diff --git a/adafruit_display_text/label.py b/adafruit_display_text/label.py
index dadc7f0..ea78f4f 100755
--- a/adafruit_display_text/label.py
+++ b/adafruit_display_text/label.py
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ def __init__(self, font, **kwargs):
         super().__init__(font, **kwargs)
 
         max_glyphs = kwargs.get("max_glyphs", None)
-        text = kwargs.get("text", None)
+        text = kwargs.get("text", "")
 
         if not max_glyphs and not text:
             raise RuntimeError("Please provide a max size, or initial text")