We The Hongkongers is committed to strengthening the Hongkonger identity and promoting the Hong Kong culture among the communities in the U.S.
Background
In 2014, Oxford University Press added “Hongkonger” and “Hong Kongese” to their English Dictionary, referring to “a native or inhabitant of Hong Kong.” The use of the word “Hongkonger” can be traced back to 1870 when the Daily Independent in California used the word to describe the citizens living in the then-British colony. Despite the handover in 1997, Hong Kong has developed and continued to sustain its unique culture and social significance on the global stage, which strengthened the Hongkonger identity.
In Hong Kong’s current sociopolitical movement, we recognized the importance of coordination between locals and overseas Hongkongers. In the U.S., the passages of congressional acts have shown the support from the global community on Hongkongers' fundamental human rights.
Concept
The Preamble of the United States Constitution begins with the words “We the People,” affirming the government’s responsibility for the people and setting out the scope of the nation’s supreme law. The Constitution was signed to be in force by the framers in 1789 to ensure the separation of power of the three government branches, protecting the fundamental rights of its people. Despite its old history, the Constitution sets the base of the nation’s principle and further allows the breakthroughs of traditions over the past 242 years.
The clause “We The People” is also known as the name of the White House petition platform, which is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment. It became an agent to empower the voice of the American public to demand change from the government. In addition, the platform “We The People” provides an opportunity for like-minded people to form communities and to discuss ways to make changes on certain issues.
“We The Hongkongers” is all about the same concept. We hope to follow the footsteps of the framers to safeguard the dignity and freedom of Hongkongers. On the pathway to pursue democracy for our city and freedom for our people, it is essential for us to sustain the identity of Hongkongers by forming a community and promoting the culture of the city both inside and out of the land.