Hong Kong Umbrella Riots hit close to home

A student protest thousands of miles away may seem unconnected to life in Nashville, but for some members of the Lipscomb community, the protest could mean life or death for their beloved city of Hong Kong. Lipscomb graduate Caesar Tang is in the middle of what is being called the Umbrella Riots in Hong Kong. The protest got its name from the umbrellas protesters are using to protect themselves from pepper spray used by the police. “I do not believe it should be called a riot,” said Tang. “A riot would imply violence. The protesters are not retaliating in any way at all. The protest is an expression of desire from the Hong Kong people to have a government that represents them and hears their voices.” The protests began in September 2014 when China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress announced that they would not allow civil nominations and would instead use a committee to choose candidates for elections in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Federation of Students began the protest outside of Hong Kong’s government headquarters. Hong Kong was a colony of the British Empire until 1997, at which point it was handed over to the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong has kept its political independence from China, making the announcement of proposed electoral reform a blow to Hong Kong citizens. Lipscomb student Hannah Passamonte also has ties to the revolution. Passamonte grew up in Hong Kong and her parents still teach in the city. “I am still in awe at what is happening in Hong Kong right now,” said Passamonte. “I’m praying for the safety...