08/04/2026
Twenty years.
That’s how long it’s been since I last saw my friend, Philip Sylvester.
Today, we finally got the chance to reconnect. More importantly, I got to properly thank him.
Middle school and high school were some of the hardest years of my life. I was bullied, made fun of, and even received death threats. I carried all of it silently. I never told people what I was going through because I didn’t want anyone to know how much it hurt.
Through all of that, Philip had my back.
Looking back now, I truly believe his friendship and support are part of the reason I’m still here today.
It’s strange how one person may never realize the impact they had on someone else’s life. A few kind words, standing beside someone when everyone else walks away, or simply treating someone with respect can change the course of their future.
In many ways, Made Equal exists because of moments like those. Because I know what it feels like to believe you don’t belong, and I also know how powerful it is when someone reminds you that you do.
Philip, thank you for being that person for me. Thank you for showing up when I needed it most, even if you didn’t realize it at the time.
Love you, brother. ❤️
Sometimes life gives you the chance to say the “thank you” you’ve been carrying for 20 years. Today, I finally got mine.
