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42 / Our Community

Elderly

Rise up

amid

Protests

The silver-haired stand with the young in the
anti-ELAB movement

By Lasley Lui

n October 12, several hundred silver-haired protesters
gathered in the rain outside the Wan Chai Police Head-
Oquarters for a 48-hour sit-in to express their support for
young protesters who have fought in the front lines in the anti-
Extradition Law Amendment Bill (anti-ELAB) movement that
has persisted for over four months.
Since June, the anti-ELAB movement has seen an unprec-
edented concerted effort by different age groups in Hong Kong.
The elderly who are usually absent from social movements
also play an active role. On July 17, an estimated 9,000 elderly
citizens took to the streets, staging a protest which was dubbed
“silver-haired march” (銀髮族遊行). They voiced their opposi-
tion against the controversial bill and showed their solidarity
with young people. young people and I appreciate their effort. There is
Mrs Law, who refuses to disclose her full name, 60, partici- hope for Hong Kong,” she says.
pated in the “silver-haired march”. Despite her strong objection
against the use of foul language in the past, “Now I feel like Protecting the young in times of chaos
‘DLLM’ is the best phrase [to describe my feelings] ...there is no Law joins Safeguard the Children, a community
better way to express my anger than swearing,” she says. “DLLM” group initiated by the Good Neighbour North Dis-
is an abbreviation of a Cantonese foul expression which is not trict Church, which calls on the silver-haired and
commonly used by the elderly. social workers to stand at the front lines of protest
Law thinks the movement serves as a call for civic awakening sites to mediate conflicts between protesters and
that unites not only the elderly and the young but everyone in police officers. The group has around 50 middle-
Hong Kong from all walks of life and of all ages. The unity and aged and silver-haired volunteers as well as social
connections have helped the 60-year-old regain her long-lost workers who stand between the police and young
passion for and confidence in this city. “I feel very proud of our protesters to ease tension and avoid violent clashes