Tammy Lai-Ming Ho: Voices in the City: Protest, Politics and the Power of Words in Hong Kong

Tammy Lai-Ming Ho, Honorary Researcher, Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library, University of Toronto: 

Voices in the City: Protest, Politics and the Power of Words in Hong Kong

This lecture explores the profound role that words—through literature, poetry, and popular culture—play in political movements in Hong Kong. Writers, musicians, and artists have long harnessed their craft to mobilise, raise awareness, and give voice to the collective experience of protest. Whether through poetry that captures the emotions of resistance or songs that spread the ideals of democratic yearning, words have served as powerful tools of empowerment and unity. These creative expressions often become rallying cries, amplifying demands for justice and change while also preserving the history of activism for future generations.

The Umbrella Movement of 2014 and the 2019 protests exemplify how words fuel Hong Kong’s protest culture. Protest songs, for instance, have transcended the streets to become enduring symbols of resistance in popular culture. Poetic slogans and literature have likewise shaped the narrative of the protests, articulating both political frustrations and aspirations. Through their words, activists do more than challenge the status quo—they inspire solidarity across Asia (e.g. Milk Tea Alliance) and beyond, reminding the world that the power of expression remains a vital force in political change. This lecture underscores how the art of communication, particularly through language, has been instrumental in shaping Hong Kong’s political landscape.