BIG MAMA SAID: “Show Me the Receipts. The Election Will Not End in One Day!”

By Terry Allen

Lucille “Big Mama” Allen was our family’s rock—a sage source of wisdom, faith, and that special brand of humor only a true matriarch could wield. During her 97 years of living, her words and actions guided us through life’s complexities, offering a perspective shaped by love, patience, and often a little bit of tough love. As election season grips our nation, I’m reminded of one of her favorite sayings: “Show me the receipts.” This statement, in Big Mama’s hands, was never just about financials. It was about truth, transparency, and accountability. And as she would say, when the stakes are high, we need to see the proof. This election will need strong proof.

“Receipts” in today’s BIPOC vernacular has become synonymous with evidence, a call to verify truthfulness in a world often clouded by mistrust. In the case of this election, “Show Me the Receipts” means that voter turn- out will be the ultimate proof of the people’s will. Big Mama believed that the truth will be revealed in time, and I can hear her saying now that God will ultimately show us who has the real receipts. We’ll see it not in the rhetoric or projections, but in the turnout itself—proof of our voice in action.

This phrase has echoed throughout pop culture, rooted in accountability. I think back to a famous moment in 2002 when journalist Diane Sawyer interviewed the late Whitney Houston, asking her about rumors of extravagant spending on drugs.

Whitney, firm in her response, boldly demanded, “Show me the receipts!” Her words have since become legendary, capturing a powerful moment of refusing to be misrepresented without proof.

On a more profound level, “Show Me the Receipts” calls to mind the biblical story of Nathan confronting King David in 2 Samuel 12. Just as Nathan’s confrontation led David to acknowledge his failings and seek forgiveness, we are called to examine the “receipts” of our own actions and intentions.

In today’s contentious climate of disinformation, we yearn for a return to collaboration, trust, and unity. As Big Mama might say, once the dust settles on this election, may we find our way back to a spirit of unity and build an America that doesn’t just talk about unity but shows the receipts.

What are your thoughts? Email me at the paper, terryallenpr@gmail.com and show me the receipts you have.

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