The Empty Wagon
As a child, my mother would often say, “An empty wagon makes a lot of noise.” At the time, it didn’t mean much to me. It was just another one of those sayings grown folks tossed around. But as I got older, and life started teaching me its lessons, I began to understand just how powerful that phrase really was.
An empty wagon, by nature, makes the most noise—not because it’s important, but because it lacks substance. The same can be said about people, and even entire systems. The loudest voices aren’t always the wisest. The flashiest ones often have the least to offer. And in today’s world, it seems we’re surrounded by noise — more than ever.
One example that stands out to me is this current federal administration. They speak of progress, promise change, and hold press conferences filled with buzzwords and applause. But when you strip away the noise, what’s really being done? The issues that matter most — affordable housing, access to quality education, public safety, economic opportunity — remain broken, ignored, or dressed up in performative action. Like an empty wagon, there’s plenty of movement and clatter, but not much being carried forward.
My mother’s words come back to me now louder than ever. She was right. The empty wagon makes a lot of noise — and the more you pay attention, the easier it becomes to spot one.
We need leadership with weight — not just words. Leadership rooted in truth, substance, and results. Until then, we’ll keep hearing the noise of empty wagons rolling by.
It’s time we stop being distracted by the noise and start demanding real results. Real change. Real leadership. Let’s stop cheering for empty wagons — and start building ones that carry something worth following.
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
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