Beyoncé co-leads the Met Gala
Beyhive fans get ready!
Queen Beyoncé will be co-leading the 2026 Met Gala. I know many people who aren’t familiar with the concept of the Met Gala. It is an exclusive annual fundraising ball for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City, known as “fashion’s biggest night” for its elaborate themes, celebrity guests, and extravagant fashion, officially marking the opening of the Institute’s spring exhibition. It’s chaired by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour.
Beyoncé hasn’t attended the Met since 2016, so her return as a co-chair is major news.
Being a co-chair means she helps guide the vision of the night, from how the event is promoted to how it represents fashion as an art form. Beyoncé has consistently utilized her platform to amplify Black designers and foster discussions about inclusion, so her involvement raises expectations in the best way. I look forward to what she and her fellow co-leads will be up to next year.
Easing financial pressure during the holidays
Right now, the financial stress feels unavoidable for so many people across the nation. The job market is shaky, and prices for goods still feel high across the board. The holidays can subtly exacerbate that pressure if you’re not careful. I’ve had to remind myself that spending money isn’t the same as showing love. Overextending myself financially just to meet the expectations of others isn’t worth the anxiety that comes later. Pouring from an empty cup will always bite you in the butt, no matter your intention. This season, I challenge those who may find themselves in this predicament to establish boundaries. Prioritize what actually matters to protect both your wallet and mental health. There are so many ways to show appreciation for the ones you love, and it doesn’t always equate to gift-giving and money.
Remembering Carl Carlton
It saddens me to hear of another death in the music industry, Funk and R&B legend Carl Carlton. Recently, his son, Carlton Hudgens II, announced his passing on social media at the age of 73. His impact on music lies in his soulful, funk-infused voice, which defined 70s and 80s R&B, bridging genres with hits like “Everlasting Love” and “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” which became cultural touchstones and remain one of the most sampled R&B songs of its era. These songs solidified his legacy as a blueprint for groove-driven soul and funk, influencing countless artists across decades. Witnessing our music icons pass away one by one feels like watching the end of an era unfold in real time. He leaves a legacy that lasted six decades. His music will continue to live on.
