Making History: Burns Brothers Unveils First African American-Owned Private Club In Africa

Some Black brothers are set to make history.

The Burns Brothers, co-founded by John and Mike Burns, will be expanding its exclusive private membership club, HQ, to Nairobi, Kenya this summer.

The pair highlighted the wealth of business opportunities that were available from global expansion to international business hubs, with a focus on countries in the great continent of Africa, according to an official announcement reported by Afrotech.

“Africa’s burgeoning status is 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.

Also, the move will put HQ as the first-ever private membership club that is owned by African Americans in Africa, according to a press release.

Founded in 2020 in response to growing changes in the business and lifestyle landscape, the desire to create this business was to carefully curate experiences for the business’ clientele in Washington, D.C. according to hq-dc.com.

Last April, the brothers opened HQ DC House, an exclusive private membership club that’s been visited by notable individuals like Kirk Franklin, Omari Hardwick, DJ D-Nice, Kerry Washington and Ava DuVernay.

John is an attorney and community activist, while Mike is a military veteran as well as a Fortune 100 executive. As co-founders, they intend on growing their brand and tending to the details that will assist their clients in feeling welcome.

“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,” John told Travel Noire.

This is a time when Black-focused initiatives, business funding and entrepreneurial opportunities are in an unstable place. So, the decision is “culturally significant because it means that Black-owned entrepreneurs are willing to forge ahead, despite challenges.”

On a good note, the response to the brothers and what they are doing in the city has been positive since the HW DC House’s inception.