By Terry Allen
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was the heart and soul of our family, a wellspring of wisdom and faith. Her words carried the weight of experience, and her guidance still echoes through the lives of those she touched. As we navigate today’s world, Big Mama’s lesson rings clearer than ever: “Black Man, Don’t believe the hype.”
For Big Mama, “Don’t believe the hype” meant being a critical thinker. It was about cutting through the noise, refusing to be swayed by empty promises, and forming your own opinions. In a world where hype is everywhere— where stories are spun, inflated, and designed to manipulate—it’s important to recognize that hype and substance are not the same thing. As she would say, “The hype is loud, but the truth speaks quieter.”
The phrase gained broader significance through Public Enemy’s 1988 hit, “Don’t Believe the Hype.” Chuck D and his crew weren’t just talking about music or media; they were addressing the political lies and disinformation spreading across the U.S. Their message was about staying informed and not allowing ourselves to be misled by the smoke and mirrors around us.
In this age of misinformation and disinformation, Big Mama’s lesson couldn’t be more timely. We see examples of hype being used to distort the truth all the time— whether it’s misleading headlines about political candidates, false narratives about voter fraud, or social media campaigns that amplify divisiveness. It’s our responsibility to sift through the noise and seek out truth and repeat “Black Man, Don’t believe the Hype! This is where Cheryl Smith, the founder of Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation, comes in. Her non profit empowers young people to think critically, pursue media careers, and contribute to honest storytelling. It’s a reminder that we, too, must invest in the truth.
As Kanye West said, “Screams from the haters, got a nice ring to it. I guess every superhero needs his theme music.” But as Black men, we must ensure that the noise doesn’t drown out our vote, our truth, or our future.
Find the facts. Seek out trusted sources. And vote for those who stand for truth. Big Mama wants Black men to vote forward not backward- Email me if you agree 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
