By: Terry Allen
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was more than a matriarch; she was a force of nature. Born in the segregated South, she raised her family with iron-clad faith, a quick wit, and the unshakable belief that character—not titles—determines destiny. “A tree don’t grow oranges if it’s an apple seed inside,” she’d say. Translation: You can’t fake competence, and sooner or later, the truth of who you really are will show up in what you do.
Take the folks running things in Washington these days. Big Mama would’ve squinted at these leaders—appointed, not earned—and asked, “Who let the fox guard the henhouse?” From bungled policies to baffling priorities, it’s clear: what’s in them is coming out. Narrow vision. Double standards. A system that rolls out the red carpet for White Afrikaners (who, mind you, ain’t fleeing war or poverty) while slamming the door on Black and Brown refugees from Haiti, Congo, or Honduras. Big Mama called that “putting the devil’s sugar in God’s tea.” It might look sweet, but it’s still poison.
But here’s the hope: What’s in us can still change the game. Look at City Men Cook, a Dallas program teaching young men of color to thrive as chefs, leaders, mentors and entrepreneurs. No handouts, no shortcuts—just skill, sweat, and soul. That’s the alternative to waiting on failed leaders. Big Mama’s mantra? “If you want better, be better.” The world won’t fix itself, but what’s inside you—courage, hustle, truth—will always find a way out.
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
