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Behind the Stripes

Cam Kirk

By Atlanta United FC

March 11^th, 2017

Atlanta is renowned as the melting pot of the South, an intersection of culture & commerce, a place where all origins, races, religions and genders are received. No matter what characteristics and personalities may define you, it’s about embracing the city and the people. That is your ticket to be an Atlantan.

This was the case for Cam Kirk, an admired photographer and story teller in the ATL, now ingrained in the city and considered an influencer in the community. Originally from Maryland, Kirk moved to Atlanta in 2007 for school, and since his trek to the South, he hasn’t looked back. Welcomed with open arms and kind regards, he found himself in a city born with an inclusive culture that he could call home.

“One of the things that brought me to Atlanta was the southern hospitality,” Kirk said. “The fact that I felt a lot of people actually cared about each other in a sense. I always loved that about Atlanta.”

Atlanta has played a key role in Kirk’s life, initially helping to discover his photography talent and kick-starting his career behind the camera. He’s particularly well known in Atlanta’s legendary hip-hop community, producing work with Young Jeezy, T.I., Rae Sremmurd, 2 Chainz, Future, Gucci Mane and Young Thug, just to name a few.

But Kirk doesn’t want to limit himself to the hip-hop scene and knows that music is just one of the many treasures that Atlanta has to offer. Soccer has been a part of Kirk’s life ever since his childhood days, so it could just be coincidence or perhaps fate that drifted him towards Atlanta United.

Introduced by a friend, Kirk had the opportunity to meet the front office team. From there, his Atlanta ties and familiarity coupled with his artistic vision allowed Kirk to contribute to the club’s two inaugural kit reveal videos which he says are truly symbolic of the city.

“They’re really inspiring,” he said. “The color patterns and the color choices, I think they really represent Atlanta. Something I would wear on a regular day as well as something I’d wear at a game. They’re designs that people will love and appreciate for years.”

Not only because of the versatility of soccer kits, but also the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the designs, Kirk believes they will be just as popular as Falcons, Hawks and Braves Jerseys among the Atlanta community.

He’s most impressed with how the club has involved the community in their journey to MLS, from launching the primary kit at the historic Tabernacle in downtown to activating flag scavenger hunts all over the city.

“I love how they’re making sure that the fans and the people are as much of a part of this as anything else,” Kirk said. “The ticket sales, the energy and the excitement already speak to that.”

Kirk genuinely believes in the club’s Unite & Conquer mantra, that it’s not just some mighty marketing ploy but a true definition of the city’s current state and its future direction.

“To me, the city has always felt united as one,” Kirk said. “I think that’s the best thing. With sports we’ve always been really competitive, and now we’re going to have a team to actually conquer.”

Kirk was one of the 55,297 in attendance for Atlanta United’s inaugural match and MLS home opener, and just like almost every Atlantan on Sunday night, Kirk stood in awe of the sellout crowd and the electric atmosphere that surrounded the field. Taking in the passion, the thrill and the unity that adorned the historic night, he’s never been more proud to be part of the city and rep the five stripes.

Atlanta’s culture, progressiveness and inclusiveness means the world to Kirk, but no one can articulate that deep significance better than himself:

“Even though I wasn’t born and raised here, I always tell people Atlanta is the city that made me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without the move to Atlanta and without the influences that the city itself, the people, the places, have had on me. To me Atlanta is everything. It’s my life, it’s my lifestyle. It’s the way I move, it’s the way I talk, it’s the way I act. I’m just blessed that Atlanta has embraced me and embraced my vision, and what I’ve been able to bring to the city has been something I’m forever grateful and thankful for. I owe everything to Atlanta.”

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