Most Incredible Studio: "Hey Tiffany Walden, who held you down?"
Tiffany Walden: “I’m not one of your little friends.” The Black moms’ anthem. Lay a soulful house track underneath, come up with a smooth line dance for a little panache, and that joint would knock at any Black family barbecue, rodeo or block club party.
I revered my mom growing up. A strong Black woman unafraid to stand her ground. She fiercely protected her own, by any means necessary. I played basketball as a little girl. Once, the referees showed their prejudice when our all-Black team played a predominantly white one. My mom raised so much hell during the game that the officials kicked her out of the gym; she had to watch the rest of the game through the tiny window of the gymnasium’s door.
Embarrassed at he time, it took years for me to understand her. The consequence didn’t matter if it meant protecting her family from harm. Although her expression has calmed down with age, my mom’s passion has only intensified. We initially didn’t see eye-to-eye on my creative career choices. But that didn’t stop her from holding me down through every heartbreak, hurdle and bump in the road.
I am the product of her resilience, abundant caution and unyielding protection. She is my best friend. I hope now, through it all, she sees me as her little friend.
Thank you for everything, ma ❤️