The Texas State Motto is “Friendship”
Texas is unique in many ways. From a diverse mix of geography to a population of individuals with enormous personalities, Texas has long been thought of as having a BIG attitude for personality as well as the way of life. The old saying that everything is bigger in Texas describes most anything in the state.
One thing that folks from Texas ought to be known for is how they treat each other. Texas is a friends haven. After all, the state motto is simply, “Friendship.” We Texans are willing to friend anyone as long as that friendship is returned, no matter race, religion or ethnicity.
In the early 1960's, my family moved to a small West Texas town called Quitaque (“kitty-quay”). We lived behind the school where my mother taught.
Alvin Ivory and Bruce Tiffin, 2023. iPhone still by Rose Thomas Bannister
On a summer day about a week after arriving I was playing on the school playground alone. I saw a young Black kid walking up to me. He walked up stuck out his hand and said, “My name is Alvin. Want to be friends?”
It was the summer between my 6th and 7th grade. I was about 11 years old. From 1967 until today in 2026 some 59 years later we are still best friends.
Our lives drastically went different directions and there were long periods of time where we didn't see each other or talk. Those days didn't separate our friendship, just our locations.
As time rapidly moves forward our relationship grows even stronger.
“Even in these crazy times it’s clear: Every thing is bigger in Texas and that includes this friendship. ”
January 24, 2026. It’s snowing outside. I'm at my friend’s house. He is one week out of a two month stay in the Albuquerque VA hospital. He needed me and I came. There are many times that my friend helped me. But the greatest gift, the thing that he did for me that I'm the most grateful for is simply his first words to me, "I'm Alvin. Want to be friends?” I'm proud of my state and I'm proud of my friend.
Even in these crazy times it's clear: Every thing is bigger in Texas and that includes this friendship.
Alvin Ivory, still from Modo di Bere TV, 2023
Bruce Tiffin, 2023, by Rose Thomas Bannister
Want to experience the amazing landscapes and geography? Want to discover why we are like we are? Just come on down and maybe you will find that Texas friend that will be there for you for many many years.
And by the way we do have the best beef steaks in the world.
