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In the vibrant city of Chicago, the streets of Wentworth and Clark came alive this past Sunday as the community gathered to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, marking the transition into the Year of the Horse. This year’s festivities carry a profound significance, resonating deeply with the ongoing immigration activities affecting the Chicago area and other parts of the nation.
Amidst the lively dances and the infectious pride of cultural heritage, a powerful message of unity and support for immigrants reverberated through the celebrations. Edward Huang, a resident of Chinatown, expressed this sentiment beautifully: “The general trends are wealth, prosperity, and happiness for everyone. Especially for the Chinese community that’s built on immigrants settling here in Chicago. It’s like a yearly reminder that we are all still one community, sticking together.”
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The event, known as Light Up Chinatown, orchestrated by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with various Asian American organizations, welcomed the new lunar year with an enchanting display of lights and an inspiring sense of community spirit.
This year’s zodiac, the horse, embodies energy, passion, and action, qualities that echo the vibrant and determined spirit of the immigrant community in Chicago and beyond. As residents and visitors alike joined in the celebrations, the Year of the Horse unfolded with hopes of prosperity and unity for all.
This year is the year of the horse. The Chinese zodiac is known for energy, passion, and action.
“It, kind of, is a reminder for us as immigrants to all stick together and to charge forward, as well, no matter what happens,” Huang said.
This comes as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has seen multiple shootings by federal agents, including one fatal shooting in suburban Franklin Park, and more recently, two deadly shootings in Minnesota.
“Let this be a year of unity and strength as the year of the horse charges us to do. It’s to lead with love and to have healthy resistance and a rebellion to ensure that our city remains a welcoming city,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“It just made me feel great that people are here. We are not afraid to gather. We should be able to celebrate our cultures freely without fear of ICE agents around racially profiling people. Now is a time more than ever for us to show strength and unity as a community,” said 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee.
The Lunar New Year officially begins Feb. 17 with the Lunar New Year parade set for March 1.
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