Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetrius “Meech” Chavis. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Black Men in Media was launched during Black History Month back in 2019 with a mission to “celebrate, highlight and connect black men in and/or around the media and entertainment industry.” Founder Demetrius “Meech” Chavis wanted to start something that brought compatible individuals together but also shed light on the unknown (behind-the-scenes trendsetters).
The media landscape is vast and growing wider each and every day. From Hollywood to New York (and everywhere in between) to international and beyond – there are so many decision-makers, storytellers and power players making waves in their respective industries but the ratio of black men at the table is minuscule. The portrayal of us on screens is limited, rarely positive and often targeted causing the communal support to be scarce.
The organization was originally created to serve as a mentorship program to build bridges for our community but also to enhance positive news stories of black men to depict real-life superheroes while giving them their flowers in the present day.
The spectrum of its members is very diverse from CEOs of large companies to up-and-coming artists as well as interested candidates trying to get their “foot in the door.” Meech said, “our goal is to bring black men of all kinds in unison in a significant way to not only impact our society but to inspire and educate our nation and eventually the world.”
The company has plans to grow nationally then internationally but currently focuses on impacting metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles. The brand has hopes of becoming a legacy of education, empowerment with enriching experiences. Just recently, Black Men in Media hosted an event at The Gathering Spot, another black-owned business bringing like-minded individuals together to learn from and network with each other.
Since its online origin, Black Men in Media has highlighted the works of some of entertainment’s biggest names bts such as Sydney Margetson (SVP of Publicity, Atlantic Records), Marc Banks (National Press Secretary of the NAACP), Alexander Julian (Fashion Innovator & Creative Director), Eric Jones (Senior Producer, Race & Culture at ABC) and Jae Murphy (Celebrity DJ & Influencer) just to name a few.
Black Men in Media strives to work with companies to hire diverse talent in the media and entertainment industry. BMIM is gearing up to launch their website soon which will promote membership tiers for access to their future events, networking and job opportunities as well as other experiences for black men to uplift and amplify one another.
While still in its early stages as a company BMIM seeks to have the team grow as well as its following along with their features & recognitions. Their online presence has grown to reach thousands with the help of its current following of hundreds. So if you’re a content creator, producer, writer, actor, director, publicist and/or needle pusher – Black Men in Media is the space for you!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been easy or smooth due to lack of resources – which doesn’t mean just monetarily. The lack of support, knowledge and creation for conversations is an example of how hard it is for black men to feel safe in this country.
On a daily basis, we see and hear of stories of our men being brutalized and/or killed – so we tend not to have space or the mental capacity to do anything else other than survive.
That’s why this platform was created to drive the narrative forward to push and initiate change.
We are openly accepting partners and sponsorships for future events and plans that will keep the initiative on track to influence the current generation as well as the next.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Black Men in Media?
Black Men in Media strives to work with companies to hire diverse talent in the media and entertainment industry. BMIM is gearing up to launch their website soon which will promote membership tiers for access to their future events, networking and job opportunities as well as other experiences for black men to uplift and amplify one another.
BMIM is always actively looking for creatives to help us help each other. We love to hear from the public to see how we can better serve our own while creating a foundation of support for the next generation.
Other than events (in-person & online), we are looking for voices to serve in roles that elevate the brand and the culture. We have partnered with organizations to promote mental health in the black community, especially black men. Really proud of the turnout and community building of the Black Men’s Healing Circle (yoga, meditation, sound bath and safe conversation spaces).
We specialize in networking and mentorship but we plan to promote job opportunities in and out of organization.
What are your plans for the future?
We are planning a huge revamp soon – with the launch of our website, this will be the central location for all information.
This hub will inform the public of all things BLACK MEN IN MEDIA as well as provide membership perks for all future events.
BMIM has plans to have a conference in 2024, the launch of their podcast by summer of 2023 as well as its pipeline and mentorship program rolling by the end of the year.
Applications for team member positions will also be available soon.
Pricing:
- 9.99 – Tier 1 Membership (Monthly Fee)
- 14.99 – Tier 2 Membership (Monthly Fee)
- 24.99 – Tier 3 Membership (Monthly Fee)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmeninmedia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackmeninmedia/
Image Credits
*BEAM* *YOUGOODLA*
