(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day and the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the world. Mayor Sylvester Turner of the City of Houston proclaimed May 13 as Falun Dafa Day in the city.

Proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner of the City of Houston

The proclamation reads, “Free classes to facilitate the well-needed awareness of Falun Dafa have been offered across Texas to help improve their mental, moral and physical wellbeing and contribute to a more healthy and harmonious society in uncertain times. Chinese culture and various scientific and surveyed studies are revealing that the connection between mind and body is key for a healthy immune system and unpolluted ecology of the mind.

“Despite the positive intent of Falun Dafa, major human rights organizations have documented the nation-wide campaign of hatred, torture, mass imprisonment and killing of people who practice Falun Gong in China for the past almost three decades. In lieu of these unspeakable atrocities, the Falun Dafa community in China and abroad have endured with resolute non-violence and persistence to uphold freedom and universal values. Their diligence has garnered global recognition and affection.

“On May 13, 2022, World Falun Dafa Day will be observed in the City of Houston. The City commends and appreciates the Falun Dafa community, who has strived to advocate for the mental and physical wellness for all people, even in the face of heightened scrutiny, and encourages all Houstonians to join in this worthwhile observance.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa and Why Is the CCP Persecuting It?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings, which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and learned the five exercises, have experienced improved health and well-being.

Jiang Zemin, former head of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), perceived the spiritual discipline’s growing popularity as a threat to the CCP’s atheistic ideology and on July 20, 1999, issued an order to ban the practice.

Minghui.org has confirmed the deaths of thousands of practitioners as a result of the persecution over the past 23 years. The actual number is believed to be much higher. More have been imprisoned and tortured for their faith.

There is concrete evidence that the CCP sanctions the harvesting of organs from detained practitioners, who are murdered to supply the organ transplant industry.

Under Jiang’s personal direction, the CCP established the 610 Office, an extralegal security organization with the power to override the police and judicial systems and whose sole function is to carry out the persecution of Falun Dafa.