigrant workers,” said Maria Elena Durazo, California state senator and longtime colleague.

Wong’s legacy is not just about the policies he helped shape but also the relationships he built across communities and organizations. His ability to recognize and nurture talent was unparalleled, making him a respected figure among peers and activists alike. “He had put in this work to establish relationships with labor, but also with businesses, with management,” noted Larry Frank, a UCLA Labor Center colleague.

His impact extended beyond local borders; Wong’s initiatives included establishing sister-city agreements between Los Angeles and labor councils in Shanghai and Beijing, fostering international dialogue on labor standards. His work was recognized internationally, and he was actively involved in planning a meeting between U.S. and Palestinian labor academics earlier this summer.

Wong’s contributions were rooted in a philosophy of nonviolence, which he taught alongside civil rights leader James Lawson Jr.. This approach was not simply about peaceful protests but creating a moral force against injustice, a principle Wong embodied throughout his life.

The labor and immigrant rights movements face daunting challenges ahead, particularly amid political climates that threaten funding and protections for these communities. Wong’s absence is keenly felt, with colleagues expressing deep concern over the future of projects he passionately led.

“We’ve lost a giant,” Sickler stated. “Kent could be an opponent’s toughest enemy — but it’s hard to attack a guy who smiles at you and treats you respectfully.” His unique blend of strategic thinking, compassion, and resolve has left an indelible mark on labor activism, and many are left reflecting on how to continue his vital work.

The mourning for Wong is palpable, but his legacy of advocacy for immigrant and labor rights will continue to inspire future generations. As the community grapples with this loss, it remains to be seen how his projects will evolve without his guiding presence.

Stay tuned for updates on memorial services and tributes from those whose lives he touched.