Hongkongers support protests from afar as flash mobs across US and Canada add oil
- ‘Lennon Walls’ spring up at New York event on Sunday as organisers voice backing for protesters and try to educate American public about the unrest
- Similar events are held in seven Canadian cities over the weekend
On Thursday evening, she gathered 20 people born in – or with strong ties to – the city at a Starbucks cafe near the Empire State Building to brainstorm.
The group debated ideas on how to show their support over lattes and cappuccinos. Someone thought about walking through New York Subway tunnels with yellow umbrellas, but this was rejected as being too disruptive. Others proposed art exhibits or film screenings, but they decided that would take too long to organise.
Finally, they settled on a flash mob. Within hours, they were working their networks, spreading word through Facebook, Instagram and phone messaging. Sunday afternoon’s event in Washington Square Park, in the heart of Greenwich Village, attracted more than 100 people who voiced strong support for Hong Kong protesters, one of several such events held across North America over the weekend.
“We wanted to do something today so that when everyone wakes up in Hong Kong, they know they’re not alone,” Ng said. “I wish I was in Hong Kong now to show our support, but we all do what we can.”