CHICAGO, IL - About 1,000 Tibetans and supporters gathered at the Water Tower Center in Chicago to start their solidarity march downtown to China's Consulate. The walk was organized to demonstrate strong support for the Tibetans risking their lives for freedom in Tibet. Six buses of Tibetans from Minnesota, 4 buses of Tibetans from Wisconsin, and many other Tibetans from Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were on hand for the event. Over 750 of the participants were Tibetan. A large number of these individuals were between the ages of 14 to 30.

A street theater performance of detained “pseudo” Monks and Tibetans surrounded by China's police kicked off the walk. As the walkers made their way down Michigan Avenue taking up one lane of traffic, they shouted slogans like "China out of Tibet Now," "Tibet Belongs to Tibetans," and "UNO: We Want Justice." Law enforcement officers in squad cars, on bicycles, on motorcycles, and by foot accompanied the walkers. The walkers occupied almost 4 city blocks as they made their way downtown Chicago.

Onlookers were handed information detailing the recent ongoing atrocities occurring in Tibet. Approaching China's Consulate on Erie Street, Chicago Police filed into formation, as the protestors filled in behind the awaiting metal barricade. In fact, there were two such barricades between the walkers and the Consulate. In between the two were a large number of law enforcement officers.

At the Consulate, there were over 30 law enforcement officers including a number on horseback. There were also some officers observing the demonstration from inside buildings near the Consulate. The entire block where the Consulate is located was shut off to traffic and there were no parked vehicles on this street.

Every major media agency (i.e., television, newspaper, & radio) was present at both the beginning of the walk and at the Consulate. Never before had this happened.

After two hours of shouting and chanting slogans in support of
Independence for Tibet, speeches by leaders of the Midwest Tibet organizations began. This was followed by a long life prayer for His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the singing of the uprising song, "Long-sho," and the singing of the Tibetan National Anthem. More slogans followed.

Then, the President of Indiana University Students for a Free Tibet, Mary-Kate Oreovicz, delivered a message from His Holiness' oldest brother, Taktser Rinpoche. This message came via Rinpoche's wife, Kunyang Norbu, by phone who stated, "I have a message from His Holiness' elder brother, Taktser Rinpoche. As we all know, Taktser Rinpoche has devoted His life to rangzen for Tibet, for total independence. He has led many peace walks across this country for Tibet's independence. He is doing better, but is not strong enough to be here today. He wants you all to know how proud He is of you for gathering here and working for rangzen. The work that we do here in the West gives strength and motivation to your families and friends inside of Tibet who are risking their lives peacefully demonstrating for independence. He is so grateful for your hard work. Bhod Rangzen!"

Toward the end of the highly spirited demonstration, a Tibetan man from Chicago was able to reach the roof of China's Consulate. Once on the roof, he took out a Tibetan flag and walked back and forth as the crowd roared with excitement. Then, he was taken by China's security and handed over to the Chicago police. He spent a number of hours in jail and will need to appear in court sometime in the future.

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