3-Year-Old Caught Unwrapping Everyone’s Christmas Presents At 3 AM
A three-year-old gave his parents a surprise when he awoke at 3 a.m. on Christmas and unwrapped every single gift under the Christmas tree.
A three-year-old boy in North Carolina gave his parents a cute holiday surprise when he awoke at 3 a.m. on Christmas morning and proceeded to unwrap every single gift under the family’s Christmas tree.
Scott Reintgen, the father of the excited little toddler, documented the aftermath in a viral social media post, Daily Beast reported.
“Yall. My three-year-old came down at 3 a.m. and unwrapped EVERYONE’S presents,” Reintgen wrote on the site X, formerly known as Twitter, alongside a photo displaying the leftover torn wrapping paper and opened presents around the base of the tree. Viewers could see that no gift had been spared from the child’s unwrapping rampage.
While the early morning unwrapping spree may have spoiled some of the Christmas magic, it also provided a funny family story that the parents plan to tell for years to come.
In a follow-up, Reintgen explained that the family managed to re-wrap some of the presents in an effort to “stop the villain origin story” of their oldest child. But the parents took the incident in stride. “We, on the other hand, are sipping coffee and plotting to tell this story at his wedding,” Reintgen added lightheartedly.
The viral social media post resonated with other parents, garnering over 200,000 likes. Many recalled their own stories of kids who couldn’t resist peeking at their presents before Christmas morning.
Recalling the story of his son’s holiday actions may come easy for Reintgen, whose bio on X, formerly known as Twitter, says that he is a New York Times bestselling author of the books A Door in the Dark, and author of the upcoming book A Whisper in the Walls.
5 News Year’s Resolutions For Emerging Entrepreneurs
Here are a few New Year's resolutions that will help you press the gas as an entrepreneur in 2024.
Originally Published Dec. 24, 2021
Are you going to make a New Year’s resolution that fast-tracks your entrepreneurial journey? Yes? Maybe?
Well, here’s some help to press the gas as an entrepreneur in the new year.
If you’re excitedly anticipating your glorious future, these 5 New Year’s resolutions can inject success into your business journey.
Connect with what you’re divinely assigned to do in this world.
It’s easy to chase lucrative entrepreneurial endeavors that are not in alignment with purpose. It’s both easy and a choice you can make. But consider the fact that when you enter the land of entrepreneurship, and if you aspire to do it full time, you can choose if you’d rather spend your time raising a business that is aligned with you, or raising a business that simply replaces a job, but gives you more freedom.
No right or wrong, just different. And when opportunities are endless…hint, hint they are as an entrepreneur… consider choosing one that feels aligned with who you are and how you feel you’re meant to serve in this world. As long as there is a need where you plan to raise up your business, people are waiting to meet and pay you.
Turn off or limit the things that cause you to drift into other people’s lanes.
Spending one minute too long on any social media channel or blog post can easily send you into a place of…” well, maybe I should.”
For example: You just saw that someone’s candy company received a $2 million seed investment, and now you think your consulting business should enter candy manufacturing.
No…that’s drifting.
Watching other people’s wins without the full context and play-by-play analysis as a new entrepreneur can cause you to drift. In the early days, where your vision and sometimes confidence may not be as strong as it could be…the success of others can feel like “oh, that’s the pathway forward…that’s what I need to do…follow what they’re doing.” But, the reality is we all have different paths and assignments to fulfill, so an overdose on someone else’s pathway is a sure way to be delayed on your own.
Determine what’s entering your line of sight and into your ears, and limit your consumption to help you stay in your lane.
One of the things we sometimes see inside of our Company Curators community is members who can put together the entrepreneurial vision, and craft the pieces around it beautifully, but there is always “one last piece” to craft before they take action on what they see. The ability to think and paint a vision of what your business will become and its intricacies is a beautiful skill, but without feet to the ground, and taking the necessary steps to bring the vision to life, it just sits there…a vision awaiting fulfillment.
Commit to yourself that you won’t allow yourself to have a vision awaiting fulfillment, but rather a vision that is serviced daily through doing the work that moves you closer to the anticipated reality.
Carve out “me” time
As you’re probably looking at entrepreneurship with the plans that this life is the one you will live the rest of your days; In control. Your own boss. Freedom to the max. Know that you are human. Dealing with a 9 to 5 job, raising a business, raising children, serving in the community, caring for a loved one…any and all of those can be true for you. So commit that while you are excited for your entrepreneurial endeavor and willing to put in the work for your dream, know that you are a critical piece and make time for that.
You’re the most precious asset to your business, so while taking care of you may not be a hard strategy, it is. You are the key piece in your success. Make time for your rejuvenation and restoration at every step on your journey.
Commit to REVENUE-generating activities as a priority
The cute stuff is fun; making the websites, the cool content, the lead magnets, the product packaging. But it’s all wasted if you don’t bring the same level of energy to bringing in new business.
Decide for yourself what your revenue-generating activities will be (maybe it’s cold email outreach to prospects, government proposal responses, DM conversations, trade shows, direct mail, Ad funnels, etc). Once you know what your revenue-generating strategy will be, know how much of it you need to do on a daily basis to meet your financial goal, then get to work. Remember, you go into business to make money with the value you’re bringing into this world. Careful not to let the less vital things distract you from the big fish work.
Take these 5 New Year’s resolutions, write them down, post them up, and get ready to rock life as an entrepreneur in 2024.
Here are five mistakes to avoid in 2024 if you are working your way to financial stability.
Originally Published Jan. 30, 2021
It’s a new year, and for many people, it’s a time of new beginnings. Over the year, many Americans resolve to be smarter with money. Money is essential, and if you want to succeed with your money goals, you have to unlearn things.
Because whether you see it or not, those mistakes are hurting your chances of reaching your goals. So, here are five financial mistakes to avoid in 2024.
Not considering maintenance costs
Everything you buy comes with a cost of maintenance. The marketers selling the product won’t tell you that outright, but you’ll find out when it’s time to pay. For example, that new car you’re looking to buy will need fueling, servicing, new tires, etc. The new house comes with taxes and maintenance costs as well.
These bills creep up and can take a toll on your expenses if you’re not careful. This is why budgeting is important. For every new purchase you make, you have to make a budget for the cost of maintenance. When you can factor in ongoing costs monthly, you won’t have to keep harming your purse to take care of the bills. These costs can affect you as a business or an individual, so you should pay attention to them.
Not learning about taxes
You must have heard the saying by now that the only things certain in life are death and taxes, right? No matter what you do, taxes will always come, but what you can do on your path is to learn how to do your taxes to pay less. This is necessary because if you don’t, you’ll be giving Uncle Sam money that could have been saved, invested, or used to go on that amazing vacation.
There’s a common misconception people have about doing their taxes- how difficult it is. But there are many ways to go around this to simplify the process for you. Some quick tax-saving tips include: deduct your home office, car expenses, hire family members to work for you, and take advantage of the penalty relief program.
Just as John Maynard Keynes said, “The avoidance of taxes is the only intellectual pursuit that carries any reward.” Learn the basics, and you’ll be paying Uncle Sam less money come tax season.
Not investing
It’s a common excuse people give that they’ll invest when they’re rich, but this is wrong on many levels. You should start investing as soon as possible because that’s how you gain financial freedom. Robert Kiyosaki, the rich and poor’s philosophy is this: the rich invest their money and spend what is left. The poor spend their money and invest what is left.”
Your journey towards financial freedom starts when you make investing a must. So, getting into a better financial position in 2024 involves keeping your money aside and growing it.
Leaving money in your savings account is as good as wasting your money. Because when inflation comes, your money will lose its value, but let’s say you invest in dividend-paying stocks or real estate, you’ll see your money increase in value and, of course, enjoy that passive income that brings you closer to financial freedom. Plus the interest rates from banks are not very high.
Investing takes patience and proper research. Whatever you put your money in, you should learn all you can about it: the industry, the big players, the loopholes, everything. This will give you confidence in making proper decisions.
Using your emergency fund for the wrong reasons
Your emergency fund is money set aside for unforeseen situations such as job loss, unexpected bills, gadget repairs, or loss, etc. It is a common rule to have at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses as your emergency fund in your savings account.
It can be tempting to use this money to get that new gadget, go on a vacation, etc., these are not unforeseen situations by any stretch. When the real unexpected problems happen, you’d be forced to go into debt to settle the bill, which is always a bad thing.
So how do you build an emergency fund? You can easily set aside a savings account strictly for emergencies. Put 10% of your monthly income into it. This amount might look small at first, but as it compounds, it will all be worth it, and you’ll have a sufficient income to fall back on.
Not prioritizing your health
The sooner you begin to see your health as an investment, the better for you. Whether physical, mental, or emotional, your well-being will keep giving you positive returns when you prioritize it.
Medical bills are not cheap. If you neglect your health today, you’d have to pay those exorbitant fees that can create a hole in your pocket in the future. You have to do your due diligence today to ensure that you prioritize your health. This includes exercising at least three times weekly, meditating, and staying away from people and relationships that are not good for you.
2024 is just about to start, and everyone wants it to be their best year yet in all areas. But becoming financially free requires discipline. And no matter how much self-help content you consume, if you’re not disciplined, you won’t achieve anything worthwhile, and the new year will be like the other years for you.
Dr. Umar Says Eminem Can’t Be The Best Rapper In The Black Culture Of Hip-Hop
"No non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It is an insult to the ancestors, it is an insult to the race and it is an insult to every Black person."
Dr. Umar Johnson is known for his view on basically everything and has thrown a subjective opinion about the status of a rapper who some may name their top pick of their top respective hip-hop lists. As lyrically talented as Detroit-bred rapper Eminem is, Dr. Umar feels that placing the white recording artist above anyone in a “best of anything African” precludes him, and it’s “white supremacy” to think so.
In a recent appearance on the Joe Budden Podcast, Dr. Umer spoke about various topics that played into his African fundamentalism. When the subject of Eminem came up, he was definitely vocal and adamant about his views of naming Eminem at the top of any hip-hop list.
“This is going to my African fundamentalism. No non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It is an insult to the ancestors, it is an insult to the race, and it is an insult to every Black person.”
Dr Umar says Eminem can never be considered the best rapper because he is non-African and it would be considered white supremacy
"I don't see Eminem building no schools & hospitals, I don't see DJ Khaled building no schools & hospitals"
To make his views even clearer, Dr. Umar stated that he couldn’t go to any other country and be named the top anything of that country, and in fairness, he said it should be that way. That is one of the reasons he states that Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, should not even be considered at the top of the hip-hop artist list.
He chastised the hosts of The Joe Budden Podcast to stop placing people who aren’t of African descent at the top of any list that is particularly speaking of cultural significance.
“We gotta stop naming non-African people as being the best of any aspect of our cultural power because it is an insult… I can acknowledge Eminem’s talent. But for you to put him at the top, that’s white supremacy, bro.”
“I don’t see Eminem building no schools & hospitals, I don’t see DJ Khaled building no schools & hospitals”
He made sure that people knew and understood that his views are meant to make a clear division when it comes to cultural spaces that Black people are supposed to lead, including the arts and specifically the culture of hip-hop music.
Lil Wayne Admits There Is A Kevin Durant Feature Recorded
On Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks’ show, Lil Wayne admitted that he recorded a song with NBA player Kevin Durant.
Over the years, basketball and hip-hop have gone hand in hand, specifically in the Black community. Many NBA players have gone into the studio to realize their recording dreams, including Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal and Damian Lillard, to name a few. Now, Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant has been added to that list. In a recent interview with Bleacher Report‘s Taylor Rooks and New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne, it was discovered that KD has a recent song with the Young Money label owner.
While in discussion, Rooks told Wayne she had a message from KD himself since he knew that Wayne would be her guest. She said that KD told her to ask Wayne if he would play a snippet of the track the two of them recorded.
Wayne was shocked to hear the question and claimed that he was trying to keep the song a secret. He chastised the Suns player and said, “KD, you messed up. Now that you’ve done that, I just want you to know you messed up, and that song was being considered to be on ‘Carter VI.’ And now, since you’re saying something, it’s not going on ‘Carter (VI).'”
He expressed how important the record is to him and that the song they recorded together was supposed to be on the album he just did with 2 Chainz, Welcome 2 Collegrove that was released in November. But, he decided to save it for what would have been this Carter VI. That is, until KD ruined the surprise by asking for Wayne to play it on Rooks’ show.
He did have high praise for the basketball player as a rapper.
“KD’s a jewel, like something of the past, because he’s a backpack rapper. I can imagine he probably could call a timeout in a game and probably ask him to rap, and he probably got a verse for you.”
Umoja: Early Pan-Africanists Who Paved The Way For This Year’s Kwanzaa Theme
As we celebrate Kwanzaa, BLACK ENTERPRISE would like to acknolwedge three early Pan-Africanists who sought justice in their own rights and paved the way for Kwanzaa.
To all far and wide, “Heri za Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!”
Umoja (Unity) marks the first day of this beloved week-long holiday, founded by Dr. Maulana Kalenga in 1966. In an annual founder’s message, the notable Black intellectual sends his greetings and calls on us to unify and work to achieve freedom, justice and peace in families, communities, and the world. While in action, Kalenga also reminds us to achieve these vital goods while honoring our ancestors who “taught us the life-giving, life-preserving essentiality of justice.”
“We are morally called, commanded and compelled to bear witness to truth and set the scales of justice in their proper place, especially among the voiceless and devalued, the downtrodden and defenseless, the oppressed, and the different and vulnerable,” Kalenga wrote.
Today is the first day of Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by Maulana Karenga as a way of empowering Black communities in the aftermath of Watts Rebellion. pic.twitter.com/HjepkIaYWJ
Kalenga’s practice is reminiscent of Pan-Africanist ideals and is re-emerging in new ways. The legacy of Pan-Africanism envisioned a unified African nation where all African diaspora people could live. Highlighting Kalenga’s message, BLACK ENTERPRISE would like to acknowledge four early Pan-Africanists who sought justice in their own right and paved the way for Kwanzaa celebrations.
DR. MAULANA KARENGA
Source: Quote from Dr. Maulana Karenga 2023 founder’s message.
“Indeed, we live in turbulent times of continuing unfreedom and oppression, the enduring evil of injustice and destructive conflicts, and unjust and genocidal war. And freedom, justice and peace in the world and for the good of the world and all in it are urgent, essential and indispensable.” — Dr. Maulana Karenga
MARTIN DELANY
“Every people should be the originators of their own destiny, the projectors of their own schemes, and creators of the events that lead to their destiny – the consummation of their own desires.” — Martin Delany
Martin Delany hailed from Virginia and was among the most prominent early African American Pan-Africanists. He was also a notable abolitionist and physician who co-founded and edited several newspapers, including The Mystery, The North Star, and The Provincial Freeman. Delany believed that Black people could not advance alongside whites and advocated for African Americans to self-govern their own nation by leaving the United States. With a drive to find foreign colonization opportunities for African Americans, he led an exploration party to West Africa to investigate the Niger Delta as a location for settlement from 1859 to 1860.
W.E.B. DUBOIS
“After the Egyptian and Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh son, born with a veil, and gifted with second-sight in this American world,—a world which yields him no true self-consciousness, but only lets him see himself through the revelation of the other world.” -— The Souls of The Black Folk, W.E.B Dubois.
The true father of modern Pan-Africanism was the influential thinker and prolific author W.E.B. Du Bois. Throughout his seasoned career, Du Bois was an advocate for the study of African history and culture. At the turn of the 20th century, Dubois’ statement: “the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line,” was made with Pan-Africanist thinking in mind. During those years, it was common for many in the United States to refer to the problem of African Americans’ social status as the “Negro Problem.”
MARCUS GARVEY
“If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves.” ― Marcus Mosiah Garvey
Jamaican-born Black nationalist Marcus Garvey was a well-known Pan-Africanist thinker of the first decades of the 20th century. In the years after World War I, Garvey championed the cause of African independence. He led the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), which boasted millions of members. They strived for a return “back to Africa.” The idea gave birth to Garvey’s Black Star Line, a shipping company established in part to transport Blacks back to Africa as well as to facilitate global Black commerce. But it was ultimately unsuccessful.
Shaun King Faces Fresh Questions About Trustworthiness
The skepticism surrounding King has not gone away, many have questioned the legitimacy of his work around his supposed work to free Palestinian hostages, and that skepticism will only continue to grow the louder he gets about his work.
Controversial activist Shaun King had his Instagram account removed. King claimed his account was banned due to his advocacy for the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people. King posted under a friend’s Instagram account, thanking his nearly 6 million followers for their support. King said he was safe and grateful and had been through more than this current dilemma.
King claimed that Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, “decided to stand in the way of those of us who are fighting for the human rights and dignity of Palestinians.”
King continued, “Frustrated that Instagram has banned me for fighting for Palestine and speaking up for the human rights and dignity of Palestinians, but I refuse to betray my values and principles by staying silent about this genocide and the war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.”
King also said that he had involved lawyers and wants to return to Instagram, but not at the cost of his integrity. Meta told The New York Post that they had disabled King’s account because of “multiple instances of praise for designated entities in violation of our policies.” However, his Facebook account remains active.
According to The Daily Beast, Human Rights Watch claims that Meta has been engaging in “systematic censorship” of posts related to the bombing of Palestinians by Israeli forces. Human Rights Watch said that Meta was involved in a “pattern of undue removal and suppression of protected speech including peaceful expression in support of Palestine and public debate about Palestinian human rights.”
Users on various social media platforms have long criticized King for grifting with a list of nicknames hinting at his fraudulent history. In October 2023, Ashley Ray Harris was a guest on a re-aired episode of an August25 episode of Laci Mosley’s “Scam Goddess” podcast, dedicated to King. The two walked through King’s history of “scam likely” jobs, including a stint as a pastor.
In May 2022, King was accused of scamming customers through his clothing brand, A Real One. Eight months after the launch of his clothing line, customers had yet to receive their orders. Harris pointed out that King had blocked her on Instagram via a post on Twitter, writing, “Hello, it has been eight months since Shaun King launched a ‘private clothing line’ that sold $165 hoodies. There hasn’t been an update since October. The entire Instagram has been deleted, and the last existing comments were people saying they still hadn’t gotten their orders.”
King told Newsweek that he had been overwhelmed with orders, writing, “We had nearly 3,500 orders and shipped EVERY order,” his email read. “All of them. Some 2-3 times. Out of those 3,500 orders, about 150 people moved or had shipping problems. For those 150 people, we resent the orders or processed refunds.
King continued, “We just emailed our entire customer base to ask ANY customer that might have fallen through the cracks to email us,” the email continued. “2 people replied saying they wanted exchanges or refunds for orders they had trouble with. Out of those 3,500, we also had 75-100 customers who had errors in their email addresses or phone numbers that may be hard for us to reach.”
In 2021, King was accused by the mother of Tamir Rice, Samaria, of being a white man pretending to be Black. Rice told Ebony in 2021, “As a white man acting Black, you are an imposter that can not be trusted. My son was 12 years old, and… DOJ needs to reopen his case, period. Tamir’s human rights were violated. Why would you so ever make it about you? You are a selfish, self-centered person, and God will deal with you, white man.”
The skepticism surrounding King has not gone away; many have questioned the legitimacy of his work around his supposed work to free Palestinian hostages.
Cam Kirk’s Record Label For Photographers Celebrates 4 Years Of Success And Pharrell Partnership
Meet Cam Kirk, the Atlanta-based photographer/videographer who launched the first-of-its-kind record label-like agency for photographers.
Meet Cam Kirk, the Atlanta-based photographer/videographer who evolved his career by launching a first-of-its-kind record label-like agency for photographers.
The Morehouse graduate was able to establish himself in the entertainment industry as one of the music industry’s most credible photographers and videographers by working with celebrated artists like Jermaine Dupri, Young Thug, Migos, Travis Scott, Future, Gucci Mane, Megan Thee Stallion, and fellow Morehouse alum Metro Boomin, among many others.
His photography skills and regard in the entertainment industry eventually helped him secure creative director roles on major brand campaigns including AirBnB x Big Boi, Budweiser x Lil Baby, Buffalo Wild Wings x Jack Harlow, and Nike x Megan Thee Stallion. After working his way to the top, Kirk sought to amplify other photographers and creatives by opening his 7,000 sqft photography studio in Atlanta, the Collective Gallery.
“My career trajectory as a photographer and entrepreneur is honestly difficult to describe because it’s constantly evolving,” Kirk told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“I surpassed my personal goals and expectations years ago so I’m honestly having fun and exploring new things about myself that I didn’t even know existed.”
Since its 2019 inception, the Collective Gallery has served as an unparalleled record label-like agency for photographers that financially invests, manages, develops, and helps artist monetize their craft through touring, merchandising, and content distribution – much like a record label would support do for one of its signed artists.
As part of its growing legacy, The Collective Gallery has provided over 500 job opportunities to creatives and partnered their talent with brands like Nike, eBay, Adidas, Puma, and the NBA. In 2022, Kirk launched the Cam Kirk Foundation, a non-profit focused on art, education, and community within the local Atlanta area.
“I’m trying to change the game not only for myself but for those to come after me so I think that’s what keeps me inspired and motivated now,” Kirk said. “Every move I make is bigger than me. All of my companies follow that mission to leave the world better than we found it.”
Learn more about Cam Kirk, the success of The Collective Gallery, and how he’s creating profitable opportunities for other creatives below.
Tell us about the inspiration to launch the Collective Gallery and how you feel about its growth
Collective Gallery is the evolution of my personal success and journey in the photography industry. I like to compare it to a music artist who has experienced success and is now starting his own music label to help develop future talent. Collective Gallery is my Roc-A-Fella Records or my OVO. After finding my way in the photography and music industry creating major projects alongside brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Puma, Adidas and more, and working with artists like Travis Scott, Metro Boomin, Megan Thee Stallion and more I felt it was time to develop something more impactful and bigger than just me. I also knew I had a very unique journey as a photographer because I did not have many mentors or examples of success amongst Black creatives, so in a sense I created my own blueprint on how a modern-day photographer can find success in photography and culture. For the legacy and impact of my own work and existence to truly have meaning I realize that I cannot be the only one to do it. True legacy is built based upon the impact of your vision and career on others.
I knew photography agencies existed so I wanted to create something different and more hands on. I took inspiration from music record labels and wanted to develop artists, not just photographers, who can build brands and monetize their followings outside of camerawork. At Collective Gallery we financially invest in our artists while also developing their business and brand. Unlike most agencies we don’t just show up for our artist when a project is on the table but we work around the clock with our artists. We launched Collective Gallery in 2019 and to date have worked with over seven artists where we have taken their career to new heights developing their portfolio and expanded their brand and client base tremendously. We have also expanded their revenue streams by developing brand partnership deals for them which allow them to step in front of the lens from time to time. I truly believe we are redefining the game and are hopefully influencing many other major labels to see the value in supporting more art styles outside of simply musicians.
“I imagine a world where a photographer one day can be signed to Def Jam or Cash Money and be label-mates with some of the music stars.”
How has Collective Gallery been able to support its 1,000+ creatives? Are you receiving support/ funding?
When we first announced Collective Gallery the response from the photo community was so overwhelming that we had to develop another part of our company that allowed us to work with photographers even outside of our label roster. We developed our brand agency arm that allows us to work with brands like Puma, Sprite, Nike, and more on projects all around the world utilizing our database of photographers who expressed interest in joining our label.
This model provides companies with a central trusted voice to vet and source new talented creatives around the world without the management stress. It allows us to connect with different photographers on a more project-to-project basis to determine if they could be a great fit for our label. To date, we have provided close to 1,000 opportunities for creatives to work with some of the biggest brands in the world on a number of different projects. We also have a number of companies on retainer that hire our agency to handle their content needs and we source the right photographers for their specific needs around the world.
What does the future of the Collective Gallery look like?
The future of Collective Gallery is something I am extremely excited about. We spent the first few years proving the model and making necessary tweaks to the structure of the company. In the next few years, we will be more present and forward-facing within culture expanding our business model and pushing our mission. Our goal is to completely change the landscape and position for photographers within culture creating a more favorable playing field for photographers around the world to receive support and a platform.
“We plan to also eventually expand into different art forms on the roster including even music one day.”
In October, Cam Kirk Studios partnered with Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club. How is the launch of Billionaire Boys Club Creative Lab aiding in your overall mission?
Collective Gallery was also inspired by the direct success of my second company Cam Kirk Studios, a creative space and community based in Atlanta, Georgia. Through my studio, I directly mentor and provide a safe space for local creatives in Atlanta to thrive and develop their skills. The work I was doing with CKS inspired me to want to do it in a more global and hands-on way which is how I developed Collective Gallery. The studio just recently celebrated 30,000+ scheduled appointments booked in our six and a half years of existence. As our community continues to grow, so do the needs of our creative community.
With the help of Pharrell and his Billionaire Boys Club brand, we were able to build out a free creative space nestled inside Cam Kirk Studios. The space includes state-of-the-art technology and computers equipped with creative and editing software for those in our community to use. The space also can serve as a co-working space for those looking for an inspiring place to work outside of their homes or offices.
“With this creation of our space it makes my studio a one-stop shop where you can not only photograph content but also edit and distribute it all from one space.”
Family Of 4 Impacted By Fire After Buying Beyonce’s Childhood Home
Beyonce's childhood home in Houston caught on fire during the early hours of Christmas Day, prompting an investigation into what caused the flames.
A family who resides in Beyonce’s old family home in Houston is dealing with a Christmas Day tragedy. The house the singer grew up in lit up in flames from a fire sparked on the holiday.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the incendiary incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas morning, approximately at 2 a.m. on Dec. 25. The family of four who lives in the Third Ward abode were awakened by the blaze, calling firefighters as they evacuated the home. Fortunately for the new homeowners, consisting of the couple and their two younger children, no one was injured from the fire.
Firefighters quelled the flames, predominantly located on the second floor of the two-story brick home, in around 10 minutes, as confirmed by the Houston Fire Department District Chief Justin Barnes. However, while the main flames were extinguished relatively quickly, firefighters had to enter the attic to fully contain it.
The home itself, built in 1946, is relatively historic for reasons outside its famous past occupant. The three-bed, three-bath space boasts nearly 3,000 square feet, and was last sold in 2019 for $450,000. According to Zillow, the single family residence has since increased in value since it was last on the market, now valued at over $550k.
Beyonce lived at the residence in the Riverside Terrance neighborhood from 1982 until her early years. The singer has frequently referred to her H-town upbringing in numerous songs, and visited her childhood home while at the two-show Houston stop on her record-breaking Renaissance World Tour. The home is known to Beyonce’s fanbase, deemed the Beyhive, as a landmark fixture in the entertainer’s history, often visited by dedicated fans to pay homage as well.
An investigation to what caused the fire, and if it has any relation to the star, is still ongoing, with the extent of the damage done being unclear.
The Artist Formerly Known As Kanye West Apologizes To The Jewish Community For Antisemitic Remarks
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has issued an official apology written in Hebrew to the Jewish community.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has issued an official apology written in Hebrew to the Jewish community.
On Tuesday, Dec. 26, Ye took to social media to post a message in Hebrew that served as an apology to the Jewish community for his past antisemitic remarks. The message, posted to his Instagram and Twitter/X pages didn’t mention any specific statement he made, but seemingly addressed all of his past outbursts in one.
“I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community … It was not my intention to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused,” the message stated.
“I am committed to starting with myself and learning from this experience to ensure greater sensitivity and understanding in the future. Your forgiveness is important to me, and I am committed to making amends and promoting unity.”
The message comes after a year of controversial remarks Ye made about the Jewish community that saw him take a drastic fall from grace. Among the tirades the music/fashion mogul took against Jewish people included saying he would go “death con 3 on Jewish people” and telling conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, “I like Hitler.”
Earlier this month, Ye was filmed ranting against people he felt caused his downfall and citing, “Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye.” His most recent track called “Vultures” referenced his fall from grace in lyrics saying, “How I’m antisemitic? I just fuc*ed a Jewish bi*ch.”
As part of Ye’s downfall, the “Stronger” rapper saw his net worth go from $6.6 billion down to $400 million as he lost major brand deals with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga. The Yeezy founder’s music contract with Def Jam Recordings had already come to an end after the release of his 2021 Donda album, via The New York Times. In September 2022, JP Morgan Chase ended their business relationship with Ye and asked him to transfer his accounts from the bank.
Ye had been quiet for most of 2023 and has only recently started to resurface as he teases new music. Now, it looks like Kanye is aiming for redemption and is seeking forgiveness from the Jewish community.
