Esmel Meeks, VCU student, active member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and “Gen Y’er,” works at VCU’s department of social and behavioral health from nine to five throughout the week. On weekends he deejays under his alias Dj-Rockit. But, most impressively, he is the CEO of a growing Richmond-based clothing label Ancient Thread Empire, commonly known as ATE. The company, which is centered on philanthropic work, was featured in Richmond Fashion Week’s show Genesis and STRUT 2009, Virginia’s largest fashion performance, unique to the Richmond community.
“This generation Y stereotype is true for all ages and demographics,” Meeks said. “Anywhere you go you have the do and the do nots, the have and have nots.”
With his charity work through his clothing line, Meeks has proven to be one of those people who “do.” The clothing line, available at both Need Supply Co. in Carytown and Da Closet in Virginia Beach, supports tuition scholarships for impoverished children. Through his work, Meeks has organized several other events that are geared toward giving back. In 2008 Meeks sold t-shirts from his previous clothing line DANK for $5 and all proceeds went toward the ATE/DANK scholarship fund. He continues to work with his fraternity to organize events that focus on feeding the homeless and providing clothes to the underprivileged.
His most recent project includes the second annual ATE Giving Thanksgiving. This program, in collaboration with the Richmond Behavioral Health Association, aims to feed impoverished families on Thanksgiving.
“We plan to feed over 50 less-fortunate families in the Richmond metropolitan area, hand delivering turkey dinners to each home,” Meeks said.
Local businesses, VCU students, fraternities and sororities fund this project.
Esmel’s recipe for success includes hard work and time management.
“Meeks defies the stereotype,” said fraternity brother and VCU alumni, Jovani Allen.
“He’s not afraid to go above and beyond for what he wants, and he’s truly a leader in everything he does.”
“I know that through my sacrifices I will yield the satisfaction of a lifetime to tell myself ‘I did it!’ regardless of the outcome,” Meeks said.