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. Wong’s influential work spanned beyond Los Angeles, reaching across California and internationally, advocating for labor and immigrant rights throughout his career.
A fifth-generation Chinese American, Wong dedicated his life to championing protections for immigrant workers, even when these ideas were not widely accepted. His role as a staff attorney for the Service Employees International Union was just one of many positions that highlighted his commitment to labor justice. At the time of his death, Wong was active in 14 different labor- and immigrant-related projects, demonstrating his relentless dedication to the cause.
Significant Contributions to Labor Rights
Wong’s recent achievements included 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 initiative expanded upon existing facilities at UC Merced and UC Berkeley, solidifying his legacy in educational labor research.
His impact resonated deeply within the labor community, with leaders like David Sickler, former regional director of the AFL-CIO, expressing concerns about the future of projects Wong championed. “I worry about what the future’s going to be like without him,” Sickler stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding initiatives like the UCLA Dream Resource Center, which supports undocumented youth.
Wong was known not just for his strategic vision, but also for his ability to cultivate relationships across various sectors. His collaboration with state Senator Maria Elena Durazo was instrumental in securing $15 million in state funding for a permanent home for the UCLA Labor Center in Los Angeles’s MacArthur Park neighborhood, a strategic location near numerous labor union offices.
A Legacy of Nonviolent Resistance
Throughout his career, Wong emphasized the principles of nonviolent resistance, a philosophy shaped by his mentorship under civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson Jr.. Wong and Lawson co-taught a course on “Nonviolence and Social Movements” at UCLA, instilling the importance of moral authority in social justice activism.
Colleagues describe Wong’s unique ability to assess individuals’ strengths quickly, allowing him to integrate diverse talents into labor initiatives effectively. “He could read ‘phony’ pretty quick,” Sickler noted, underscoring Wong’s keen insight into authenticity and dedication in partnerships.
Beyond his professional commitments, Wong was a passionate advocate for community engagement. Earlier this year, he facilitated a nonviolence training session that attracted around 1,400 participants, equipping activists with skills to respond to challenges posed by immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
Kent Wong’s passing leaves a significant void in the labor and immigrant rights movements. His lifelong dedication to fighting for the dignity of workers and his ability to inspire others will continue to influence future generations. As Sickler poignantly remarked, “I’ve never known a finer human being,” underscoring the profound impact Wong had on countless lives and the labor landscape in the United States.
