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This extraordinary woman is Lily Brown Tinoifili. She was born in Western Samoa in the village Solosolo, District Anoama'a. She's a mother of 10 and grandmother of too many to count. When she was a young girl she was adopted by her aunt and lived in American Samoa with her adopted family. In that environment, she learned to adapt to nature and life as the youngest sibling. Occasionally, she would make visits to her biological siblings back in Western Samoa. It's very normal for Samoan families to adopt a niece or nephew. Instead of an actual foster system, the families believe its best to just give the children to another family member and raise them as their own. Now, telling them whether or not that's their real siblings and or parents, its up to the family that took them in. In June of 1969 Lily flew to San Francisco, at the age of 16. But the paperwork had her at the age of 18. She was drawn to San Francisco due to her older sister, Mary Brown Thompson. Since her arrival to the U.S, she has always went by her government age. It's no wonder the woman seems a bit younger than her actual age. Since that ripe age of 16, my grandmother has been through it all. In Samoan culture, she had already learned her duties as a woman on the island, but its different in the U.S. It was a new place to get used too. And she did just that. Lily, has worked her way her entire life. She's has been raising her grandkids, myself included, due to family issues. As well as, picking up her own kids when they are really going through it. Lily is a superhero. God has given her a gift and she always uses it.

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From 1899-1915, Samoa was a colony of the German Empire. Germany Samoa is a protectorate that consist of the following islands, Upolu, Savai'i, Apolima and Manono. Samoa was a great significance to Germany due to radio transmissions in the hill of Apia. It could reach long-range Morse signals all the way to Berlin. Willhelm Solf, the first governor of Germany Samoa, proved himself to be a leader and experience administrator. He did it all to prove himself, from taking the time to learn the culture, traditions, and values of Samoans. But, Solf had limits; he didn't want to tolerate anyone else, such as, the Samoan chiefs. He made it clear that their would be "one government" and that's under him, no one else. By 1908, Samoa had been successful and no longer needed to rely on Berlin anymore. Due to the protectorates stability, Germany didn't think it needed a standing Army, as no outsider has really visited Samoa. They had native police protecting the island. Thus, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force easily invaded Samoa because there was no point in fighting without an Army. Samoa surrendered. It wasn't until January 1st, 1962, Samoa gained it's independence from New Zealand.

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In 1963, John F Kennedy was assassination. His murder took place on November, 22nd at Dealey Plaza in Dallas Texas. He was shot by a US marine by the name of Lee Harvey Oswald. He was taken into custody for the murder of Kennedy. While moving through the Dallas Police Basement, he was fatally shot by Dallas Nightclub operator by the name of Jack Ruby. Just like President Kennedy's death, when rushed to the hospital, he later died as well. My grandmother doesn't remember much. Other than hearing about the Presidents death on the radio. She was about 12 at the time, and living in Western Samoa.

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One out of many issues in Samoa is the rates of Sexual Assault of women. In Samoan culture, it is the norm for young girls and women to do as much as possible to not exist. That the gender norms is just to be a wife, a cook, a mother, nothing more. While Samoa can be a beautiful and wonderous place, there's always an exception of wonderous eyes, mouths, hands, and genitals. Young girls from the ages 9-14 years old have had countless cases of sexual assault in Samoa. Before any girl or woman comes forward to say they have been assaulted, the first thing they think of is the impact the truth may have on others. In Samoa, they think of the reputation of the perpetrator, the perpetrator's family, their own family, and the village. All self-less thinking. Its the sad truth. And it's a real thing that happens, not just in Samoa, but with Samoan families in general. Sexual Abuse is passed down from generation to generation, as if it was a tradition in Samoan Culture. My grandmother had her unfortunate share of sexual abuse when she was younger. Her first child she had was conceived of rape. This was after her arrival to the U.S. This can be a big factor to why she does not have a relationship with her eldest son. But, the horrible experience doesn't stop there. Talking amongst my aunties, I had to come forward and let them know what personally happened to me. It was then they reassured me I wasn't alone. But it pained their hearts to see another generation be affect by this so called "curse" that happens within Samoan Families. Since then, I've always been passionate about talking about such things as Sexual Assault and Abuse. To every woman out there struggling, afraid to come out about the pain you endured, just know you are NOT alone.

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My grandmother go her first job here at this establishment. She was a CNA, also known as a Certified Nursing Assistant. The building dates back all the way to the 1800's, where it first opened in 1866. My grandmother worked there until 1985, where she soon moved into food service in Palo Alto. Since then, she had retired in 2017.

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This group contains one main classic that not only does my grandmother listen to them, but many of my other family members, including myself. This band is known for their beautiful music in representation of Samoa. The name "The Five Stars" comes from the Samoan flags 5 stars. The members are brothers Alofa Tu'uga and Solomona (Soloman) Tu'uga, along with their family relatives; Samu Poulava-Selesele, Faifua Fa'atoe and Uili Misa. Our family's favorite song is "Oi La'u Pele Ea". The beautiful song is about a woman whom they loved, found love elsewhere with another person. It was released in 1987, and has been a hit since then within the Samoan community.

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My family had dealt with many issues in our path, but nothing could compare to what we had to endure during the pandemic. The start of the disease, no one took it seriously, like my generation, we take everything as a joke. But time passed and it soon got serious. My grandmother moved to Seattle, Washington with her 2 grandkids and daughter. My household couldn't handle the thought of her not being with us. I ended up taking the responsibility of taking care of my grandpa while she was away. Later, he had joined her in Seattle, leaving the rest of us in Hayward. The pandemic made it hard for the entire world, afraid of not being able to step foot outside of your house. Along with that, people over buying certain necessities as toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, Clorox, hand sanitizer, etc. People were treating the disease like it was the end of the world. Gladly, both my grandparents have survived the disease. Truly blessed.

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A beach (Symbolizes ease, and letting go)

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At the moment, my grandmother still attends the needs of her children and grand children. But, I can see she's extremely exhausted. My poor grandmother, she isn't the same anymore. Never in all the years I have been living, would I ever say such a thing. There are times I wish she wouldn't overwork herself, but she does it to herself. The best thing I can do for her is help out when I can and pray for her health and safety at all times. Lily Tinoifili is the strongest woman I know in this world. She deserves so much more credit than she is given. I am truly honored to be her granddaughter.