Tou Ger Xiong

In a bustling coffee shop, surrounded by the hum of conversations and the scent of freshly brewed coffee, I sat down with Tou Ger Xiong, a charismatic artist-activist whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful. Known for his energetic storytelling, Tou Ger spoke with conviction and warmth, sharing insights into his life’s mission—uplifting the Hmong community and addressing social justice issues head-on.

Our conversation touched on pivotal moments in his journey, including his reaction to witnessing Chai Vang’s trial and the misrepresentation of the Hmong community in the media. This moment fueled his commitment to be a voice for his people, turning “invisibility into visibility,” and working tirelessly to ensure that the Hmong community is both heard and respected.

Tou Ger shared his vision for building a support system within the Hmong community, one that would allow them to organize in times of crisis. Reflecting on his activism, he explained that while movements like Black Lives Matter have established rapid-response structures, the Hmong community still lacks a cohesive national response team. “I want the next generation to be prepared, so that they don’t need us to create a plan of action when tragedy strikes,” he said. His dream is to see Hmong youth empowered to organize and advocate on their own terms.

As he spoke about his work as a storyteller, it became clear that Tou Ger’s unique blend of humor, music, and cultural storytelling is more than just performance; it’s a tool for sparking change and fostering cultural pride. “I’m an artist because I create, and an activist because my work elevates our community to a deeper consciousness,” he said. His shows, filled with humor and social commentary, challenge audiences to think critically about identity, heritage, and justice.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, Tou Ger expressed a profound hope for the future: “I’m hoping that our children and younger generation will rise up, so that when tragedy strikes, they don’t need us to draw up a plan of action.” He dreams of a day when young Hmong people are ready to rally, organize, and mobilize with the same passion that drives him, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and advocacy for generations to come.

As the coffee shop continued to bustle around us, Tou Ger’s words left an indelible mark. His story is one of resilience, self-created opportunities, and a determination to pass the torch to a new generation of Hmong changemakers. For Tou Ger, true success will be achieved not by following his exact footsteps but by inspiring others to forge their own paths—toward justice, pride, and a better future for all.