Agenda Summary
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In remembrance of Lobga Rangzen and in recognition of Somerville’s Tibetan Community.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: The Somerville City Council recognizes the dignity, humanity, and contributions of members of the Tibetan community who have made Somerville their home and who enrich our city through their culture, traditions, faith, advocacy, friendship, and commitment to community; and
WHEREAS: Lobga Rangzen, born Lobsang Palden in eastern Tibet, dedicated much of his life to the preservation of Tibetan identity and to advocating for the Tibetan people; and
WHEREAS: Lobga Rangzen grew up in a family with a history of resistance to Chinese rule in Tibet, and at the age of 18 fled Tibet with his uncle, eventually making his way through Nepal and India before coming to the United States in 2006, where he received asylum; and
WHEREAS: After leaving the monastic life, Lobga Rangzen devoted himself to activism and community, participating in demonstrations, hunger strikes, advocacy events, and a 13-day walk from New York City to Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS: Lobga Rangzen was remembered by his friends not only for his activism, but also for his warmth, humor, generosity, love of Tibetan dance and music, hiking, storytelling, and his commitment to helping build community among Tibetans living far from their homeland; and
WHEREAS: Lobga Rangzen helped preserve and share Tibetan history, culture, literature, and political thought in New York, including through his involvement with the High Asia Research Center in Queens, and regularly encouraged younger Tibetans and members of his community to remain connected to their culture and to contribute to the future of the Tibetan people; and
WHEREAS: On July 2, 2026, Lobga Rangzen died outside the United Nations headquarters in New York following an act of self-immolation undertaken as a political protest for Tibetan independence and against China’s escalating campaign of cultural erasure in Tibet; and
WHEREAS: The circumstances of Lobga Rangzen’s death have brought renewed attention to the profound pain, displacement, and struggles experienced by many Tibetans, including those living in exile and separated from family members and their homeland; and
WHEREAS: Lobga Rangzen had remained separated from members of his family in Tibet for many years because of concerns about the potential consequences of his activism for their safety; and
WHEREAS: The Somerville community is enriched by residents and families of Tibetan heritage who contribute to our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, cultural life, and civic fabric, while carrying with them histories of migration, displacement, resilience, and cultural preservation; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has long recognized that immigrant communities strengthen our city and that every resident should be able to preserve their cultural heritage, practice their traditions, speak their language, and participate fully in civic life without fear or discrimination; and
WHEREAS: The Somerville City Council extends its condolences to Lobga Rangzen’s family, friends, and the broader Tibetan community, including those in Somerville who are grieving his loss; and
WHEREAS: In remembering Lobga Rangzen, the City of Somerville also recognizes the many Tibetan residents and families in our community whose lives, experiences, traditions, and contributions are an important part of the diverse fabric of our city; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council hereby expresses its profound condolences to the family, friends, and community of Lobga Rangzen and honors his memory and the life he devoted to his community and to preserving Tibetan identity and culture; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council recognizes and celebrates the contributions of members of the Tibetan community in Somerville and affirms that their histories, cultures, traditions, and voices are valued members of our shared civic community; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the City Council encourages residents of Somerville to learn about and engage respectfully with the history, culture, and experiences of the Tibetan community and other communities whose members have come to Somerville seeking safety, opportunity, and a place to call home; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That a copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Somerville’s Tibetan community and to the family and friends of Lobga Rangzen as an expression of the City Council’s sympathy, respect, and solidarity in remembrance of his life.