Peter Kwong, a pioneering scholar, journalist, and activist, left an indelible mark on American society through his decades-long commitment to social justice, immigration reform, and Asian American representation. Known for his incisive writing and fearless advocacy, Kwong’s contributions continue to be recognized years after his passing, as institutions, academics, and communities revisit his legacy with renewed appreciation.
Born in 1941 in Chungking, China, Peter Kwong immigrated to the United States, where he would go on to become a prominent voice for marginalized communities, particularly Asian Americans and immigrants. A professor of Asian American studies and urban affairs at Hunter College, and a professor of sociology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Kwong combined scholarship with activism in ways that helped shape the academic and political discourse of his time.
He was widely regarded as one of the first academics to explore Chinese American history and immigration through a critical lens, producing landmark works such as The New Chinatown and Forbidden Workers: Illegal Chinese Immigrants and American Labor. Through these publications, Peter Kwong exposed the often-overlooked challenges facing immigrant workers and unpacked the systemic forces behind racial and economic inequality. His writings were not only foundational in Asian American studies but were also embraced by journalists, community organizers, and policymakers seeking to understand and reform immigration policy.
In addition to his academic achievements, Peter Kwong was a respected journalist who contributed to major outlets including The Nation, The New York Times, and The Village Voice. His investigative reporting often tackled corruption, labor exploitation, and housing injustice. One of his most memorable stories covered the Chinese garment industry in New York City, shedding light on the sweatshop conditions endured by workers—many of whom were undocumented. His work brought national attention to the issue and helped influence labor protections and policy debates.
Colleagues and students remember Kwong as a mentor who encouraged critical thinking and civic engagement. “Peter had a fierce intellect and a fearless heart,” said Karen Ishizuka, a fellow scholar and friend. “He never backed down from telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it made people.” His legacy is now studied in classrooms across the country, and his influence is visible in today’s generation of Asian American scholars, activists, and journalists.
Though Peter Kwong passed away in 2017, his impact endures through the many lives he touched and the work he championed. With a resurgence of interest in racial justice and immigration reform, his research and activism remain especially relevant. Institutions like Hunter College have hosted annual lectures in his name, and digital archives of his work are increasingly accessed by students and researchers alike.
Peter Kwong’s life reminds us of the power of words, scholarship, and courage. As America continues to grapple with questions of identity, equity, and justice, his legacy provides a guiding light for those committed to building a more inclusive society.
