On the evening of June 11th, at Marina Park in San Leandro, California, yellow umbrellas appeared in support of the seventh anniversary of the Hong Kong anti-extradition bill movement. Bay Area Hong Kongers and supporters gathered to participate in the “Umbrella Stands Together” global relay event, expressing solidarity with the fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.
The global Umbrella Relay Action saw participation from 6 countries and regions including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and Japan, with 21 cities or locations joining in. The event aimed to commemorate the significant history of the 2019 anti-extradition bill movement in Hong Kong, shedding light on the struggles faced by activists and democratic advocates under political pressure in Hong Kong.
Organized jointly by groups such as the US Hong Kongers Club, NorCal HK Club, HK in SD, China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, HKLDPK 2025, Hong Kong Democratic Party (HKLDP), Arizona For Hong Kong, and the China Democracy Party, the event highlighted the ongoing fight for freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong anti-extradition bill movement in 2019 originated from the Hong Kong government’s extradition bill amendment, sparking concerns among the public about the erosion of judicial independence and civil liberties. The massive protests on June 9th followed by the storming of the Legislative Council on June 12th led to confrontations with law enforcement. The protests evolved from the demand to withdraw the bill to the “Five Demands, Not One Less” call for broader democratic reforms.
Since then, Hong Kong has faced increased political pressure. The implementation of the National Security Law in 2020 and Article 23 of the Basic Law in 2024 resulted in the crackdown on pro-democracy individuals, media outlets, and civic organizations. Seven years after the anti-extradition bill movement, June 12th not only marks a significant turning point but also symbolizes a mix of freedom, resistance, and trauma in Hong Kong’s history.
During the event, attendees observed a moment of silence for the fallen, followed by a collective singing of the Hong Kong activist anthem “Glory to Hong Kong,” creating a solemn atmosphere. The significance of June 9th and June 16th in 2019, when Hongkongers demonstrated their determination for freedom, was emphasized by speakers reflecting on the current suppression of dissenting voices and shrinking freedoms in Hong Kong.
Many Hongkongers have been forced into exile, filling their hearts with sorrow and despair, while those remaining in Hong Kong hesitate to speak out due to safety concerns. The restrictions on commemorating events like June 4th have extended to dates like June 9th, June 12th, and July 1st. The fight for freedom and democracy continues to resonate on the free soil overseas in solidarity with Hong Kong.
Liu Chun, the father of American figure skater Liu Meixian, had been part of student protests in Guangzhou in 1989 advocating for freedom, democracy, and anti-corruption. After being wanted by authorities post-Tiananmen crackdown, he was rescued by the “Operation Yellowbird” and sought refuge in the US. Drawing parallels between the struggles in China and Hong Kong, Liu emphasized the importance of standing against the oppressive reign of the Chinese Communist Party.
Survivor of the June 4th Tiananmen Square massacre, Fang Zheng, highlighted the sacrifices made by Chinese citizens for democracy and freedom over the past 37 years. He mourned the loss of lives during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, acknowledging the erosion of freedoms in the region. Fang believed that only by ending the single-party rule could true freedom be restored in Hong Kong and China.
Ken Chan, the head of the NorCal HK Club, reflected on the events seven years ago when Hongkongers took to the streets against the extradition bill, which sparked a series of events leading to the erosion of Hong Kong’s freedoms. Despite the crackdown through the National Security Law, the forced closure of Apple Daily, and the imprisonment of pro-democracy figures in the “47-person case,” Chan remained adamant that oppression could not suppress the spirit of resistance and dissent.
In the current landscape of white terror in mainland China, many are afraid to speak out openly about Hong Kong. Each participant present that day represented a voice for justice, truth, and freedom. The hardships faced by exiled Hongkongers were acknowledged, calling for support through empathy, listening, and counseling resources to help them heal from their past traumas.
Cindy, a Hong Kong pastor, commemorated the fallen heroes of the 2019 protests by distributing yellow roses symbolizing justice, life, and the spirit of fearless resistance. Leung Kai-chun, now living in the Bay Area after seeking political asylum, shared his journey of advocating for democracy, freedom, and justice in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges, Leung believed in the power of preserving the truth and memories, igniting hope for change in Hong Kong’s future.