Tou Ger Xiong was a well-known Hmong-American storyteller, comedian, activist, and artist. His father was a CIA operative, and the family was forced to flee Laos when communists gained control in 1975.
He was born in Laos in 1973. In his life, Tou Ger Xiong felt that he was destined to become a public servant and an activist for social justice. He would utilize his creative ability to promote and advocate for a variety of issues.
In appreciation of his contributions to the Hmong community and his efforts to enhance Hmong history and culture, he was awarded recognition. Among the many activities that Tou Ger Xiong arranged, one of them was the Hmong Minnesota Day celebration at the Minnesota State Fair.
Who was Tou Ger Xiong?
Tou Ger Xiong was a comedian, educator, performer, and activist who was part of the Laotian-American community.
Despite that he was born in Laos he spent his childhood in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1975, when the communists took control of Laos, Xiong’s family was forced to leave the country, as stated on his website. His father had been working for the Central Intelligence Agency in Laos.
They lived in a refugee camp in Thailand for four years before making the journey to the United States.
A well-known advocate for the Hmong people, an indigenous ethnic group that largely resides in Southeast Asia, Xiong was a member of the movement. Within his own state, he made a concerted effort to promote his original culture.
The “Hmong Minnesota Day” event, which takes place during the Minnesota State Fair and features Hmong cultural and musical acts, was conceived by and developed by Xiong.
Additionally, he disseminated his personal narratives around the nation in order to promote cultural competence and raise awareness about racial injustice.
Tou Ger Xiong Divorce
In 2019, Tou Ger Xiong and his ex-wife, Andrea Bennett Xiong, reportedly divorced. This information comes from official papers. On May 28, 2011, the pair tied the knot. In addition, his ex-wife is a tireless advocate for women’s rights and has a master’s degree in human resources.
According to the records, his ex-wife was Ms. Minnesota for the year 2013. It just so happened that the former couple met in a karaoke club, where Tou Ger was performing one of his performances, and they fell in love with one another.
Tou Ger Xiong Career
Tou Ger Xiong, who was born in Laos in 1973, was recognized as the sole Hmong comedian in the United States according to the Chicago Tribune in the year 2004. His family reportedly left the nation in 1975 as a result of his father’s participation in the Secret War, as stated in the reports.
One of eleven children, Xiong escaped Laos and spent four years living in a camp for refugees in Thailand before arriving in the United States to grow up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and attend Humboldt High School. Xiong is one of the children who arrived in the United States.
Carleton College, located in Northfield, Minnesota, is where Xiong earned her degree in political science for her studies. During his time in college, Xiong was a stand-up comedian who performed in performances. He describes his humor as a way of “celebrating cultural diversity through laughter.”
In addition to being a well-known motivational speaker who was able to blend humor and narrative, Xiong also had a starring role in the television film Portraits from the Cloth, which was released in 1997 and recounted the journey of a Hmong family as they fled violence. His humorous performance would include accounts of his childhood as a Hmong refugee, which he would share with the audience.
In 2011, Xiong tied the knot with Andrea Bennett, a campaigner for women’s rights. The title of Mrs. Minnesota International was awarded to Bennet in the year 2013. They went their own ways in the year 2019.
On December 3, Xiong uploaded a video of himself, which he had taken during a Karol G performance in Colombia, on his Facebook page. One of his most recent posts, which was published on December 7th, had him singing along to karaoke at an apartment in Colombia.
What happened to Tou Ger Xiong in Columbia?
Tou Ger Xiong, a well-known comedian, and activist from Minnesota’s Hmong community, unfortunately died in Colombia under unclear circumstances in a tragedy.
Xiong was kidnapped while on a vacation, sustained brutal force injuries, and was found thrown over a bridge. Friends and relatives are now focusing on honoring his remarkable life after learning of the horrific facts.
There are plans to establish a foundation in his honor to give help and financial assistance. Xiong, who was well-known in the Twin Cities for his social justice activities, leaves a large void in the community.
“It is with great sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the discovery of our beloved family member’s body.” Tou Ger Xiong was a beloved part of our family, and his death has left us inconsolable.”
Many of you have contacted me today about Minnesota-based Hmong comedian, activist, and community leader Tou Ger Xiong.
Tou Ger Xiong Cause of Death
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tou Ger Xiong, a cherished member of the Hmong community in Minnesota who died suddenly in Colombia at the age of fifty due to very unfortunate circumstances. Since Tou was a passionate community activist and was well-known for being the “life of the party,” her untimely passing has created a significant void.
On his trip, he attempted to meet someone, and it was at this time that the circumstances that ultimately led to his death took place. The authorities are investigating the heinous murder, and they have traced it back to a shocking trend of violent deaths that have occurred in the region. Although the community is mourning the loss of this well-known leader, there are plans to construct a foundation in his honor.
