I had an opportunity to meet Benji several years ago at a seminar for early-career scholars at Michigan State University. His warmth and positivity were immediately apparent and we became fast friends. He was such a rare blend of kindness, humor, intelligence and seemingly effortless cool. He was super generous with his time and attention to his friends, students, and colleagues. Just last month, I got to spend six days with him when Benji brought a set of students to GA for a week-long seminar about Human Rights Education. On the final evening, I went out for dinner and bubble tea with mutual friends Tracey and Mike, Benji, Jenny and Raye. His love for both of them was palpable. I send my condolences to Jenny, Raye, Mrs. Chang, Benji's brother, and all the family and friends that love him worldwide. I am incredibly saddened that we will not have an opportunity to work on a few projects together as we had discussed. Rest in peace, friend.
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2022, Kennesaw State University, Chastain Road Northwest, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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2022, Kennesaw State University, Chastain Road Northwest, Kennesaw, GA, USA
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2022, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Ivan Allen Junior Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA, USA
Human Rights Seminar Field Trip
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1991, Cerritos, CA & Orlando, FL
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Benji, I was so excited when you moved to North Carolina and we had so much fun collaborating together. I remembered that when you first moved here, you drove 1.5 hours to Raleigh just to meet up for coffee and we had the greatest time catching up. Just a month ago, we met up again at UNC Chapel Hill for a journal convening and right before we were to head out, you asked to hang out before we hit the road. I was nervous about rush hour traffic but we decided to stay for one last cup of iced coffee. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see you. Thank you for being an amazing friend, a generous spirit, a wonderful scholar, and an advocate for students. You will truly truly be missed.
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2022, UNC Chapel Hill University
High School Journal Convening
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2021, NC State University
Benji giving a talk in my doctoral seminar
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2022, CILS Editorial Team Meeting
It is with great sadness that we hear news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Benjamin “Benji” Chang, co-editor of Critical Inquiry in Language Studies (CILS). Benji was a critical scholar who grounded research and teaching in community engagement and social justice work. An inspiring teacher educator, Benji was beloved by his students and colleagues in Hong Kong and the U.S. We had the privilege of working with Benji to edit the journal and mobilize critical scholarship for the past two years. His collaborative spirit, discerning judgement, and sense of humor created a collegial and supportive camaraderie within the editorial team. Benji was a caring friend and a beautiful soul. He will be sorely missed by many around the world. With deep condolences to Benji’s family, students and colleagues, Saskia Van Viegen, Sunny Lau, Michelle Mingyue Gu, Noah Khan
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Benji and I were friends and colleagues in the TEHE dept. here at UNCG. I remember very well his research presentation he did as a candidate for our position. I was impressed with Benji then at first meeting him and have been amazed by him ever since.
We served together on our dept's Equity Task Force. I was constantly in awe of Benji's insights and contributions to the work of the Task Force and his dedication to working with students through the founding and formation of the School of Education’s Students of Color Collective.
I have a podcast through our University Teaching and Learning Center called "Small Steps, Big Impact," which looks at how to create safe and inclusive environments in our classrooms including, but not limited to, all ethnicities, racial backgrounds, religions, ability status, socioeconomic backgrounds, first-generation status, sexuality, and gender identities. I was very fortunate to be able to have Benji and Dr. Edna Tan (another TEHE colleague) on as guest experts to talk about Asian/Pacific Islander students and how UNCG faculty, staff, and students can better understand and appreciate the rich diversity AAPI students bring to the UNCG community. I learned so much from that podcast and am thankful to have been afforded the opportunity to be with both Benji and Edna in dialogue. If you would like to hear the podcast and Benji's insightful contributions, please visit https://utlc.uncg.edu/podcast…
Rest in peace, my friend. Your presence, personality, infectious smile, wisdom, and advocacy will be sorely missed upon this plane.
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Benji and I worked together at aajla and he was always so kind and brilliant. When his father passed he shared the most beautiful and honest letter to him. My father passed away one day before Benji, in the same way Benji passed. I grieve for and with the community in losing such a brilliant and powerful soul.
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I first met Dr. Benji Chang when I was working at UCLA directing a high school college access program called HOPE. Benji really cared about young people and their future. He welcomed me with open arms and helped me get settled into my role. I owe Benji a lot for helping me transition in and for making that first year with HOPE a success. He was such a warm, passionate and lively person. His youthful spirit and light has impacted so many. This is really heartbreaking news. Sending prayers and condolences to the family and all who knew Benji.
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I'm profoundly sad that the world has lost a beacon of light. Benji, I’ve always held you and your work in high regard. That you understood and worked with the community on the ground as opposed to sitting in the ivory towers is inspiring, for you embodied the social justice and equity work you fought for. You were down to earth, genuine, and a wonderful human being. It seems so unfair that someone who shines such love and light had to go so soon. The world seems a dimmer place without you; you will be much missed by us all. Rest in peace.
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