(Clearwisdom.net) Western Falun Gong practitioners from Brooklyn, New York participated in the annual gathering of African-American and Puerto Rican people, recently held in Albany, the State Capital of New York. The gathering is initiated by Minority State Senators and Assembly Members, to meet and talk with voters.

On February 19, 2005, the practitioners drove more than three hours to join the gathering and explain the facts of Falun Gong to participants.

Practitioners participate in the gathering and explain the facts of Falun Gong

Kind-hearted people sign their names and predestined persons learn Falun Gong

A large blue banner with large words reading, "Falun Gong," and small words, "A peaceful meditation practice...now persecuted in China," showed people the message of our booth. Delicate, folded paper lotus flowers were used to decorate the booth. A 20-inch video screen continuously showed a video of the Falun Gong exercise demonstration and an anti-torture exhibition. Viewers were shocked at the fact that this peaceful practice is being brutally persecuted in China.

Signing the petition to call for an end to the persecution

Exercise demonstration

The practitioners distributed truth-clarification newspapers, told people about Falun Gong and what is happening in China, and invited people to sign a petition to help stop the persecution.

About half of the people already knew about or had heard of the persecution, while the rest heard about Falun Gong for the first time. Many people signed their names to help stop the persecution. One woman said that it was the third time for her to meet Falun Gong practitioners. The first time was in Boston, then Manhattan. This time, she said she would read the newspaper carefully and learn more about Falun Gong.

Several people requested to learn the exercises at our booth.

Teaching the exercises on site

A new practitioner who started practicing just six months ago is a major participant at her local practice site and also actively participates in truth-clarification activities. Someone asked her, "Are you Chinese?" The implication being that she is a westerner and why would she be so active. She answered, "Falun Gong belongs to the whole universe."

Explaining the facts of Falun Gong to government officials

State senators, assembly members and city council members held several seminars and participated in a variety of social activities. It was a good opportunity for practitioners to meet with them. The practitioners met old friends and made appointments to meet those officials with whom they were unfamiliar.

Two City Council members passed the practitioners' booth and talked with them. One stepped up to the booth and took the truth-clarification newspaper. He introduced himself to the practitioners. His friend watched our video attentively and was shocked at the cruelty of the persecution.

Several candidates for city mayor also came to the gathering.

Time flew by and suddenly it was time to pack up and drive back to Brooklyn. Everyone was pleased with the event. Throughout the whole process, everyone worked together very well. More people came to know Falun Dafa, support Dafa and condemn the persecution. Also, very importantly, several government officials now have a deeper understanding of Dafa.