By: Terry Allen
Credit: City men cook Terry Allen
Big Mama used to tell us, “Baby, if you don’t mark your own history, somebody else will write it—and they might not remember you right.” That lesson has been sitting heavy on my spirit lately.
Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was the family matriarch whose wisdom shaped generations. Her sayings—simple, direct, and grounded in faith and common sense—continue to inspire reflections on leadership, responsibility, and community.
History isn’t just something we look back on. It’s something we participate in. It’s the courage to reinvent ourselves, step into relevant opportunities, and show up where our voices and values matter.
Across our community, I see people doing exactly that.
Take Richie Butler, who through Project Unity has championed safe conversations across racial, cultural, and faith lines. At a time when division seems easier than dialogue, he reminds us that courageous conversation is still one of the most powerful tools we have.
Then there’s Noelle LeVeaux, who is helping expand community involvement around FIFA opportunities coming to our region. That work ensures our communities are not spectators to global moments—but participants in them.
And I salute Abdul Dosunmu of YBLOC, who continues to push voter engagement and civic education so the next generation understands that democracy only works when we show up.
That’s what marking history looks like.
It’s reinvention.
It’s participation.
It’s refusing to sit on the sidelines when opportunity knocks.
For more than 25 years, our City Men Cook movement has tried to do the same—lifting the image of Black men as fathers, mentors, chefs, entrepreneurs, and community builders. What started as a Father’s Day gathering became a cultural tradition that celebrates the contributions of Black men and documents our role in strengthening families and communities. produced by Terry Allen Taste of the South Charities, City Men Cook is one of North Texas’ longest-running Father’s Day celebrations. The event highlights the positive contributions of Black men through food, fellowship, mentorship, and philanthropy while raising support for grassroots community.
Because Big Mama understood something simple but powerful:
History isn’t just written in books.
It’s written in the choices we make, the conversations we start, and the opportunities we claim.
So mark your moment.
The next chapter of our history might be waiting on you. Please email me at Terryallenpr@gmail.com and tell me what your mark will be.
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
