Cousins, and Progress: Flipping the Script on Alabama’s ‘Inbred Country’ Label

Alabama: Breaking Stereotypes, One Chamber Meeting at a Time

After spending 18 years in New York, I’m no stranger to the jokes Alabama faces about inbreeding and small-town stereotypes. But when I joined the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, I quickly saw how being “cousins” in Alabama is actually a strength, not a punchline. Here’s why:

In Alabama, we’re all cousins in one way or another—whether by family, friendship, or shared goals. This mindset fosters collaboration, unity, and success across the community. At the Mobile Chamber, it’s clear that being “cousins” is about building connections, supporting each other, and driving progress together.

With over 1,700 members, this isn’t some “good-ole boys” club. It’s an inclusive network of diverse professionals who know that working like family makes for stronger business and community ties.

After attending my first breakfast event last week with Lt. Gov. William Ainsworth, I could see why. The room was packed with top-tier professionals, all geared up to make things happen. The energy? Off the charts.

Mamun Siddiq: My Charismatic “Cousin” Who Stole the Show

The morning took a fun turn when we were welcomed by Mamun Siddiq, a real estate dynamo and proud immigrant from Bangladesh. This man was energy in a suit and a baseball cap—small in stature but huge in presence. His journey is the stuff of legends: from washing dishes at a Pizza Hut to managing the store, to eventually becoming a major player in Mobile’s real estate scene. Today, he specializes in gas stations and homes in West Mobile, but here’s the best part: he calls everyone his cousin.

Yep, that’s right! Whether it’s CEOs, politicians, or business owners, Mamun’s “cousin” habit has become his signature—and it’s more than just a joke. It’s a symbol of the collaborative spirit that drives the city forward. As one of the Chamber’s top sponsors, Mamun embodies how treating others like family—cousins, if you will—fuels business growth and strong community ties. His infectious spirit set the perfect tone for the rest of the event.

Breaking the Alabama Stereotype: ‘Inbreeding’ Innovation and Collaboration

Now, let’s talk about that old stereotype of Alabama being a backwater land of “inbreeding.” The truth? In Alabama, we can choose to all be cousins in one way or another—whether by family, friendship, or shared goals. And instead of fighting it, we embrace it. That sense of connectedness, that "cousins" mentality, is what fuels collaboration here. It's not isolation, but the strength of our connections that drives Alabama’s success.

Nowhere is that more evident than in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth took the stage and laid out just how far the state has come, with big projects on the horizon. These developments are powered by the unity and shared vision of our communities, where treating each other like "cousins" means working together to lift everyone up.

The truth is, Alabama’s innovation comes from collaboration—not from outdated labels. And that’s something we proudly embrace.

It’s collaboration, not isolation, that’s driving Alabama’s success. And nowhere is that clearer than in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth took the stage and laid out just how far the state has come, with some big projects on the horizon.

He spoke about infrastructure developments, like the widening of the I-65 corridor and connecting I-10 to Beach Express. These moves are about staying ahead of the rapid growth in the area, ensuring that we don’t stall our progress. The state’s aerospace industry is the fourth-largest in the U.S., employing over 14,000 people, much of it right here in the region—not just in North Alabama [1].

Ainsworth also spoke about the I-10 bridge project, which is currently Alabama's top transportation priority. This new bridge and Bayway expansion aim to alleviate traffic congestion and support the continued growth of both Mobile and Baldwin Counties [2].

This is what happens when you work together like family, leveraging every connection, relationship, and opportunity to grow. So, if anyone tries to throw the “inbred” joke at Alabama again, they clearly haven’t seen what’s happening in Mobile.

A Family Affair: Cousins, Deals, and an Exciting Future

As Lt. Gov. Ainsworth wrapped up his speech, talking about school choice, workforce housing credits, and legislative moves to support continued growth, I couldn’t help but smile. The packed room of business leaders, all working together like one big family, felt like the embodiment of everything Mamun was talking about.

Here in the South, being “cousins” is more than just a family tree—it’s how we do business. Collaboration, mutual support, and that “we’re all in this together” mentality are the driving forces behind Mobile’s future. I left that breakfast feeling excited, empowered, and most of all, ready to be part of the family. Because in Alabama, we’re not just breaking stereotypes—we’re building something bigger, better, and stronger than ever.