The Hmong community in Minnesota is in mourning following the death of a beloved performer and activist, Tou Ger Xiong, who was kidnapped and killed in Colombia earlier this month. A vigil held on Saturday at East Ridge High School brought hundreds together, with attendees choosing to wear pink, Xiong's favorite color, to honor his memory. Xiong, well-known for his storytelling and efforts in cultural bridging, was only 50 at the time of his death on December 11.
According to a FOX9 report, Xiong's mother, Sao Lou Vue, was moved by the community's turnout, saying, "It has been uplifting to see all of you here to help me and help us remember our son and our brother." The crime of his slaying is still under investigation in South America, while stateside, Xiong's absence is profoundly felt among those who knew him and those who were simply touched by his work.
Xiong's impact on the community was not only as an entertainer but also as an inspiring figure in the Hmong American community, alluded to by Senator Amy Klobuchar as someone "who put uplifting others above all else." As per an interview with CBS News, his brother, Eh Xiong, reminisced about Tou Ger's laughter and goofiness, and the way he used humor and a captivating personality to fight for change and share Hmong culture.
The loss of Xiong considered a cultural bridge-builder and a champion for communal unity by Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, resonates with those who knew him and those who knew of him alike. "There are no words to ease the pain or to feel the void that he has left," Flanagan said, as reported by FOX9. The establishment of the Tou Ger Xiong endowment fund aims to continue his legacy, with the family hoping to raise $200,000 to support domestic violence prevention, scholarships for youth, and the fight against injustice.
Throughout his life, Tou Ger Xiong worked tirelessly to connect cultures and foster understanding, leaving an indelible mark on his community. "His impact will be felt for generations to come," said Senator Klobuchar in the CBS News interview. As family, friends, and community members bid farewell to Xiong, his nephew, Jim Kongmeng Yang, affirmed his enduring influence, saying, "Uncle Tou, you will live on through the stories we tell. You are a superhero to us all."
