The Evolution of Big Mama: From Traditional/Silent Generation (Born 1925 - 1945)to the Boomer Generation (Born 1946-1964)
- Pat Kelsaw
- Mar 11, 2024
- 7 min read
This week let's take a delightful journey through time and
explore the fascinating evolution of Big Mama. Who is Big
Mama? For starters, she's not just your average grandmother
figure; she's a cultural icon, a matriarch, and a symbol of love,
wisdom, and sassiness!
Now, picture this: the Big Mama of the Silent Generation, with
her apron tied around her waist, baking pies, and doling out
sage advice from her rocking chair on the porch. She's a pillar of strength and the undisputed ruler of her household. But fast forward a few years and enter the Big Mama of the Boomer Generation – a whole new breed of powerhouse grandmas!
Movies have depicted her in many forms – from Tyler Perry’s signature creation,
Mabel & "Madea" Simmons who dispenses life lessons along with her own personal brand of (often violent) justice, the traditional weekly Sunday dinner gatherings at
Mama Joe's in “Soul Food to Gracie and Frankie, in the Netflix series depicting a
grandmother duo, forced to live together who hilariously navigate their new lives, new
friendships, and new love interests, firmly reminding us that age is just a number and
life is what you make of it. That I am discovering…
So, why does the Big Mama of the Boomer Generation look different from her
predecessor? When I “retired” from classroom teaching and reduced my work travel
presenting across the country, I wanted to explore this generational phenomenon;
how I’ve seen it play out and try to explain it to others – some who are clueless or live
with an old stereotype and outdated “Big Mama” image. Let me try to explain this in
less than 1000 words.
Here's some context. I am an educator, turned macro social worker/grant writer,
turned nonprofit leader, turned “coach-sultant” - now learning how to navigate this
next chapter of my life. I’m an unapologetic Boomer, 100% Taurus, a “Blue” personality
color and an unabashed believer in the power of abundance and optimism to help us
heal from our interpersonal and generational traumas and create a true, positive
impact in our communities.
I love working with passionate nonprofit leaders to elevate their personal and
social impact. Whether you’re a new in this role or working to grow an already
established organization you are charged with leading, Lead Like Big Mama was
created to help you and your stakeholders. Here you can learn more about the power of
intergenerational leadership; finding a network of support from seasoned leaders, educational & career opportunities and a collection of nonprofit resources that will make a lasting impact to help you along each point along your journey!
I work with leaders who are the dreamers and doers. And as more Boomers leave the
nonprofit leadership ranks, many Boomers seek to find ways to remain connected to
this work. Many Boomers will delay retirement to work longer for various reasons.
Understanding the evolution of Big Mama from the Silent to the Boomer generation is
a crucial step to the success of new leaders and emerging leaders opening meaningful
dialogue with older generations.
Remembering not one size fits all and Big Mamas aren’t monolithic, here are four
ways Generation X and Millennial leaders can think about when it comes to the new
Big Mamas:
1. Unapologetically Fashionably Forward: The Big Mama of the Boomer Generation
rocks a more vibrant and eclectic style compared to her conservative counterpart
from the Silent Generation. Comfort is key, but she's not afraid to flaunt her funky
patterns, jeans, and cool, recycled, or repurposed accessories. From shirts to shoes,
she's a walking fashion statement! We hold on to stuff. And when we finally do, you
bring our right styles back.
2. Techno-Savvy: While the Big Mama of the Silent Generation may have been
intimidated by technology, many of her Boomer counterparts embrace it with open
arms. You'll often find her scrolling through social media, video chatting with
family/friends, and even mastering the latest apps – with their own personal tech
support on-call from younger tech geeks.
3. Active and Adventurous: Unlike her predecessor, who may have preferred a quiet
evening at home, the Big Mama of the Boomer Generation is typically on the go. She's a yoga enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, and a regular at her local Zumba class. Whether
she's traveling the world or living a bicoastal existence, trying out new hobbies, she's
living life to the fullest!
4. Unapologetically Independent: While both Big Mamas are strong and resilient, the
Boomer Generation has ushered in a new era of independence and empowerment.
The Big Mama of this generation is fiercely independent, carving out her own path and
challenging traditional gender roles along the way. She's not just a caretaker; she's a
trailblazer! Hint: better call first.
One more thing to note: Big Mama of the Boomer Generation may look different than
their Silent Generation counterpart, but one thing remains the same – their
unwavering love, wisdom, and zest for life. So, here's to all the Big Mamas – in all their fabulous, ever-evolving glory!
I hope you enjoyed reading this! You can hear some real-life stories and lessons from
some “seasoned” Big Mamas –
Celebrating Social Work Month with Lead Like Big Mama!
In celebrating Social Work Month and highlighting my forty years in the field, I hope that
you can join me in this special event—an intergenerational conversation with seasoned
leaders and others - those seeking to become the next generation of wise and
seasoned leaders. This event aims to bring together individuals from various
generations to share insights, experiences, and wisdom to foster a rich dialogue.
Join me at Big Mama’s Table:
Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 (EST)
Location: Virtual
Free Bonus Resource: I created my OWN personal leadership lessons! Find Big
Mama’s THIRD set of 10 simple tips (simple as in just three words) lessons and tips.
From Big Mama’s Playbook:
Learn about nonprofit management strategies and grant writing resources – and
more!
It is my goal to provide the latest information as I discover new items each week.
Grant News: Through Lead Like Big Mama, you can learn about basic nonprofit fundraising,
tips on how to get organized to begin grant writing, learning the language of proposal writing, etc. These free/affordable courses are geared to new, small/emerging organizations, and others interested in learning about the grant writing world!
Grant Tip: Does your organization have a fundraising plan? A strategic analysis of your current fundraising, and what the external environment is like, and its possible trends will enable you to plan more effectively for the future. My free 1-hour webinar offers a basic introduction to fundraising designed for non-profit staff and board members, especially those new to fundraising, who want to develop a clear strategy to diversify funding streams to support the organization’s needs.
Date: Saturday, April 20 th - 1:00 – 2:00 EST Registration will open in April.
Featured Grant Opportunities: This listing primarily focuses on regions of the country and
targets communities: urban/suburban/rural where I have lived or worked, or other places that touch my life – where I know people are working hard to make a difference. And besides
regional and state-specific grants, national and Federal grant opportunities related to the health and well-being of communities and families will also be included in this listing.
This week’s grants in the following areas:
Children/Youth:
The Karma for Cara Foundation invites applications for its micro-grant program. Grants of up to $1,000 to students 18 years of age and under to complete service projects in their communities. Deadline: April 1 at 11:59 (EST) next quarterly grant cycle
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the website.
Education:
(new) The Iredell County (NC) Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Foundation For The
Carolinas, invites applications for its 2024 grant cycle. Grants up to $10,000 but will consider
larger requests for special projects and programs that impact residents of Iredell County.
Deadline: March 29, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, search the application portal at the Foundation For The Carolinas website for Iredell County Community Foundation.
(new) The San Francisco 49ers Foundation has opened the application window for the Dr. Harry Edwards “Follow Your Bliss” Award grants. Ten educators will receive a $2,000 stipend for in-classroom materials and resources to support a project or program of their choice.
Nominations due: March 29, 2024 For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the San Francisco 49ers Foundation website. 49ers Foundation Nominations Portal
First Nations Institute invites applications for Native Arts Initiative. Grants up to $100,000.
Deadline: March 27, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the website.
Obama Foundation invites applications for Voyager Scholarship for Public Services.
Scholarships. A two-year leadership development and scholarship up to $50,000 for their junior and senior years of college.
Deadline: March 27, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions for this scholarship, see the
website.
Imagine Learning Foundation invites applications for grants aimed at addressing both chronic absenteeism and the student homelessness crisis that are affecting K-12 students
nationwide. Estimated grant awards in the range of $50,000 to $100,000.
Deadline: March 29, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the website.
Health/Safety/Environment:
(new) San Diego Foundation (SDF) and San Diego Community Power (SDCP) with support
from Calpine Energy Solutions, will award funding to new and existing projects that move
communities towards a healthier, more sustainable, clean energy future. grant sizes ranging
from $25,000 to $100,000.
Deadline: Friday, April 5, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. PDT
For complete program information, see grant guidelines.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation seeks to impact the lifesaving capabilities and the
lives of local heroes and their communities by providing lifesaving equipment and prevention education tools to first responders, nonprofits, and public safety organizations - grants generally
between $15,000 - $35,000.
Deadline: Next quarterly grant cycle opens April 4, 2024
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the website.
Women & Girls:
The mission of Women’s Fund of Hawaii is to support innovative, grassroots programs that
empower women and girls statewide in Hawaii. Grants up to $10,000.
Deadline: Applications for the spring grant period will be accepted from March 1 - 31, 2024.
For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the website.
Featured Career Opportunities:
Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, NV. – Social Work Adjunct/Parttime Instructor
Pool
Al Otro Lado, Independent Contractor/Grant Writer (remote position, with ability to travel to
Tijuana, MX up to four times/year, ideally)
Visit: alotrolado.org
Weekly wisdom, in their own words:
“Every small positive change we can make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.”
— Alice Walker (1944 -)
Did you know? Alice Walker earned an MSW from Sarah Lawrence College.
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