On September 19, the Mayor and City Council of El Paso, a city in western Texas, awarded a commendation to the Shen Yun Performing Arts troupe and declared March 14, 2026 as “Shen Yun Art Day.”
In the commendation, the Mayor and City Council praised Shen Yun Performing Arts for promoting universal values and captivating audiences worldwide with their stunning performances. They commended the Shen Yun artists for facing international pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, yet remaining steadfast in their mission. The courage, kindness, and tolerance displayed by the Shen Yun artists were described as “a precious model for all of humanity.” The city officials encouraged all residents to celebrate the world-class performances of the art troupe and the universal values they represent.
Acknowledging that El Paso, known as the “Sun City” and a vibrant cultural gateway on the U.S.-Mexico border, has a rich cultural heritage and welcomes artistic expressions that elevate and enlighten its diverse community.
Recognizing that Shen Yun Performing Arts is a non-profit dance and music ensemble that has performed in El Paso for ten years, sharing the beauty of 5,000 years of Chinese divine culture with the locals.
Highlighting that over the past two decades, Shen Yun has moved audiences worldwide with its breathtaking performances, promoting universal values such as compassion, loyalty, kindness, tolerance, and filial piety – values that resonate deeply with the people of El Paso.
Observing that the Chinese Communist regime, a atheistic authoritarian regime that fears the traditional culture and values that Shen Yun embodies, has launched a transnational campaign to suppress Shen Yun, including pressuring theaters, issuing bomb threats, spreading false information, and abusing the legal system.
Despite facing oppression and intimidation from the Chinese Communist Party, the Shen Yun artists have bravely upheld their mission, bringing beauty, hope, and enlightenment to audiences and communities around the world. Their courage, kindness, and tolerance have become a precious model for all of humanity.
El Paso takes pride in standing with Shen Yun Performing Arts, highly praising the troupe for its extraordinary contribution to the city’s cultural life, its ability to build bridges of understanding between different traditions, and its resilience in adversity.
Therefore, the Mayor and City Council of El Paso jointly announce to encourage all citizens to celebrate this world-class performance and the universal values it represents. March 14, 2026 is officially designated as “Shen Yun Art Day” in El Paso, Texas.
(Seal: City of El Paso, Texas)
I hereby certify that I have signed and affixed the official seal of El Paso on this document.
Date: September 19, 2025.
(Signature)
Mayor Leonard U. Johnson