In an official announcement via PR Newswire, the pair highlighted the wealth of business opportunities available from global expansion to international business hubs, with a focus on countries in Africa.
“Africa’s burgeoning status as a global economic powerhouse, its projection to account for one-quarter of the world’s population by 2050, and Kenya’s emergence as a promising economic epicenter underscore our decision to spotlight Kenya in HQ’s expansion,” John said in his statement, per the outlet.
This move will also position HQ as the first-ever private membership club owned by African Americans on the continent, based on a press release.
The Burns Brothers was founded in 2020 in response to growing changes in the business and lifestyle landscape. The desire was to create “carefully curated” and “culturally relevant” experiences for their clientele in Washington, D.C., per hq-dc.com.
In addition to starting the company, which houses eight different businesses in sectors such as marketing, communications, and hospitality, John and Mike created HQ DC House, an exclusive private membership club that’s been visited by notable individuals like actress Kerry Washington and award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay.
While John is an attorney and community activist, Mike is a military veteran and Fortune 100 executive, per the company’s website. Now, as co-founders, they plan to grow their brand while also tending to the fine details that will help their clients feel welcome.
When HQ DC House opened in April 2023, John Burns told Travel Noire, “We wanted a space that actually felt like a home. So that’s why each part of the house feels different but still comfortable, welcoming, and elevated.”
Now, the brothers have a chance to share that sense of ease with communities worldwide.
At a time when Black-focused initiatives, business funding, and entrepreneurial opportunities are in a precarious place, this decision is culturally significant because it means that Black-owned entrepreneurs are willing to forge ahead, despite challenges.
The response to the brothers’ presence in the city has been positive since HQ DC House’s opening. In addition to DuVerney and Washington, figures such as Kirk Franklin, Omari Hardwick, and DJ D-Nice have also spent time at the club, per a press release.
The expansion of The Burns Brothers company underlines their mission to “ignite, inspire, and support brown and Black people across several societal intersections and industries,” per its website.
