AFT Mourns Kent Wong: Champion for Immigrant and Workers' Rights

Labor Community Mourns the Loss of Influential Leader Kent Wong

WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Kent Wong, a vice president of the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) and former director of labor and community partnerships at the UCLA Labor Center. Leading figures such as AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang, and AFT Local 1789's Tracy Lai have issued statements honoring Wong's legacy.

AFT President Weingarten Reflects

Randi Weingarten remembered Wong as a "fighter, a thinker—an educator whose compassion and sense of justice was always a beacon of light." She recalled his significant contributions, including a powerful message delivered at the AFT’s TEACH conference where he discussed educators' roles in resisting ICE raids and supporting immigrant families. The AFT recognized Wong's dedication by honoring him with the Legacy Drum Major for Justice Award in 2022.

Weingarten shared her condolences, "We are deeply saddened to share this news, and we extend our love and condolences to Kent’s family, colleagues and students. Rest in power Kent."

AFT AAPI Taskforce Honors Wong's Vision

The AFT Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Task Force described Wong as a "beloved friend, visionary leader, historian and tireless champion for human rights, workers’ rights and immigrant justice." They highlighted his role as a founder and first president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, emphasizing his impact on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander workers within the labor movement.

Wong's efforts at the UCLA Labor Center nurtured future generations of organizers and educators, grounding their work in the principles of nonviolent resistance and collective action. His partnership with civil rights strategist Rev. James Lawson was noted as a bridge between labor and civil rights movements. The Task Force also mentioned Wong's influence on young leaders, particularly Dreamers, through initiatives like the Dream Summer Program, which embeds young activists in unions and nonprofits.

In their statement, the Task Force expressed, "We join our CFT and APALA family and the broader labor community in holding Kent’s loved ones in our hearts. May we honor his legacy by continuing his fight for racial, economic and immigrant justice—with the same courage and conviction that defined his remarkable life. Rest in power, Brother Kent. Your light will never fade."

The American Federation of Teachers represents 1.8 million members including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, school personnel, higher education staff, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.