Honoring the Life and Legacy of Appollonia “Mama Dee” Grey ‘Uhilamoelangi WHEREAS, Appollonia “Mama Dee” Grey ‘Uhilamo elangi 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 up lift 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 bot h 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
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Greer Stone
Mayor
Proclamation