“I Am Tony Allen”A Call for Grace, Leadership and Community Support

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By Ivan Thomas
Founder of DETV

Have you ever had a drink or two at a fundraiser?
A glass of wine at a gala?
Maybe a toast at a political event or a few drinks with friends after hours?

You felt fine.
You got in the car.
And then, halfway home, you started second guessing your judgment.

That moment, that hesitation, that miscalculation?
You are Tony Allen.

We do not talk about those moments until they become headlines.
And right now, that headline belongs to one of Delaware’s most accomplished and respected leaders.

What Happened

Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, was recently charged with driving under the influence.

Yes, it is serious.
Yes, it deserves accountability.
But no, it does not define him.

It should not erase decades of service, leadership and transformation in education, government and public life.

The Full Picture

Here is what many outlets left out:

Allen led DSU’s historic acquisition of Wesley College, expanding the university’s footprint by 50 acres, 21 buildings and 14 new academic programs
Under his leadership, DSU became a top 10 historically Black college or university
He served as chair of President Joe Biden’s 2021 Inaugural Committee
He has mentored thousands of first generation college students
He has held senior roles in corporate America and public service
He oversaw the construction of a new education building at DSU, helping prepare future educators in Delaware and beyond

Norman Oliver, former Wilmington City Council member and longtime community leader, said it best:

“He is transforming Delaware State University. Look out, he has got a new education building since he has been there. He has done an amazing job as president of the university. He has done an amazing job in his corporate life. He has done an amazing job in his social life. He is just a phenom. I stand by my man.”

The Double Standard

Let us be honest.

Some of the same media outlets that praised Allen just last month are now chasing clicks at his expense.
This is not about transparency. It is about spectacle.
It is not about justice. It is about judgment.

And when a Black man stumbles, the rules always seem to change.
The grace disappears.
The headlines get sharper.
The benefit of the doubt vanishes.

So the question becomes:
Do we offer grace equally, or only when it is convenient?
The answer defines who we are as a community.

This Is Bigger Than One Mistake

This is not just about Tony Allen.
It is about how we treat those who lead, who build, who serve, especially when they show their humanity.

Tony Allen has shown up for Delaware.
Now it is time for Delaware to show up for him.

He made a mistake.

But ask yourself:
What was the last mistake you made?
Should it have erased your legacy, your sacrifice, or everything you’ve built?

What You Can Do

If you are a DSU alumnus, speak up
If you are a pastor, educator, business owner or parent, show your support publicly
Use the hashtag #IAmTonyAllen to stand in solidarity
Talk to DSU students, they are watching how we respond
And the next time you leave an event thinking you are OK to drive, remember, this could have been you

Say This With Me

I choose grace
I choose truth
I choose Tony Allen

Say it.
Share it.
Mean it.

I am Tony Allen. You are Tony Allen. And this community stands with him.