JULY 20
Introduction
On July 20, 1999, thousands of Falun Gong practitioners in China were abducted by state police. Their crime? Meditating and following the practice's principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Two days later, the Chinese Communist Party officially classified Falun Gong as an “illegal organization.” Millions were suddenly branded “enemies of the state.” What started off as a peaceful spiritual practice with innumerable health benefits suddenly became illegal overnight, and hundreds of thousands of people were exposed to extra-legal imprisonment, torture, and death at the hands of the “thought reforming” authorities. July 20 marks the beginning of the now 26-year persecution of Falun Gong.
It was Falun Gong practitioners in New York, many of whom escaped persecution in China themselves, who established Shen Yun Performing Arts. Among our community of artists are many--we counted over 100--who have been directly affected by the atrocities. Sadly, many Shen Yun artists have lost loved ones or still have family who are prisoners of conscience in China. Below, a few of our artists speak out for their loved ones, sharing memories and hope for a brighter future. These are their stories.
