Sululagi M. Palega, Jr.

Sululagi M. Palega, Jr. (1972-94)

Sululagi M. Palega Jr. Playground and Recreation Center (500 Felton Street, San Francisco)

Sululagi M. Palega Jr. was of Samoan descent and grew up to be a dedicated athlete. He was born in California as the son of Sulu Palega Sr., an anti-crime activist. Sulu Jr. was a six-foot-four athlete known to many as a "Gentle Giant." He played in the Modesto basketball tournament and was a quarterback for City College of San Francisco. Sulu Jr. was shot to death when he was mistakenly identified as a gang member. Before he was killed, he was in the process of being hired to be a Recreation and Park Department director. In 1996, the Portola Recreation Center was renamed in his honor.

(Portrait by Kenneth Acala, SFSU 2014)