HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-02 Mama Dee 'Uhilamoelangi
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Appollonia “Mama Dee” Grey ‘Uhilamoelangi
WHEREAS, Appollonia “Mama Dee” Grey ‘Uhilamoelangi devoted three decades of her life to building bridges
between the Palo Alto and East Palo Alto communities through heartfelt sharing and mutual collaboration for youth success,
cultural preservation, and intercommunity understanding and appreciation; and
WHEREAS, Mama Dee was known for her unwavering dedication to sharing the beauty of Pacific Islander culture
through the ‘Anamatangi Polynesian Voices organization that she founded with her husband during AAPI Month events, as
well as throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, Mama Dee provided critical outreach to Pacific Islander families, including Tinsley Voluntary Transfer
Program families in the Palo Alto Unified School District, fostering a sense of cultural belonging and empowerment; and
WHEREAS, during the challenging years of the 1990s, when crime and drug use were a threat to communities in our
region, Mama Dee was undeterred in her mission to save and uplift youth, offering them a path forward through education,
cultural enrichment, and unwavering support; and
WHEREAS, during those critical years, Mama Dee hosted Palo Alto youth on immersive and transformative visits to
East Palo Alto to meet community leaders, elected officials, and everyday community residents to overcome stereotypes and
fear; and
WHEREAS, Mama Dee partnered with the Palo Alto-based Youth Community Service and other youth-serving
nonprofits to engage hundreds of youth and families from both communities in Family Service Days and service-learning
activities to deepen understanding, familiarity and friendships; and
WHEREAS, as a person of faith, Mama Dee dedicated herself to meaningful multifaith understanding and outreach
through local congregations, including Palo Alto First Presbyterian, Palo Alto First United Methodist, and the Tongan and
Samoan churches; and
WHEREAS, even in her final years, Mama Dee remained a force for good, mobilizing community support and
participation during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing a way for community members to contribute support for Tonga
following a devastating volcanic eruption in 2022; and
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto mourns the passing of Mama Dee on August 10, 2024, yet celebrates her extraordinary
life and the profound impact she had on countless individuals.
NOW, THEREFORE I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, do hereby honor the life, legacy, and the
indomitable spirit of Appollonia “Mama Dee” Grey ‘Uhilamoelangi, recognizing her as a pillar of cultural enrichment, youth
advocacy, and intercommunity understanding, whose contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
Presented: December 2, 2024
______________________________ Greer Stone Mayor
Proclamation