Big Mama Said: “A Delay Ain’t a Denial—So Jumpstart Your Delay Now”

By: Terry Allen

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen—my grandmother—was a truth-teller who didn’t play about purpose. She’d call you out with love and lace it with wisdom. One her best: “A delay ain’t a denial, Baby Boy , but don’t stay stuck waiting on a ‘better time’ that may never come.” She believed in acting on the now, even when the world said wait.

Now that the official day has passed, we need to work. Not the pageantry—the purpose. For decades, I’ve walked with Ms. Opal Lee—the Grandmother of Juneteenth herself—long before the media showed up, long before Juneteenth was federalized. I’ve stood with families, businesses, churches, and community leaders when no cameras were rolling. That’s not a trend for me—it’s a calling.

This year, a Bible call shifted my spirit. The presenter asked, “What has God told you to do that you haven’t even started yet?” Whew. My answer came fast: letting go of people and partnerships that are no longer aligned with my purpose. I’ve held on too long out of loyalty and habit. But just like I had to learn that family must be functional, not just biological, I now know that community must be aligned, not just familiar.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom was delayed, but it still came. And that same energy belongs in our own lives. Delay does not mean disqualified. You still have time, but don’t waste it.

Here are three things we can do right now to jumpstart what’s been denied:

Buy or Build Something: Property, business, or IP—ownership changes legacy. Rent less. Own more. Prosperity Bank has partnered with City Men Cook to support ownership efforts so step up!

Fund Black Creativity: Don’t wait for sponsors. Be the sponsor. Pay the poet. Book the band. Elevate our culture with dollars, not just likes. Reframe our spending let’s TARGET ourselves. I have 50+ suits & Business attire for young Black men and women to help me get it to those who need it.

Control Our Storytelling: Join school boards, support Black press, and teach our children who they are before the world misinforms them. Prevent banning our books by getting a seat at the table. Let them know “We came before Columbus”- Ivan Van Sertima.

Big Mama would say, “You already got the go-ahead from God—so what are you waitin’ on?” This isn’t just my column. It’s your confirmation.

Start. Now. Delay ain’t denial, but delay without movement is just regret waiting to happen. Email me at Terryallenpr@gmail. com and let’s do something.

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