By Terry Allen
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen, the pillar of faith and wisdom in our family, shared the kind of life advice that cut through confusion and lit the way forward. In her own joyful spirit, she declared, *“I am addicted, and I say have joy for Kamala,”* echoing the confidence and enthusiasm she felt watching Kamala Harris rise to the Vice Presidency. Big Mama’s joy, like that spoken of by Bebe and CeCe Winans in their song *”Addictive Love,”* serves as both a motivator and a reminder of the unique joy that can drive us toward new possibilities just as Harris has stated. it is Freedom Joy
The lyrics ring out, *“All I wanna do is just explain why we feel the way we do… what a joy to share with you.”* In the same way, Big Mama shared her deep joy for the advancements she witnessed, from her civil rights-era beginnings to today’s monumental steps with the infused Joy from Kamala Harris. This joy crosses generations and compels us toward positive change, giving us a vision of a “new place called Kamalot”—a land where justice, equity, and community spirit thrive.
Throughout our history, we’ve seen this joy in action, a powerful force uniting people across ages and backgrounds for the common good. The Montgomery Bus Boycott was one such example where, inspired by the collective joy and hope for freedom, multiple generations banded together, paving the way for change. The March on Washington brought young and old alike, each adding strength to the vision of equality and justice. And, most recently, the Black Lives Matter movement bridged generations, where shared joy for dignity and justice moved people across the nation to demand lasting change.
Big Mama’s legacy, like the love Bebe and CeCe sing about, is uplifting and endless. It calls us to embrace this joy in our own lives, to seek out this “addictive love” and let it fuel us toward change. As Bebe and CeCe sing, *“See, I’m lost without it… this love takes me higher.”* Let us be unafraid to sing our own song, carrying Big Mama’s joy forward, and building a brighter, kinder world together and call it Kamalot!!
Email me your thoughts at terryallenpr@gmail.com
Terry Allen is an NABJ award- winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional, and founder of the charity – Vice President at FocusPR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
