In Memoriam: Marquese Meadow

Story by Eligah Hunter 

FNN Collegiate Bureau: AUGUST 25, 2014. I met Marquese Meadow in the 9th grade. Marquese who was in the 11th grade at the time was like a big brother. His nickname was “Skinny Fatz” because he dressed like he was a skinny person but he was heavy set. Marquese played offensive tackle on the Friendship Collegiate Knights football team.

Marquese and I developed a tight bond as offensive linemen and teammates. When I heard that he was in the hospital, I broke down inside and my heart skipped a beat after seeing him in the hospital.

Marquese was mentally tough and was always there for me—encouraging me and helping me through hard times. At the hospital I looked into his eyes and told him "you have fought through many things. I know you can break through this bruh."

Marquese could not speak or move. But when I asked him "if you can hear me, blink twice." He did so. Everything seemed like it was going well until things took a turn for the WORSE! I just knew my “bruh” was going to pull through and be okay. But he did not. 

Marquese was a funny person, always smiling, joking and playing around. He had a phrase that he would say in practice and at football games, “I AINT EAT!” Marquese seemed like he would never finished grinding and working. 

He touched a lot of lives and helped a lot of people. When those people he touched learned that he had passed, they felt hurt. It really got to me and I started to cry. Then I remembered something that Marquese said to me. "Bruh, don't be scared or be scared of anybody." These memories and the relationship that I had with Marquese will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Eligah Hunter is a junior at Friendship Collegiate Academy.