Censoring me!

Last night I read at open mike. My essay about aging received good reviews, but I decided not to read a poem I had written which was inspired by a young girl I saw waiting on a bus. I thought I might offend someone by using the words, Big Mama in reference to African-American grandmothers. I was concerned that it would be considered too racist,and I didn't want to offend our new guest. I actually censored MYSELF. I'm disappointed for chickening out. Am I writing for the reader or myself? Such a silly quandry.