By Terry Allen
Texas Metro News
https://texasmetronews.com
There is a saying my grandmother, Lucile “Big Mama” Allen, used whenever a task looked overwhelming: “You hold the tail, let me skin the cat.” She wasn’t being crude. She was teaching collaboration. One stabilizes. The other specializes. Progress happens when everyone understands their assignment and does their part.
That lesson defines how I see the legacy of Jesse Jackson. His leadership was not symbolic; it was structural. Through Operation PUSH, he made Black economic inclusion a civil rights issue. Through the Rainbow Coalition, he unified communities into political power. His presidential campaigns expanded voter registration and normalized Black leadership on a national stage. He negotiated hostage releases, pressured corporations to diversify hiring and supplier contracts, and forced America to confront equity at the boardroom table. He didn’t just “Keep Hope Alive.” He built a seat at the table.
Credit City Men Cook archives
I had nine personal moments with Reverend Jackson — moments that felt like touching the hem of his garment. In those encounters, I was reminded what greatness looks like, what God’s purpose requires, and how we move from transactional to transformative. Because of that charge, I helped transform 122 formerly incarcerated individuals into entrepreneurs — not one returned to prison or committed another crime. I helped move 85 women from welfare to employment. That impact traces back to one declaration he made famous: “I Am Somebody.”
When I see the presence of our storytellers — whose very existence embodies Black excellence — I am reminded that legacy is not accidental, it is intentional.
Credit Irma Hall Of Fame Awards – Terry Allen
When you look at an award-winning artist like Regina Taylor, you are witnessing more than talent. You ae viewing Cultural Stewardship. Her body of work — from powerful storytelling in projects like The Black Mixtape 1967–1975 to the transformative stage narratives rooted in the spirit of the Trinity River — amplifies our profound impact on America.Recently, his son tearfully said his father went from an “is” to a “was.” Respectfully, reframe that. He is present in every entrepreneur who refused to go back to prison. He is present in every entrepreneur who refused to go back to prison. He is present in every woman who chose employment over dependency. He is present wherever someone stands up and declares their worth. Legacy does not expire. It multiplies.
Yet while progress was being made, erasure crept in. References to decorated Black generals have been removed from official narratives. Black history curriculum has been restricted. Civil rights books have been challenged. Cultural institutions preserving African American history face political scrutiny. When truth is edited, identity weakens.
Big Mama would not tolerate spectators. She assigned roles and expected execution. Our assignment is clear: protect our story, amplify it with every digital tool available, and move from being a non-voting culture to a voting culture.
Hold the tail. Do the work. Protect the story. Vote now. Email me at Terryallenpr@gmail.com and let me know you took five people to Vote.
Terry Allen is an NABJ award-winning Journalist, DEI expert, PR professional,
and founder of the charity – Vice President at Focus- PR, Founder of City Men Cook, and Dallas Chapter President of NBPRS.org
