Meet Demetrius “Meech” Chavis

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Demetrius “Meech” Chavis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Demetrius “Meech” below.

Hi “Meech”, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Over the years, a very important lesson my grandmother taught me as an adolescent; rings more true today than it did way back then. She would always say “when you close your mouth and open your eyes and ears – you learn a lot more.” At first, I thought it was her cute/polite way of telling me to “shut up,” but in fact she was putting me up on game – the game of life. I’m grateful to have learned this lesson early because when I do speak, it means something. My words have power, and they take up just as much space as I do physically.

I’ve been in so many rooms over my career. Some where I’m the lowest on the totem pole and some where I’m leading the flagship with top level talent and executives; despite my title or role my voice still carried weight and holds significance (in any space and/or room.

So when I am the only one in the room, I tend to listen first, look second (simultaneously tbh) before even acknowledging or addressing any of my own concerns or thoughts with a response. Knowing and being responsible for my energy when I’m in shared spaces, I try to allow others to fill up space before I take up anymore. My presence is a / my power so I’m aware of my audience(s) and I try to speak to them accordingly.

I must admit that I wasn’t always this outspoken or blunt (because I wasn’t giving the agency to speak my mind). This skill was developed over time by unlearning some things of my past and healing some of my personal trauma(s). I encourage people to talk to themselves more that way when it is time to speak up, they already have that inner voice reassuring them it’s ok to speak their truth. I consider myself to good trouble maker – disrupting with purpose but with a goal of upward mobility for others to come.

So now at this stage in my life, it doesn’t matter if I’m the only one in the room because if it has to be said, I’m going to say it (if somebody else hasn’t already). Sometimes (not all) just being in the room, can trigger a conversation or provoke a thought in someone else, relieving you of the pressure to be “the voice of reason” or that “token” in the room.

I have no fear of being the one to say it because my integrity & character / moral compass mean more to me than a check or being a blind follower. I have over 10 years of experience amplifying other people’s voices, so it’s time I recognize and respect my own.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Who am I? lol I’m ever evolving and growing but I can say that Demetrius Chavis aka Meech is strong and tenacious young BLACK man – just striving to be the best I can be each and every day. Based off of previous roles, I’ve been a publicist, producer, on air personality but my most cherished roles include son and friend.
This New Jersey native is taking Los Angeles by storm. Meech’s career in communications started early in college while he attended the illustrious Howard University in the national’s capital, Washington DC. There he hosted many on & off campus activities, events and presentations. During his tenure at HU, Meech got his first exposure to a career in entertainment when he worked on the infamous HU Homecoming Committee. From there he went on to work with major companies and networks to gain further knowledge & experience in various fields. Meech served as the creative producer and host for WHBC’s most listened to radio show “106 & Howard” for three years consecutively. He executive produced his own PBS affiliated talk show titled “Next Up” on Spotlight Networks which featured guests like Sevyn Streeter, PnB Rock and more. Meech as well as his career has grown immensely since graduating in 2016. He would continue to work with some of the biggest artist(s) in entertainment (music, television and movies). His previous PR clientele included but is not limited to the likes of Beyoncé, ChloexHalle, Ariana Grande, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Zendaya, Lizzo and more.

When is comes to producing, Meech has an eye for aesthetics and crowd appeal. His long list of TV credits include shows like the Grammys, SAG Awards, BET Awards, Black Girls Rock and more. He specializes in Live Entertainment but has a passion for all storytelling, in works like Shark Tank, Master Chef and REMEMBER (Scripted Series) – Meech played a pivotal role in making other people’s dreams come true.

Meech’s leadership experience includes his time as Program Manager for Howard Entertainment’s inaugural three cohorts before transitioning to his Creative Executive role at Jesse Collins Entertainment. From there Meech began creatively consulting for Issa Rae’s ColorCreative company while also serving as a Media & Sponsorship Partner for the Congressional Black Caucus’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference.

Currently, Meech serves as a Communications Specialist at Men’s Health Foundation helping all people find the resources and treatment they need but especially in underserved communities.
Meech also is the Creator of BLACK MEN IN MEDIA – a platform to celebrate, connect and highlight men of color and allies alike that work in entertainment and media. Through the organization, over 100 men have gathered and fellowshipped together and figured out how to collaborate versus compete with one another.

Outside of work, Meech has brought healing to people through laughter with his comedy but he’s also a Global Ambassador for One Heart Source based in South Africa. He takes time and resources there to help build community and self esteem to proactively remind the next generation that they are enough to achieve any dream they have.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) Passion

2) Patience

3) Purpose

I’ve learned and adapted those 3 P’s while working under the fabulous Yvette Noel-Schure. I’ve been in some very intense situations (i.e. TV Productions @ the White House, The Manchester Bombing w Ariana Grande, etc.) and it’s important to move with tact and taste in every circumstance (that you can control). Everything will work itself out, just trust in the process and believe that what you’re doing is for the better good. I always say to myself ‘God has a plan even when we don’t – so let go and let God.”

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Always! We do feature stories on our IG @blackmeninmedia – where we highlight black men doing amazing things in entertainment, media, their communities, etc. We recently partnered with organizations BEAM LA, Men’s Health Foundation and Better Brothers LA to toast and celebrate all men in the industry for Black History Month.

Currently, we are developing an artist showcase in partnership with the phenomenal Durand Bernarr – to showcase black male voices in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Meech is working with high schools in the Inglewood area to start a mentorship program to expose young brown and black boys to careers that they might not have been privy to.

We are always looking to expand and partner with/for a good cause – reach out to us via DM or email. We’re also looking for members to join the team and the board as well.

Contact Info:

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