The labor and social justice community is mourning the profound loss of Kent Wong, longtime professor, activist, and visionary leader at the UCLA Labor Center. A passionate champion for workers—especially immigrants and students—Kent dedicated his life to building a more just and compassionate world.
Colleagues at the UC Berkeley Labor Center and across the labor movement remembered him as a brother, mentor, and ally whose influence reached far beyond academia. Through his decades of work, Kent united workers and communities of all backgrounds, fighting for fair wages, humane working conditions, and the dignity of every worker.
Kent was also a trailblazer for Asian American and Pacific Islander labor leaders. As the founding president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), he helped knit together a coalition of AANHPI union members, creating a lasting home for advocacy and empowerment. Even after nearly two decades of conventions, he remained as energetic and committed as he had been in 1992, inspiring generations with his unwavering belief in solidarity.
Those who knew Kent recall his boundless energy, bright smile, and his constant reminder to fight for racial and economic justice in all that we do. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the movements he strengthened, and the hope he instilled in future leaders.
As the community grieves, tributes and remembrances continue to pour in, each a testament to the immeasurable impact of Kent Wong’s life. Plans to honor his memory and legacy will be shared in the coming days.
Rest in power, Kent.