Many East Palo Alto (EPA) residents gathered to celebrate the life of Apollonia Grey Uhilamoelangi, better known as Mama Dee, at Bell Street Park on Saturday evening. Mama Dee was a prominent activist who championed unity and second chances for local youth. The festival reflected Dee’s legacy through Polynesian traditional dance, music, and the generosity of all attendees.
As a way to honor Mama Dee’s value of kindness, volunteers greeted guests with warm smiles and goody bags upon arrival. Tiffany Uhilamoelangi, Mama Dee’s daughter, shared how her mother’s compassion rubbed off on others.
“I use her for an example as the most compassionate person I have ever met,” Tiffany said. “She can literally feel the shoes of empathy, right? She felt the struggle of someone else, and would think, ‘I can help them.’”
The event also highlighted Mama Dee’s commitment to community leadership through her advocacy for change in healthcare and firearm policies. Feti Uhilamoelangi, Mama Dee’s grandson, shared how her family continues to carry on her legacy. “Her effect on the world, left with her children, and just her lineage that she brought into the world,” Feti said.
The event also taught local youth the value of selfless kindness, not only through speeches from community leaders, but also by having them participate in providing the community with free goods. The celebration featured various booths offering free fruit trees, makeup, and self-care products to participants.
Feti shared how her mom also advocated for people to live under better housing circumstances and get out of poverty. “You know, she died on her deathbed still asking about her clients. Asking about their housing, vouchers, and I said, ‘Mom, don’t worry about it, we’ll take care of it,’” Feti said.
Through a synchronized traditional Polynesian dance which participants were invited to join in on, the gathering emphasized the importance of building community through the arts. Mama Dee Day serves as an important continuation of Dee’s legacy of uniting EPA through community events. “She would just come to our school and start dancing, singing for the kids, and really just try to portray and share our culture,” Feti said.
The event also focused on eliminating barriers to education through stalls distributing free school supplies and books and informing students about college scholarships and financial aid. Tiffany remembered how, in her childhood, she was surrounded by her mother’s efforts in community education and civic empowerment.
The day ended with warmth, mutual support, and good cheer. The event gave the community a reason to come together, access resources, and provide each other support, all while memorializing one of EPA’s most iconic leaders. The event served as an important reminder of Mama Dee’s legacy: inspiring each attendee to reflect on how they can make a difference in the lives of those around them.
