On September 1st, Tsuru for Solidarity organized the first-ever Liberation Obon outside the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. (Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival to welcome back the spirits of our Ancestors each summer season who return to visit the living briefly). Liberation Obon drew upon Buddhist principles to honor our Ancestors and to heal and end suffering while cherishing community traditions in order to honor Charles Leo Daniel, an immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago who died in NWDC on March 7th, 2024 after nearly four years of solitary confinement by ICE/GEO. On a hot and sunny day, over 300 community members gathered to stand in solidarity with those incarcerated and amplify the call to SHUT DOWN NWDC!
Attendees were greeted by taiko players sounding conches and welcoming the Ancestors and the familiar sights of Obon—colorful lanterns, yukata and happi coats, taiko, food stalls, and uchiwa fans—set in front of dull gray and barbed wire fences and the memorial altar for Charles Leo Daniel. Liberation Obon took up the street for an entire block in front of NWDC with a blend of diverse multi-cultural and multi-faith traditions. A dozen Taiko players from seven regional groups throughout the Seattle-area performed loudly for people inside to hear our presence. Members from the Puyallup tribe, the Water Warriors, and Owaste generously shared a land acknowledgement, drumming, prayer songs, and circle dancing. Rufina Reyes and Maru Mora Villalpando from La Resistencia brought the crowd together in a unified call to end solitary confinement, physical, sexual and medical abuses inside NWDC and roused the crowd in a call to end the contract and shut down the notorious site. Sikh community leaders attended in solidarity, sharing their community’s experience with detention at NWDC. Over video call, two people detained inside NWDC called upon us to continue the fight in solidarity with those inside. Reverends Patti Nakai, Ron Kobata, and Devon Matsumoto led a Buddhist service and procession to the gates of the detention site, accompanied by survivors of the US Concentration camps and a family member of someone detained. Representatives from Blaine United Methodists, La Resistencia, families of those detained, and the Okinawan and Ainu communities shared offerings for the Ancestors at a Butsudan (shrine). Tsuru for Solidarity members led bon odori dancing and invited La Resistencia leaders to color in the first eye of a three-foot tall Liberation Daruma signifying the beginning of a momentous cause. We closed out the first Liberation Obon with a piñata and cumbia dancing.
Throughout the event, volunteers passed out cold water, offered cooling mist and chairs, and made sure bellies were full. We extend deep gratitude to the Tsuru for Solidarity members in Seattle and across the US who dedicated immense care, time, and attention to planning the Liberation Obon. The first Liberation Obon was a powerful reminder of the resilience, power, and solidarity across our communities. As we honored Charles Leo Daniel, our ancestors, and all who have lost their lives at the hands of ICE, GEO, and the US carceral system, we deepened our collective commitment to shut down NWDC, abolish ICE, and free them all.
Calls to Action:
Join the Tsuru campaign to shut down NWDC by emailing basaki@tsuruforsolidarity.org
Call Senators Murray and Cantwell and demand they decrease funding to ICE and end the contract for NWDC
Senator Murray
D.C. Office: (202) 224-2621
Tacoma Office: (253) 572-3636
Senator Cantwell
D.C. Office: (202) 224-3441
Tacoma Office: (253) 572-2281
Read article from South Seattle Emerald on Liberation Obon
Taiko players from seven Seattle-area taiko groups played loudly for people detained inside to hear our presence
Member of Water Warriors and the Puyallup tribe offering song and drumming
Presentation of new memorial plaque for Charles Leo Daniel who died on March 7th, 2024 “due to abuse and neglect by GEO, ICE, and the U.S. Government”
Reverends leading Jodo Shinshu Buddhist service
Attendees walking in procession to Gate 2 at the NWDC, where detainees are first brought inside the detention center
La Resistencia setting intention or goal to shut down NWDC by painting the left eye of Liberation Daruma. In Japanese culture, daruma are a symbol of good luck and perseverance. When NWDC is shut down, the right eye will be painted.
La Resistencia setting intention or goal to shut down NWDC by painting the left eye of Liberation Daruma. In Japanese culture, daruma are a symbol of good luck and perseverance. When NWDC is shut down, the right eye will be painted.
Attendees gathering around end of Liberation Obon piñata
