CLAUDIUS WILLIAMS JR.: FASHIONING A MOVEMENT OF FATHERHOOD, FAITH, AND COMMUNITY
Models left to right: Markis Hackney, James DeWalt, Eric Adonis Brisbane, Ira Brown, Kevin Khamis, Christopher Rucker
In a world where flash often outshines substance, Claudius Williams Jr. stands tall as a man of integrity, purpose, and deep-rooted community pride. The 44-year-old CEO and founder of F.A.V.O.R. Apparel isn’t chasing trends, he’s building a legacy, one that blends style with substance and responsibility with resilience.
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Claudius grew up in a loving, tight-knit household as the middle child of five siblings. His parents, married for decades, instilled in him the values of hard work, family, and community—principles that would later form the backbone of his brand and his mission. The sudden loss of his mother four years ago left a lasting impact, but her strength and grace continue to guide his journey.
After graduating from Parkdale High School, Claudius took classes at Prince George’s Community College and pursued trade school before building a career in the mechanical engineering field. But it wasn’t until 2018 that he tapped into his lifelong passion for fashion and purposefully created F.A.V.O.R. Apparel—a brand born not just from creativity, but from a call to action.
F.A.V.O.R., which stands for Fathers Admiring Value Over Recognition, is a movement disguised as a clothing brand. “I didn’t want to start just any brand with no meaning,” Claudius says. “Our communities are suffering. We need our leaders, especially our men, to step back into their roles and take charge. Through my apparel, I want to make it cool again to be present—to be a father, a role model, a builder of change.”
At the core of the brand is a message that challenges stereotypes and pushes for a cultural reset—one where fatherhood is honored, leadership is accountable, and service is celebrated. Claudius himself embodies that mission every day as a proud father to four sons and one daughter, whom he describes as “awesome” and “beautiful.” His love for his children is more than emotional—it’s active. He’s deeply involved in their lives and makes it his mission to be present, encouraging, and strong.
His dedication to youth and community doesn’t stop at home. Claudius has been coaching youth sports for several years, mentoring young men, and lending a helping hand wherever needed—from feeding the homeless to organizing back-to-school drives and participating in programs like “Christmas in April.” For him, F.A.V.O.R. isn’t just a label—it’s a lifestyle.
And while he’s steadily building a fashion brand, he’s also shaping conversations around what it means to be a Black man, a father, and a leader in today’s world. His designs reflect the spirit of his mission—bold, meaningful, and grounded in authenticity. Every shirt, hoodie, or hat is more than fabric; it’s a badge of honor for those who are stepping up, speaking out, and standing strong for their families and communities.
Claudius’s story is one of purpose over popularity, service over spotlight. He is a reminder that real influence comes not from recognition, but from the lives we touch, the children we raise, and the communities we uplift.
In a society eager for real role models, Claudius Williams Jr. is the embodiment of what it means to lead by example—and to do it with style.
QSM: F.A.V.O.R. stands for Fathers Admiring Value Over Recognition—when in your life did you first realize that recognition wasn’t the goal, but purpose was?
Claudius: As early as a young kid I realized that being a leader, role model ,great father etc. wasn’t done for recognition by watching my dad, grandfathers, uncles and other positive males in my life. My father and grandfather showed and continue to show me ‘til this day what it takes to be an active parent, role model and also how to be obedient to God’s word. They showed me that it was a way of life and not done to be glorified.
QSM: What was the moment—or the ‘spark’—that told you it was time to turn your love for fashion into something bigger than clothes?
Claudius: As a teenager I was always into fashion and started to collect shoes. Back then my parents would not let me get the high-end brands, but made sure I was able to get just enough to make me feel “cool”. As I got older and started to realize that in our area (DMV PG COUNTY) my siblings and I were one of very few families to have both their parents raise them. I started to notice more illegal acts such as killing, robbing, drug dealing and usage in our streets and a lot of it was done by fatherless kids, or kids with no leaders or role models. So, in 2018 as a young adult I finally decided I wanted to do something to help change our community; help get our mean streets back. With my love of fashion and always wanting the high dollar gear growing up, I decided to start a clothing brand that is high quality but affordable . The purpose of my brand is to bring awareness to everyday life struggles in our community, grab the streets, and try to make it cool again for males to be fathers, leaders to be leaders (male or female) and OGs to touch the lost unguided youth.
QSM: You’ve spoken about being raised in a close, loving family. How has losing your mother shaped the way you now lead as a father?
Claudius: In this thing called life there are a few things that we can’t run away from, and death is one! I’ve lost best friends, grandparents, a child, aunts, cousins, and more. But losing my mom unexpectedly was the hardest thing in my life! COVID hit my family very hard, among other family members that it hit, it hit both my parents and I pretty bad. Which hospitalized myself, my mom and my dad. My dad and I were able to make a full recovery, but my mom got picked up by ambulance and taken to the hospital and never made it back home. Dealing with this along with other life changing devastations at the time really took me through a dark place. But the loss of my mom has changed me as a father. I try to show love and affection even more and try to mimic my mother’s godly parenting skills!
QSM: I am truly sorry to hear this. There’s a lot of talk about changing the narrative—how does F.A.V.O.R. do that for Black men and fathers in today’s society?
Claudius: F.A.V.O.R. Is changing the narrative by staying active in the community with mentorships, community givebacks, homeless feedings, fashion shows, reaching those in the streets and helping those who feel helpless. Our brand is worn by male, females and kids worldwide and the message behind the brand is spreading across the world as well!
QSM: As a father of five, how do you balance raising your kids, running a brand, and staying active in the community without losing yourself in the process?
Claudius: Who says I don’t lose myself? Again, losing my mom had me in a dark place and had me feeling lost! But with God I am able to be an active father to all of my kids , make sporting events and big events for them, coaching my youngest son, spending quality time with my kids together and individually. I work full time to support them financially, being an ear and an outlet for them all while running a brand and staying active in the community. My kids help me with my brand and are active in the community alongside me.
QSM: What’s one lesson your children have unknowingly taught you that you now live by?
Claudius: One thing that my kids have unknowingly taught me is what unconditional love looks like.
QSM: You’ve been coaching and mentoring youth for years—what do our young boys need most from the men in their lives right now?
Claudius: Young boys need love, respect and guidance the most right now. A hug wouldn’t hurt either!
QSM: If your apparel could talk, what message would it be screaming from the rooftops?
Claudius: If my apparel could talk it would scream “FATHERS ADMIRING VALUE OVER RECOGNITION! LEADERS COME TO LEAD! ROLE MODELS SET EXAMPLES! LOST SOUL, YOU ARE LOVED! GOD CAN DO ALL THINGS! IT’S COOL TO BE A FATHER OR POSITIVE EXAMPLE! RAISE THE KID YOU MADE, THEY DIDNT ASK TO BE HERE! “
QSM: I LOVE each and every one of those messages! When you're not in ‘dad mode’ or ‘CEO mode,’ who is Claudius at his core—and what brings you peace?
Claudius: When not in Dad mode or CEO mode which is never lol! Claudius at his core is a loving caring person! I love to see others happy! What brings me peace is spending time with family and close friends, seeing them succeed, watching sports and spreading love!
QSM: Ten years from now, what do you want your legacy—both as a father and a founder—to say about you?
Claudius: 10 years from now I pray that my legacy as a father says and shows that I helped raise 5 wonderful human beings that are God fearing and will be a change to this cruel world. As a founder I pray that I save lives and change hearts all while being fashionable!
Model Photos: by Philip Drew @photosbypdrew
Designer and stylist: Claude Williams Jr. @f.a.v.o.r._apparel_llc
Creative Director: Tawana Blassingame @tawanablassingame
Model Coordinator: Sherita Ivory @sherita_ivory
Models: Ira Brown @thei_2
Kevin Khamis @wordsbykevin
James DeWalt @cancerteddy
Markis Hackney @marcobigrig
Christopher Rucker - @prez_ruck
Eric Adonis Brisbane - @king_bris_
