AFT leaders pay tribute to late CFT vice president Kent Wong

AFT leaders have issued a statement mourning the death of Kent Wong, vice president of the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) and former director of labor and community partnerships at the UCLA Labor Center. The statement was released by AFT President Randi Weingarten, AFT Executive Vice President and presiding officer for the AFT Asian American and Pacific Islander Task Force Evelyn DeJesus, AFT Massachusetts President and AAPI Task Force Co-Chair Jessica Tang, and AFT Local 1789 and AAPI Task Force Co-Chair Tracy Lai.

Randi Weingarten described Wong as "a fighter, a thinker—an educator whose compassion and sense of justice was always a beacon of light." She recalled his recent participation at the AFT’s TEACH conference where he spoke about educators resisting ICE raids and protecting immigrant families. Weingarten noted that Wong was honored with the Legacy Drum Major for Justice Award at the 2022 convention for his dedication to social justice. "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," she said.

The statement from the AFT Asian American and Pacific Islander Taskforce called Wong "a beloved friend, visionary leader, historian and tireless champion for human rights, workers’ rights and immigrant justice." They highlighted his role as founder and first president of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), which supports Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander workers within organized labor. His leadership at UCLA Labor Center was credited with nurturing new generations of organizers.

Wong’s partnership with Rev. James Lawson was also recognized as a bridge between labor organizing and civil rights activism. The statement mentioned that together they trained thousands in nonviolent resistance principles.

The task force also noted Wong's work mentoring young activists through programs like Dream Summer Program—an eight-week internship opportunity sponsored by the AFT that places participants in unions or nonprofits to support labor movement goals among youth from diverse backgrounds.

"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," concluded their message.

Randi Weingarten is president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Fedrick C. Ingram is secretary-treasurer, while Evelyn DeJesus serves as executive vice president.