UPDATE: Kent Wong, a pivotal figure in labor rights and immigrant advocacy, has passed away at the age of 69. Wong, who died on October 8, 2023, due to cardiopulmonary failure, leaves behind a profound legacy that has deeply impacted workers across California and beyond.
Wong’s contributions to the labor movement spanned decades, advocating tirelessly for protections for immigrant workers, especially the undocumented. His work was not limited to Los Angeles, where he was born and lived; it extended across California and internationally, shaping labor standards and practices worldwide.
As a former director of the UCLA Labor Center and a professor of labor studies, Wong was instrumental in establishing new labor research centers at five University of California campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC San Diego. These centers, which join existing facilities at UC Merced and UC Berkeley, represent his commitment to advancing labor research and support for workers.
Labor leaders are mourning the loss of Wong, whose calm demeanor and unwavering dedication have inspired many. “I worry about what the future is going to be like without him,” said David Sickler, a former AFL-CIO regional director. Wong’s absence raises concerns about the continuity of the numerous projects he was leading, as he was actively involved in 14 labor and immigrant initiatives at the time of his death.
Wong’s career was marked by significant achievements, including securing $15 million in state funding to establish a permanent home for the UCLA Labor Center in Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park neighborhood. This site is strategically located near numerous labor union offices, enhancing its accessibility and relevance.
Senator Maria Elena Durazo, a longtime colleague, praised Wong’s commitment to uplifting immigrant workers, stating, “At the heart of everything Kent did was his unwavering commitment to protecting and uplifting immigrant workers, whose struggles he understood deeply.”
His efforts to build connections extended beyond California; Wong was a key figure in establishing sister-city agreements between the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and labor councils in Shanghai and Beijing nearly twenty years ago. More recently, he was organizing meetings to address labor issues in the U.S. and Palestine, demonstrating his global perspective on labor rights.
Wong’s influence on nonviolent resistance in labor activism was profound. He facilitated a large training session for 1,400 activists in Los Angeles earlier this summer, equipping them to respond to increasing threats against immigrant workers. His approach combined moral clarity with practical strategies, challenging unjust systems while fostering respect among differing viewpoints.
His friends and colleagues remember Wong not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal warmth. “He was, for me, the most strategic thinker and strategic actor I’ve ever worked with,” said Larry Frank, a longtime colleague. Wong’s unique ability to recognize and harness individual strengths made him an invaluable leader in labor movements.
As the labor and immigrant rights movements face challenging circumstances, particularly in light of the ongoing political climate, Wong’s legacy serves as both a guiding light and a source of concern for the future. His absence leaves a significant void that many fear may hinder progress.
The labor community in Los Angeles and beyond will continue to grapple with the implications of Wong’s passing. His friends and colleagues are committed to carrying on his vision for justice and dignity for all workers, but they acknowledge the uphill battle ahead. “I’ve never known a finer human being,” Sickler reflected, highlighting Wong’s ability to navigate complex issues with grace and determination.
As tributes pour in, it is clear that Kent Wong’s impact will resonate for years to come, as activists strive to honor his memory by continuing the fight for labor rights and immigrant protections across the nation.
