My journey toward who I am today was defined by early experiences of isolation and a search for purpose. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood and struggled to find a sense of direction. Without the presence of a father figure and with my mother working tirelessly to support our family, I began seeking validation and direction in the wrong places. My aptitude for numbers and desire for connection eventually led me down a path that provided a sense of status and misplaced confidence. However, I quickly learned the cost of that path: the volatility, the paranoia, and the extreme danger that came with it.

 

The turning point was my time in the justice system. Being separated from my family, and most importantly my son, forced me to confront the reality of my choices. I realized that my life had to change.

However, upon my release, I encountered the harsh reality of systemic barriers. Navigating life with a conviction record proved to be an exhausting, uphill battle. From housing to employment, I faced constant rejection, which led me into a profound state of despair. I found myself becoming another statistic—a young Black man attempting to re-enter society only to find that the doors were locked against me.

 

Yet, within that struggle, I found my mission. I have always deeply valued empathy, respect, and the principle of treating others as we wish to be treated. Experiencing firsthand how quickly society judges an individual based on a past mistake sparked a realization: we are all human, and we are all prone to error. If we are defined solely by our worst moments, the possibility of growth is denied to us all.

 

I began to think of the countless others—those marginalized by society, judged for circumstances beyond their control, or disregarded simply for who they are. Society is often too quick to write off individuals without understanding their full story. This realization is the foundation of my work.

The moral of my story is that we are all "created equally different." We all deserve to be heard, we all deserve to be met with compassion, and, most importantly, we all deserve to be treated as human beings. This belief is the heartbeat of L.Y.L.A.H. (Love You Like A Human).