In Wing Luke's 100th Birthday Year, His 'Commitment to Racial and Social Justice Lives On'

Earlier this month, on Feb. 12, 2025, Seattle celebrated the 100th birthday of Wing Luke, the late Seattle politician for whom the Wing Luke Museum is named. The Museum will commemorate Wing Luke's centenary birthday with events throughout the year. 

"Most people just recognize the Wing Luke name because of the name of the museum," Steve McLean, senior director of strategic communications for the Wing Luke Museum, told South Seattle Emerald. "But Wing Luke is a very pivotal figure, not only for the Asian American community, but anyone who has benefited from the antidiscrimination and preservation, cultural preservation work that he's done."

"The museum is more than a tribute to Wing — it is a living testament to the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our communities," Cynthia del Rosario, Wing Luke's niece, said at the museum's Lunar New Year celebration. "It ensures that history is preserved, voices are heard, and futures are inspired. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support and uplift this mission. … His commitment to racial and social justice lives on — not only in the policies he fought for but in the incredible institution that bears his name, the Wing Luke Museum."

Wing Luke was the first Asian American elected to public office in King County and the first Chinese American elected to the Seattle City Council. At age 6, he immigrated to Seattle, where his family owned a laundromat and grocery store. He went on to attend Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington, and he served in the army before becoming a lawyer, devoting himself to public service.

As a member of Seattle City Council, Luke fought for fair housing, Indigenous fishing rights, and to preserve historic landmarks, such as Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market, even co-founding Friends of the Market. Tragically, in 1965, after three years in office, Luke died in a plane crash in the Cascade Mountains at age 40. The Wing Luke Museum was established in his honor two years later, in 1967. 

"We have all benefited from the work [Wing Luke] did. Here's a man who was considered 'other' and 'different,' and yet he led with compassion," McLean said. "Despite the fact that there were detractors, people who didn't want him to run for public office, people who discriminated against him because of his heritage, he was able to find a way to lead with empathy, compassion, and calmness. He was just really ahead of his time, and I think that a lot of people will find [if] they transport themselves back to the 1950s and 1960s that he really stood out." 

The museum began its celebration of Wing Luke's 100th birthday at its annual Lunar New Year Fair last month, at which it launched a new website commemorating Luke's life. Last weekend, the museum also hosted a small community gathering that allowed community members to take a look at a few of Luke's belongings, including his Seattle City Council desk, books, photographs, comics, and more.

"One of the things that's really cool about this project is that we're uncovering layers all the time," McLean said. "As we talk with family members, as we go through news archives and other sources of information, we learn."

Soon, the Wing Luke Museum will be sharing a video commemorating Luke's life. And throughout the year, annual events, such as its March fundraiser and Summer Jam Fest, an annual arts and culture celebration, will be themed around Luke's legacy.

The museum's Community Hall will also sport educational banners about Luke's life. Children under 17 receive free admission, and McLean hopes young people, especially, will be able to take inspiration from Luke.

"He was able to spearhead initiatives that we all are benefiting from today," McLean said. "And so if you live in a neighborhood of your choice, or if you are experiencing the wonders of Pioneer Square, or the central waterfront or the Pike Place Market, you can thank him. … These are things that we can extend some measure of gratitude to Wing Luke for."