UAW Statement on the Passing of Kent Wong

The UAW mourns the passing of Kent Wong, who dedicated his life to defending and advocating for the rights of working people in the Los Angeles area and beyond.

Deeply committed to social and economic justice, Wong served as director of the UCLA Labor Center for over 30 years, mentoring and inspiring countless students and activists while leading efforts to expand the center’s ability to better serve the educational needs of the community.

Wong was a champion for immigrant rights and undocumented communities, helping to establish the first Dream Resource Center and the Dream Summer Fellowship program. He also understood the importance of international solidarity, working to foster relationships across borders and advocating for peaceful collective action to take on powerful interests.

Kent supported all of UAW workers’ efforts to organize at the University of California, fought alongside us in countless political battles in Los Angeles and California, provided invaluable leadership in the immigrants’ rights movement, and helped the U.S. labor movement connect with workers’ struggles around the globe.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and the countless people Kent Wong positively affected during his brilliant and profound life.