Massive demonstration in New York City showcases dedication to faith and unity against persecution

NEW YORK—A multitude of individuals clad in blue jackets emerged in the heart of New York City for a parade on May 10, following a light drizzle.

This parade is a yearly occurrence showcasing fairies holding lotus flowers, a float carrying individuals in ancient Chinese garb, a Western-style marching band, and Chinese waist drummers. They paraded through the streets for about 1.5 hours, synchronized with music that harkened back to traditional China.

The New York parade represents one of the largest gatherings globally to observe World Falun Dafa Day, which also commemorates the public unveiling of the spiritual practice 31 years ago.

This day encapsulates both jubilation and sorrow.

During the 1990s, an estimated 70 to 100 million Chinese individuals embraced the practice, which focuses on meditative exercises and the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. However, since 1999, Falun Gong has faced severe persecution in China at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Throughout nearly 24 years of oppressive actions, countless Falun Gong adherents have suffered and lost their lives due to torture, forced labor, and organ harvesting. Defiant survivors both in China and in over 100 other countries around the globe maintain that the communist persecution cannot break their spirits.

In attendance was Wang Huijuan, a Chinese language educator in New York. Her sister-in-law, music teacher Li Chunyuan, has been detained by Chinese authorities for weeks due to her faith.

Her alleged crime? Simply “singing at home.”

“It seems absurd, doesn’t it?” Wang expressed to The Epoch Times. During a raid on her house, police informed Li’s husband: “Do you know that she sings at home every day? We’ve been monitoring her for quite some time.”

According to Wang, there was nothing wrong with the songs Li sang. Li’s melodious voice carries lyrics that praise Chinese traditions, like the lunar Chinese New Year, bringing hope to people, Wang explained.

In 2022, Li was demoted at her school to perform logistical duties in an attempt to pressure her into renouncing her beliefs.

“It’s truly a disgrace,” Wang lamented. She criticized the CCP for deviating from the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

“The harder you endeavor to be a good person, the more they come after you.”

Many other attendees at the parade echoed similar sentiments.

Julia Baniasadi, a medical center employee, began practicing Falun Gong in 1998 when she was 20. Her chronic back pain vanished, and she described the teachings of the practice as a stabilizing force for her family, consisting of three children.

She observed that youngsters today are too engrossed in technology, lacking outdoor play and social skills.

“They have lost the ability to interact with others,” she told The Epoch Times. Meanwhile, young adults lack a strong work ethic.

“I groomed my children to be independent and make wise choices in life, and I can see the difference it has made.”