Tou Ger Xiong

Tou Ger Xiong was a beloved storyteller, comedian, and social justice champion whose work built a lasting bridge between traditional Hmong culture and mainstream America. He became a household name through three highly recognizable contributions:

1. He pioneered Hmong stand-up comedy and rap in the United States, creating iconic, relatable personas that instilled cultural pride and helped the refugee community heal through laughter.
2. He co-founded the annual "Hmong MN Day" at the Minnesota State Fair to celebrate local heritage and showcase emerging talents.
3. He served as a vital grassroots organizer, rallying volunteers to successfully elect Mee Moua as the nation's first Hmong American state senator.

The life of Tou Ger Xiong came to a sudden and tragic end in December 2023. While vacationing in Medellín, Colombia, the 50-year-old activist and comedian was lured into a trap, held hostage, and violently murdered by captors who demanded a ransom from his family. His tragic passing devastated the Twin Cities and the global Hmong diaspora, who mourned the loss of a pioneer. The long legal battle that followed concluded with the four individuals responsible for his kidnapping and homicide being convicted and sentenced to 29 years in prison. Though his voice was silenced too soon, Xiong's family has established a memorial endowment fund to ensure his life’s work of cultural bridge-building and community advocacy continues to inspire future generations.