LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The UCLA community and the broader labor movement are mourning the profound loss of Kent Wong, the longtime director of the UCLA Labor Center and one of California’s most influential voices for labor rights, immigrant justice, and social equity.
Wong, who dedicated more than three decades of his life to empowering workers and students alike, passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
When Wong joined the UCLA Labor Center in 1991, it was a modest program with just three staff members. Through his visionary leadership, he transformed it into a nationally recognized institution with over 40 staff members, serving as a bridge between academia, working people, and communities fighting for change.
Under his direction, the Labor Center became a driving force in advancing the rights of workers and immigrants across California and the nation. Wong’s leadership fostered innovative programs that uplifted marginalized voices and redefined how universities engage with the labor movement.
Among his most enduring contributions was his advocacy for undocumented immigrant youth. In 2010, he founded the Dream Resource Center, the first of its kind in California, followed by Dream Summer, the nation’s first fellowship program designed to cultivate leadership among undocumented students. These initiatives have since become national models of empowerment, opening pathways for thousands to pursue higher education and civic engagement.
Wong’s influence extended far beyond administration. As a founding architect of UCLA’s Labor Studies undergraduate program and a beloved professor for more than 20 years, he inspired generations of students to become scholars, organizers, and advocates for justice. His classes on labor and immigrant rights left an indelible mark on all who learned from him.
In 2021, Wong helped secure state funding for a permanent home for the UCLA Labor Center in MacArthur Park, a working-class Los Angeles neighborhood deeply connected to the center’s mission. The building was dedicated to his mentor, Rev. James Lawson Jr., a legendary civil rights leader — a tribute to the values of solidarity and equality that shaped Wong’s life.
Throughout his career, Wong championed the belief that labor rights are human rights. His tireless advocacy improved the lives of countless workers and inspired an entire generation to continue his work toward a more just and equitable society.
The UCLA Labor Center shared in a heartfelt statement, “Kent’s vision and leadership forever changed the landscape of labor education in Los Angeles and beyond. His legacy will live on through every student, organizer, and worker he empowered.”
Kent Wong’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit endures in the movements he helped build and the people he uplifted. His life was a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring fight for dignity and justice.
💔 In Loving Memory of Kent Wong — A Leader, Teacher, and Champion for All.