As the anniversary of “June 4th” approaches, the Visual Artists Guild in Los Angeles is set to hold the 37th Annual Commemoration and Awards Ceremony for the Tiananmen Square Incident, reflecting on this significant historical event and honoring those who bravely spoke out in support of human rights and justice, regardless of personal cost.
In the spring of 1989, China witnessed one of the largest pro-democracy movements in its history, with demonstrations spreading to over forty cities nationwide. The movement culminated on June 4th with a brutal crackdown by the Chinese Communist Party, as tanks and machine guns were used to suppress student protesters, shocking the world. Faced with a hail of bullets, the courageous protesters made a final plea for the international community to never forget this tragedy.
The commemoration and awards ceremony will feature an exclusive preview performance by the Leon Hendrix Band, debuting their new single “Save Democracy.”
Founded in 1985, the Visual Artists Guild is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to defending freedom of speech and expression. Through this annual commemorative event, the association aims to honor the fallen heroes and pay tribute to the enduring spirit of those who continue to seek truth and justice under pressure.
The honorees at this year’s ceremony include:
• Gloria Fung
Having experienced the Tiananmen Square Incident firsthand, Gloria Fung has dedicated over fifty years to advocating for global justice, democracy, and human rights. As the former chair of the Canada-Hong Kong Link, she played a crucial role in mobilizing international support for democratic movements in Hong Kong and around the world.
• Heng Guan
In 2020, Heng Guan risked his life to document the mass incarceration of Uyghur and other minority groups in Xinjiang. He secretly filmed footage of detention facilities, providing compelling evidence of the Chinese Communist Party’s human rights violations and bringing global attention to this long-hidden system.
• Arthur Liu
As one of the student leaders during the 1989 Tiananmen democracy movement, Arthur Liu was wanted by authorities in Guangzhou and later fled to the United States. Despite facing adversity, he eventually became a lawyer committed to seeking justice and has always been at the forefront of resisting international oppression.
• Alysa Liu
Winner of the figure skating gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Alysa Liu represents a new generation carrying on the spirit of Tiananmen. Balancing outstanding achievements in global sports competition with outspoken advocacy, she embodies courage, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to human dignity.
Organizer: Visual Artists Guild
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM
Location: Almansor Court Banquet Conference Center, 700 S. Almansor St, Alhambra, CA 91801
Tickets: Visit www.visual-artists-guild.org for ticket purchase
Inquiries: Ann Lau, 310-433-0697, alau@visual-artists-guild.org