CFT mourns the passing of former UCLA Labor Center Director Kent Wong
We are very sorry to report that CFT Vice President, and former UCLA Labor Center Director, Kent Wong has passed away. Earlier this year Kent received CFT’s highest honor, the Ben Rust Award (pictured above), for his tireless commitment to working people, immigrants, and students.
Kent worked for over 30 years as the Director of the UCLA Labor Center, building a small three-person team into a powerhouse organization, and acting as a transformative champion of the Los Angeles labor and social justice movements. He was also instrumental in leading the campaign to secure ongoing state funding for the UCLA and UC Berkeley labor centers, as well as launching six new labor centers across the UC system.
For over 20 years Kent co-taught a class on nonviolence with Reverend James Lawson, Jr., inspiring generations of students to organize with courage, vision, and hope. In addition to writing over a dozen books, he also served as the founding President of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO, the first national organization of Asian American union members and workers.
Just this summer he gave a powerful call to action at the AFT Teach conference, urging educator unions across the country to take a stand for our immigrant students and communities.
We are devastated to learn of Kent’s passing, but the heartwarming tributes to Kent across the state and nation are a testament to the incredible legacy he built, which continues in the work of CFT.
Rest in Power Kent.
SPI candidates share their plans for TK-12 schools at CFT forum
On Saturday, October 4 six candidates for the next California Superintendent of Public Instruction took part in a forum during the CFT State Council meeting. The forum was an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about how they would lead in this critical position and advocate for our public schools while facing ongoing attacks by the Trump administration.
Thanks to all the State Council delegates and those who joined online to hear the candidates and to offer your feedback. The forum has been posted online here for those who didn’t get a chance to watch it.
See you out there on October 18 for the No Kings Day of Action!
On October 18, millions across the country will come together with one clear message: America belongs to us. No Kings. No Crowns. No Thrones. Talk to your local union about participating in actions in your community. More details here.
News in Brief
Next Prop. 50 phonebank on Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Thanks again to everyone who has been working to help pass Prop. 50, the Election Rigging Response Act. The next statewide CFT phonebank will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4:00–6:30 p.m. Register here.
Governor Newsom signs AB 1028 – We are pleased to report that Governor Newsom has signed CFT-sponsored AB 1028. This important bill finally enables all part-time faculty throughout the state to negotiate termination provisions, or due process rights, when faced with a potential loss of employment (for reasons other than lack of enrollment or class cancellations). This new statute will promote fairness and stability within our community college system and foster a more equitable and effective educational environment for all. Help spread the good news on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
Monday is Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Monday October 13 is Indigenous Peoples' Day. Explore a collection of the latest and most popular Indigenous Peoples' Day lesson plans and resources uploaded by the Share My Lesson community. Additional resources can be found on the CFT website, including curricula, videos, and more.
