The Burns Brothers Are Building More Than Businesses--They're Bridging the Diaspora
LINK TO ASSETS
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2025 /CNW/ -- As Nairobi rises to global prominence with major United Nations agencies set to relocate their headquarters to the city, a new era for Africa is unfolding. John and Mike Burns—the visionary entrepreneurs and cultural architects known as The Burns Brothers —are building bridges across continents, advancing a movement of Black leadership that reflects Africa's expanding role on the world stage. From orchestrating historic White House events to launching Africa's first African American-owned private members' club, the brothers are charting an interconnected world where the diaspora thrives. Their expanding ecosystem of businesses now spans continents united by a singular mission: to uplift, connect, and inspire diverse communities through ownership, creativity, and opportunity.
"This is about dignity, hope, and generational wealth—not just for individuals, but entire communities," says Mike Burns
Post this
"Africa isn't just the future—it's the now," says John Burns, a seasoned attorney and co-founder. "We're not here to just open doors. We're building the house."
From War Zones to the White House
Mike Burns, U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, brings a warrior's discipline to their multinational mandate. After flying helicopters in Iraq and Afghanistan, he turned his focus toward service through leadership, becoming Chief Diversity Officer at a Fortune 500 company and creating economic pipelines that now employ tens of thousands across Africa.
As cultural event producers for the Biden Administration, The Burns Brothers made history with the first-ever Juneteenth Celebration at the White House in 2023 and returned in 2024 with an encore featuring legends like Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and Kirk Franklin.
"We've devoted our lives to ensuring Black voices aren't just heard, but honored at the highest levels," says Mike. "Now, we're harnessing that resolve to transform Africa."
Where Culture, Community, and Commerce Converge
From HQ DC House in Washington to HQ Kenya House in Tatu City—just outside Nairobi—the Burns Brothers are redefining global luxury, hospitality, and legacy. The exclusive private members' clubs serve as dynamic hubs for connection, advancement, and creative exchange among professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders. Their growing portfolio of hospitality brands also includes:
KATA: An Asian-inspired culinary and nightlife destination in Washington's historic Chinatown.
The Nohmad: A stylish day-to-night coffee and cocktail lounge located above KATA.
Designed by Jimmie Drummond, each space becomes a gateway where form, function, and culture converge in an immersive experience.
Investing in Opportunity and Lasting Impact
In partnership with CCI Global, one of Africa's largest private employers, The Burns Brothers have supported the creation of over 20,000 jobs across Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Nigeria. Their own ventures have directly generated nearly 500 new positions—with ambitious plans to bring that number to 50,000 over the next decade. Through high-growth sector collaborations, they're building lasting bridges between U.S. enterprise and African talent.
"For us, this is about dignity, hope, and creating generational wealth—not just for individuals, but for entire communities," says Mike Burns. "We're not just investing in businesses—we're investing in people, and in a future that's shared."
From Boardrooms to the Cultural Stage
At the intersection of business and culture, The Burns Brothers ignite conversations and connections that inspire progress. From private tastings with Hollywood legends to provocative discussions with stars of Netflix's Love Is Blind DC, their curated experiences spark dialogue and innovation. With the ICON to ICAN Foundation, they extend their impact, forging pathways for mentorship, storytelling, and inspiration—uplifting the next generation alongside luminaries like Chaka Khan and Congressman Jothn Lewis.
At this pivotal moment for Nairobi and the continent, The Burns Brothers will launch Resonate Africa in late 2025—a first-of-its-kind summit where trailblazers in technology, culture, finance, and wellness will meet to bolster the global voice of the African diaspora.
On September 16, 2025, The Burns Brothers and co-author Meghan Davis Hill will release The Continuum of Change: Impacting Change Through Moments That Matter at The Nohmad (600 F St NW, Washington D.C. 20004). This new book distills their personal experiences into practical strategies for achieving meaningful transformation at every level. Advance copies are available here.
Follow The Burns Brothers' journey on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
For additional information, media requests, or press assets, contact Asma Amani at [email protected] or +1 (703) 286-9084.
About The Burns Brothers
The Burns Brothers—John and Mike Burns—are visionary entrepreneurs, cultural architects, and global thought leaders reshaping the narrative of Black excellence across business, hospitality, and social impact. With ventures spanning five continents, their work bridges the African diaspora through ownership, creativity, and opportunity. From producing historic cultural events at the White House to launching Africa's first African American-owned private members' club, The Burns Brothers are pioneering a new era of global Black leadership rooted in legacy, inclusion, and innovation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cision Canada
7 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
FP Canada™ Announces June CFP® Exam and QAFP® Exam Results
Of the first-time writers who completed the CFP exam, 81% passed. Seventy-five per cent of first-time QAFP exam writers passed. TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - FP Canada has announced the results for the June sittings of the Certified Financial Planner ® exam and the Qualified Associate Financial Planner ™ exam. There were 385 candidates who wrote the CFP exam (and 81% of the first-time writers passed), while 50 candidates wrote the QAFP exam (and the first-time writer pass rate was 75%). FP Canada administered a survey to all candidates who wrote the exams. According to that survey, 82% of CFP exam writers decided to pursue certification so they could enhance their skills and better serve their clients. The same was true for 76% of candidates pursing QAFP certification. Forty-nine per cent of CFP candidates and 48% of QAFP candidates indicated that provincial legislation requiring them to obtain an approved certification to use the "financial planner" title was a major motivator. Likewise, 30% of CFP exam writers and 24% of those who wrote the QAFP exam stated that their pursuit of certification was driven largely by an employer requirement. "We at FP Canada would like to sincerely congratulate everyone who successfully wrote the CFP exam or QAFP exam in June," says Tashia Batstone, President and CEO of FP Canada. "Completing this critical step toward certification is a tremendous accomplishment—one that brings you closer to being fully qualified to help Canadians find their paths to financial well-being." To obtain CFP certification, candidates must complete a comprehensive education program that includes professional education, pass a national exam, have (at minimum) a bachelor's degree or 10 years of qualifying work experience (or have held QAFP certification for at least five years), and demonstrate three years of qualifying work experience. QAFP certification candidates must complete a comprehensive education program, pass a national exam, have a post-secondary diploma or five years of qualifying work experience, and demonstrate one year of qualifying work experience. To maintain certification, CFP professionals must ensure their knowledge and skills remain current by completing 25 hours of continuing education each year, including two hours in the professional responsibility category. QAFP professionals must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year, including one hour in the professional responsibility category. CFP professionals and QAFP professionals must also adhere to high professional standards established by the FP Canada Standards Council ™. CFP certification and QAFP certification have been approved by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) as valid credentials for individuals using the "financial planner" title in Ontario. Established in 1995, FP Canada is a national not-for-profit education, certification and professional oversight organization working in the public interest. FP Canada is dedicated to championing better financial wellness for all Canadians by leading the advancement of professional financial planning in Canada.
Cision Canada
37 minutes ago
- Cision Canada
Statement by the Canadian Telecommunications Association on the Government's Decision Regarding the CRTC's Wholesale Internet Access Framework
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Telecommunications Association is extremely disappointed that the Government of Canada has chosen not to alter the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC) wholesale internet access framework, despite widespread opposition from across the industry, including smaller independent network operators and wholesale providers. This decision undermines the very goals it claims to support. It discourages investment, weakens competition, and ultimately harms Canadian consumers. Rather than promoting facilities-based competition and incentivizing the continued deployment of world-class broadband infrastructure, the CRTC's policy discourages network construction and long-term investment. At a time when the federal government has made critical infrastructure a national priority to strengthen Canada's resilience and economic independence, this policy has led to a reduction of more than $1.5 billion in capital investment in telecommunications networks. Billions more in lost investment are expected because of this policy. These are investments that would have expanded connectivity, created good jobs for Canadians, and advanced Canada's digital future. While the Government and CRTC have characterized the decision as pro-competitive, it achieves the opposite by undercutting the smaller independent service providers the wholesale regime was originally meant to support. "Canada is now an outlier among its peers. In other advanced economies, wholesale access is designed to support smaller competitors and new entrants, without eroding the incentives to build and expand network infrastructure," said Robert Ghiz, President & CEO, Canadian Telecommunications Association. "This reversal of principle will reduce meaningful competition, limit consumer choice, and slow progress in connecting underserved communities. We urge the government to undo the damage caused by this policy and work with the industry to establish a policy framework that supports sustainable investment, facilities-based competition, and long-term benefits for all Canadians." About the Canadian Telecommunications Association The Canadian Telecommunications Association is dedicated to building a better future for Canadians through connectivity. Our members include service providers, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations in the telecommunications ecosystem, that invest in, build, maintain and operate Canada's world-class telecommunications networks. Through our advocacy initiatives, research, and events, we work to promote the importance of telecommunications to Canada's economic growth and social development and advocate for policies that foster investment, innovation, and positive outcomes for consumers. We also facilitate industry initiatives, such as the Mobile Giving Foundation Canada, Canadian Common Short Codes, STAC and
Calgary Herald
an hour ago
- Calgary Herald
Canadian Tire CEO says patriotism drove sales in nation furious at Trump
Article content Big-box retailer Canadian Tire Corp. said retail sales jumped 6.4% at its main banner in the second quarter, with more shoppers going to its stores as part of a 'Buy Canada' wave. Article content Some Canadian consumers have been boycotting or reducing their business with U.S. companies as part of a backlash to President Donald Trump's trade war. Canadian-owned retail outlets have used advertising and signs to wrap themselves in the maple leaf or make it easier for customers to find Canadian products on store shelves. Article content Article content The Toronto-based company's largest business is about 670 Canadian Tire stores, which sell auto parts, tools, gardening equipment and other hard goods. It also owns the SportChek and Mark's banners, which sell sporting goods and clothing, along with a chain of gas stations and a financial division. Article content Overall revenue was up 5.2% to C$4.2 billion ($3.1 billion), beating the C$4.1 billion average estimate by analysts in a Bloomberg survey. But adjusted earnings of C$3.57 per share fell short of the estimated C$3.93. Article content The shares were down more than 6% as of 10:19 a.m. in Toronto to C$173.35. Article content Executives said they believe consumer spending is holding up well in Canada, and they're monitoring patterns in stores in southern Ontario, a manufacturing region that has been hit harder by the tariff battle with the U.S. Article content Article content Canada is one of the only countries to retaliate against Trump's tariffs with its own counter-tariffs, which have been applied to tools, sports equipment and other products that are important lines for Canadian Tire. Article content Article content In February, shortly after Trump signed his first executive orders on tariffs, Hicks said the retailer has alternative suppliers for all products that originate from the U.S., and at least a quarter could be sourced within Canada. The company would have to look overseas, however, for certain auto parts. Article content Retail gross margin, excluding petroleum, declined by 0.9 percentage points to 34.8%, partly because of inventory the company bought in the first quarter when the Canadian dollar was weak.
