According to Sylvester, who opened up to E! after Thursday’s Daily Pop, he was inspired by sports commentator Kenny Smith walking off the TNT Inside the NBA set Wednesday night in solidarity with the NBA players.
“When I saw Kenny Smith walk off set, it started a conversation I don’t think many people were having about Jacob Blake,” Sylvester said. “And if Kenny Smith can inspire his audience to start those uncomfortable conversations, I should be brave enough to do the same…no matter what the consequences or backlash may be.”
Sylvester explained that it feels as though “we are back at the starting line and it’s exhausting as f–k,” however, as hard as it may be, he’s not giving up hope and will continue “to be the change” he wants to see.
“And that doesn’t happen by being defeated…it happens with speaking up and starting the conversation,” Sylvester added. “My voice won’t bring them back, but if I scream loud enough, it will hopefully prevent it from happening in the future!”