Solis Issues Statement on the Loss of Civil Rights and Labor Icon Kent Wong

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Following the passing of UCLA Professor and longtime labor champion Kent Wong, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Kent Wong, a friend who I knew for over 30 years. Kent was not just a dear labor brother but a tireless champion for workers and our communities. Kent served as the Project Director for Labor and Community Partnerships and was the longtime director of the UCLA Labor Center. He also taught as a lecturer in UCLA’s labor studies program, where he inspired many students through courses in labor studies and Asian American studies. Before that, he was a staff attorney for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Kent’s leadership extended beyond UCLA. He was the founding president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) and the United Association for Labor Education. He also served as vice president of the California Federation of Teachers, always working to uplift the labor movement at every level.

Kent and I worked closely during my time in Congress and as Secretary of Labor. He visited me often and was absolutely instrumental in shaping policies that truly made a difference for workers. His years of experience in the labor movement here in Los Angeles, fighting for social justice, fair wages, and better working conditions, left a lasting impact on so many of us.

Kent was also a close friend to Dolores Huerta and my late sister Beatriz Solis. Together they worked passionately to improve the health and well-being of our communities, especially immigrant and undocumented families who often face so many barriers.

In 2021 the Board of Supervisors named the UCLA Labor Center in MacArthur Park after Reverend James Lawson Jr. in recognition of his incredible work to improve countless lives. Kent played a key role in making that happen. In 2023 Los Angeles County officially declared September 22 as Reverend James Lawson Jr. Day, another testament to the work Kent helped bring to life.

Kent was a true powerhouse, leading the UCLA Labor Center’s efforts to advance workers’ rights, immigrant rights, and civil rights. Because of his vision and dedication, labor centers now exist at nine UC campuses throughout California. He didn’t just protect and strengthen workers’ rights, he inspired all of us to come together, support one another, and keep fighting for justice.

My heart goes out to Kent’s family, his loved ones, and the many students he mentored. I hope his spirit continues to inspire us all and guides us forward in this ongoing struggle.”