ITIM Demonstrates in Chicago on March 10, 2009

About 600 people gathered in Chicago for March 10. The overwhelming number of persons who attended were Tibetan. More than 50% were less than 35 years of age. Six buses of Tibetans came from Minnesota and two from Wisconsin. Other participants were from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky. Board members and staff of the International Tibet Independence Movement (ITIM) were present as were supporters.

After walking through the streets of downtown Chicago, the large group proceeded to China's Consulate where they stayed in the pouring rain for more than 3 hours. The protesters recited prayers, chanted slogans, and sang Tibetan national songs at the Consulate. Speeches were given by leaders of the Tibetan Associations and the Tibet support groups, including one by Larry Gerstein (President of ITIM).

This event was coordinated by the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, Wisconsin Tibetan Association, International Tibet Independence Movement, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota, Regional Tibetan Women's Association of Minnesota, Students for a Free Tibet Chapters of Minnesota, Madison, and Chicago, and Minnesota Tibetan Youth Congress.