“March 10th at Google and PRC Consulate in Chicago”

Chicago, ILLINOIS. About 100 Tibetans and supporters participated in a walk for Tibet to the PRC Consulate in Chicago on March 10th, 2006. Among the group ranging in age from 4 to 70+ years old were individuals from Chicago, Wisconsin, Missouri, California, and Indiana.

The event was organized by the Tibetan Association of Chicago, with two Board Members (Benjamin Cox and Larry Gerstein) from the International Tibet Independence Movement and Students for a Free Tibet (Columbia, Missouri & St. Louis, Missouri) in attendance.

Along the route, the walkers stopped at the Chicago Google headquarters for a lively demonstration and chanting of slogans (for example, “Google is Evil”). At first, the office building security ordered the walkers to leave. However, one of the six Chicago police officers escorting the walkers made it crystal clear to the security officer during a heated discussion that this was unacceptable.

From Google headquarters, the walkers proceeded to the PRC Consulate. At the Consulate, Kelsang Draggo (President, Tibetan Association of Chicago) led the boisterous protesters in a series of chants interspersed with a rendering of facts about China's destruction inside of Tibet. Mikel Dunham who is the author of “Buddha's Warriors” recited His Holiness The Dalai Lama's March 10th statement. Other speakers included Larry Gerstein of the International Tibet Independence Movement. The demonstration ended with the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem.

Throughout the demonstration, Chinese officials could be seen peaking through the window shades. There was little doubt that the protestors' message was heard.