Local rapper and entrepreneur Anthony Meeks and his team of nine have created a new nightlife social event for students at Eastern Michigan University, and it’s gaining traction quick.
Meeks is a former EMU student and Ypsilanti local who enjoys making music and bringing people together. He decided that he wanted to take it a step further this year. With the help of his team and the connections Meeks has, he is now hosting an event every week called “College Night” for EMU students to attend and socialize in a public venue with a diverse crowd.
Every Thursday between 9 p.m.-2 a.m. throughout this upcoming semester, Meeks and his team will be hosting “College Night” at 517 W. Cross St. With only a $2 entry fee, Meeks wanted to create a space for students to go where everyone can feel safe and welcome.
“I just want people to have a good time, feel safe with others and not feel judged. . .my ultimate goal is to create this huge melting pot. . .hopefully bring more kids out of their shell and feel welcome,” Meeks said.
The first “College Night” was Jan. 18. After plenty of promotion from Meeks and his team through fliers on campus, Snapchat and Instagram, a total of over 200 people attended on opening night. Meeks says the turn-out made him feel very humbled. He was surprised and proud of his team.
Such a positive thing coming to Ypsilanti isn’t just about the caring and incredible crew working behind the scenes, but also what it represents. When compared to other events around campus, “College Night” is not hard to get in if you don’t have some sort of affiliation. Meeks and his team wanted to create something very inclusive, where everyone could come to meet new people and have fun.
With everything happening in the world right now and the continous growth of hate and exclusions of different groups of people, this is becoming a place for everyone to come together regardless of race, sex, gender, religion or social status. It’s also being hosted in a safe, monitored public venue. This lessens anxiety people may have about going out. This has the potential to be a really great thing for students at Eastern.
Meeks says he wants to continue this event at least until the end of the semester, and make it even better for his audience by including themed nights and bringing in different acts and talent to perform. He hopes more people will continue to go and that they will enjoy the experience more each time.
Meeks is a very humble, intelligent and easygoing guy who genuinely cares about the impact he’s making as well as the audience he attracts. What he is creating is going to draw people closer together and create an abundance of safe, fun nights for students.
