Dawn erases the night. It’s March 5 in China. The cell phone chimes signifying messages being received. One-by-one, I open them to discover, articles, poems, invitations and inspiring pictures commemorating the life of Yu Luoke (遇罗克). Diverse friends from all over call and ask, “How are things this year?” These notions once again reminded me…
In Memory of the Victims of the Laogai
Laogai News
Beyond the Classroom of American University
The new month started with a warm visit by Dr. Christian Maisch’s class from the School of Professional and Extended Studies of American University. Professor Maisch addressed the class, “It’s an honor for me to have the opportunity to introduce Mr. Harry Wu. He’s a survivor of the Chinese forced labor prisoner camp. He’s…
CUSIB urges BBG not to abandon most vulnerable citizens in China and Tibet, not to reduce RFA budgets
Ann Noonan, Executive Director of the Committee for U.S. International Broadcasting (CUSIB –CUSIB.org), appealed to the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) members not to reduce radio broadcasts to the most vulnerable and poor Chinese and Tibetan citizens, and not to reduce budgets for Radio Free Asia (RFA). “Can any Governor here at this table assure CUSIB that…
Missing Booksellers
An infographic depicting the men missing from a Hong Kong bookstore for selling a disputed book about Chinese President Xi Jinping (习近平) as well as the timeline of their disappearances.
Fuel for a Spark
This week concludes both the Chinese New Year and Tibetan New Year celebrations of Losar. As many New Year celebrations are joyous, for Tibetans they haven’t always been. It’s during this festival in 2009 that Tsering Woeser begins her book Tibet on Fire. Through vigorous research, Woeser carefully pieces together a perplexing puzzle that is…
Congressional Partnership: An Afternoon with a Congresswoman
Members of Congress are very busy. Depending on his or her state, district, committee associations or overall involvement it can be difficult to organize a sit-down. Over the years Executive Director and founder of the Laogai Research Foundation and Museum Harry Wu has been building an esteemed relationship with Congresswoman and former Speaker of the…
Rendezvous With The Wolf
Executive Director Harry Wu received a welcomed surprise when Frank Wolf formerly of Virginia’s 10th congressional district and seventeen-term House Representative arrived to the Laogai Museum (劳改纪念馆). Mr. Wu and Mr. Wolf share a cherished relationship. Mr. Wolf, author of Prisoner of Conscience, is known for his staunch criticism on Chinese policies. He’s fought fervently…
American University Students Show Continued Support
As the new spring semester gets underway after it’s slow start due to poor weather, the Laogai Museum was fortunate conditions improved. Two separate student groups from American University stopped by the museum receiving a personal address and tour by Executive Director Harry Wu. Professor of Sociology, Susan McDonic and her class arrived on Wednesday…
De-Mao-lition
A few days after the New Year news sources reported on the near completed construction of a 120 foot (37 meter) statue of Mao Zedong (毛泽东). Last week, those same news agencies shockingly reported the demolition of the same structure. With almost the same speed as the Chinese stock plummet, the golden Mao was dissembled….
Not Exactly the Midas Touch
It is not yet the Chinese New Year or Chun Jie (春节), but amongst other excitement, China has rung in the Gregorian New Year with a golden gift. In the eastern province of Henan a 120-foot high (36.6 meter) gold-leafed statue of Mao Zedong was unveiled. The gargantuan effigy has accumulated praise and contempt from…