Allison Payne was a giant in the Journalism and Media space to many but also invisible to others. Her passing has been a tough pill to swallow for those who knew, loved, and adored her but has been just another flying story for those who didn’t even know her face or name.
I remember sitting on the campus of Lewis University as a Radio and Television broadcasting major watching the legendary Allison Payne on the WGN News Monday through Friday and looking at her with the desire to be even half of the journalist that she was. In the Summer of ‘93, I was armed with the same Greek letters she had, Delta Sigma Theta, of course, from Lewis University to intern at WGN, where I came to meet my idol. She was the ultimate blend of my two sheroes, Iman and Shirley Chisholm. She was a tall and beautifully statuesque freedom fighter. Nothing brought the kind of excitement that rolling up and seeing her pearl-colored Infinity car in her parking spot did. I spent 11 years working at the same news organization, watching her every move, and was impressed with her style and grace.
For every athlete who grew up wanting to be like Mike, there was a generation of young black and brown girls with a mic who wanted to be like Allison Payne. She was just that good. No, better than good. She was just that special. Allison was “Being Mary Jane” before Gabrielle Union stepped forth in her role of that dynamic woman on BET. She was the consummate class act, an amazing media professional that went above and beyond to tell the stories. Had there been a consultant needed for “Being Mary Jane”, Allison should have been at the top of the list.
Her office was like a therapy session for many people. The only thing she was missing was a couch, but it was as if you were transported when you entered that space. You may have gone in to vent and talk about things, but you always came out changed. Sitting in my cubicle outside of her office, I witnessed firsthand how many people sought Allison for counsel and advice or just shared their weekend stories. She served everyone, and she gave everything she had to whoever needed it.
See, it didn’t matter what was happening, Allison taught you how to find the story in it. It was after our work trip to LA that an unexpected incident happened during our stay. That incident made me come back to Chicago and pitch a story to her and our news director about Black men living a double sex life. The lifestyle was called “Brothers on the Down Low“. We interviewed JL King who wrote a book with the same title. By her crafting this story, we could address the epidemic of Black women getting HIV and AIDS from men that lived this lifestyle.
She gave me so many opportunities and tools needed to be successful in this industry. She was a big sister and mentor all in one. Allison used to tell me I was wise beyond my years. Telling me things like, “Deborah Brown, you see the red flags for what they were and I see them and put it on like a cape. Like Little Red Riding Hood.” We would laugh hysterically about things like that and so many others.
The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.
Like many others in this industry, Allison had her fair share of struggles. Her battle with alcoholism was one that I had a chance to witness moments of. When I started my business she would call on occasion, but those calls began to be different. Something was changing in her. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had done more. But I also wish that the powers that be that were closest to her in this industry would have supported her like I have seen them support so many others. Black women are rarely allowed to make a mistake, even more rarely allowed to come back from it in a better position than they were. Unfortunately, Allison was no exception to that rule. Where many have been supported in the healing process, she seemed to be ever so not gently pushed out of the role that she flourished in. Too often people give 20+ years of their lives to an organization only to be given a watch as a parting gift. Too often people devote their lives to an organization, jeopardizing their physical and mental health only to leave without as much as an honest thank you.
She accomplished what many only dream of in making it to a major seat as a top news anchor in her 20s. Allison was nothing short of a force to be reckoned with. She served her organization for many years, spending the majority of her waking hours at work, but ultimately had an achilles heel. It’s heartbreaking to watch someone struggling in this way because deep down these are beautiful souls, who help so many people while also struggling inside. Many may have asked “Where is Allison Payne?” but we don’t have to wonder anymore. We can rest assured that she is resting peacefully.
To everyone that knows her personally, I can truly say I am with you in feeling your pain. I just so happened to be surrounded by my sorority sisters in Memphis when I was given the news of her passing from my dear friend Ingrid. What a timely coincidence to be with my Delta family discovering the loss of our beloved Delta sister. She was an integral part of my years as a young Black woman in this industry. My goal for this was to give more than just a tribute to where I am in my feelings, writing about the legendary Allison Payne and her impact on my life. My goal was to make you stop and think.
I don’t want this to be a piece where you feel something for the moment and then go back to your regularly scheduled program. Allison was more than just a brief impact that slowly dissipated away. She was a meteor, a giant, whose presence and impact was felt and should be remembered for generations to come. We need to take action and do something differently. We need to move past being all about self and give back in ways that Allison did. My hope is that you wrestle with this. Wrestle with her life and legacy. Wrestle with your feelings. Wrestle with all that you have and haven’t done yet. Then move forward in a stride for greatness that only creates a stronger platform for everyone who will come after you.
To my mentees: Sydney Bennett, Amer Goosby, Shareena Green, Kasmer Quinn, Danyale Lucado, Aaja Magee, Morgan Malone, Maliz Mahop, Brenda Palmer, Sukmeke Rainey- Watkins – if I have not done enough and you need more of me, please make it known to me so that I can be of better service. My goal will always be to lift while I climb.
To my mentors: Dr. Carol Adams, Melody Spann-Cooper, Merri Dee, Hermene Hartman, Yolanda Joe, Ingrid Grimes- Myles, Warner Saunders (Posthumously) and Phyliss Schwartz – thank you for seeing me and pouring so much knowledge and time and love into me. My appreciation is endless.
To Allison: My gratitude for you and all that you did is without measure. My Delta sister, while your life was certainly not without struggle, I am so glad that I got to witness many of the accomplishments and moments of joy. You are missed so greatly.
