1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring the life and activism of Tou Ger Xiong.
1.3WHEREAS, Tou Ger Xiong is one of the most altruistic Hmong-American leaders of our
1.4time due to his activism for social justice and human rights, impacting countless lives across the
1.5United States; and
1.6WHEREAS, born in Pakse, Laos, on October 15, 1973, as the eighth child to Xia Ge Xiong
1.7and Sao Lou Vue, Tou Ger's family escaped Laotian government persecution for aiding Americans
1.8during the Vietnam War by crossing the Mekong River. They started a new life in St. Paul in 1979.
1.9Tou Ger Xiong graduated as valedictorian from Humboldt High School in 1992 and received a
1.10bachelor's degree in political science from Carleton College in 1996; and
1.11WHEREAS, with talent and charisma, Tou Ger built his career as a satirist performer, spoken
1.12word artist, motivational speaker, and Hmong storyteller. He gave over 1,600 presentations across
1.13the United States in the past 20 years to promote cultural awareness. Some of his well-known
1.14performances include "Hmong Orphan Boy," the "Go Hmong Boy" rap, and impersonations of
1.15many popular iconic figures. He was also featured in the book "Mission Possible!"; and
1.16WHEREAS, Tou Ger volunteered extensively to help communities and campaigned for
1.17many prominent elected officials in the state of Minnesota. His community efforts earned him
1.18countless recognitions, including the Martin Luther King Social Justice Award, the Minnesota
1.19Nonviolence Day Mahatma Gandhi Award, and Bush Leadership Fellow. The Annual Hmong Day
1.20at the Minnesota State Fair was his creation; and
1.21WHEREAS, caring deeply about his people in diaspora, Tou Ger became an iconic figure
1.22for Hmong-Americans fighting for social justice, human rights, and equity. The numerous historic
1.23campaigns with his leadership include protesting KQRS radio's derogatory messages, the police
1.24killing of Fong Lee in Minneapolis, Wisconsin hunter incidents, the police shooting death of a
1.25Hmong farmer, and a hunger strike in Siskiyou County, California; and
2.1WHEREAS, he had a love for traveling, dancing, singing, comic relief, live concerts, golfing,
2.2hiking, fishing, and exploring Minnesota's Boundary Waters and Wilderness Canoe Area, where
2.3he went annually with friends, including State Senator Foung Hawj; and
2.4WHEREAS, he once said, "Traveling the world can be exciting. Political conventions are
2.5fun. Social justice rallies are a must. Performing in front of 6,000 people is an adrenaline rush. But
2.6my true happy place is when I don't hear a sound except maybe a loon in the distance while my
2.7fishing line is in the water"; and
2.8WHEREAS, through his many talents, big heart, and infectious laughter, Tou Ger was a
2.9fearless Hmong-American leader who loved his family, impacted countless lives, and was dedicated
2.10to making this world a more just and joyful place; and
2.11WHEREAS, Tou Ger is survived by his mother, Sao Lou Vue; six brothers; four sisters; 13
2.12nieces; 12 nephews; three grand-nephews; and friends all over the world. He will be forever missed;
2.13and
2.14NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
2.15celebrates the life of Tou Ger Xiong and recognizes his many years of activism.
2.16BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
2.17enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
2.18Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to the family of Tou Ger
2.19Xiong.

Tom BotternSecretary of the Senate

Kari DziedzicChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Susan PhaState Senator, District 38

Foung HawjState Senator, District 67

Nicole MitchellState Senator, District 47

John A. HoffmanState Senator, District 34