The Burns Brothers Membership Club Goes Global With Nairobi Expansion
The Burns Brothers are gearing up to make history as they extend their exclusive private membership club, HQ, to the vibrant city this summer.
Another wave of Black culture is headed to Nairobi. The Burns Brothers, known for their entrepreneurial flair and cultural savvy, are gearing up to make history as they extend their exclusive private membership club, HQ, to the vibrant city this summer, according toa recent press release. This game-changing move marks a pivotal moment as it signifies the first-ever ownership of a private membership club by African Americans on the continent, injecting a fresh wave of inclusivity into the global business scene.
No strangers to success, The Burns Brothers have been setting trends in culture-focused ventures with a string of million-dollar triumphs. HQ, born in Washington, DC, just last April, swiftly became a hotbed for carefully curated experiences designed for personal and professional growth. With a mix of networking opportunities, developmental programs, and culturally infused events, HQ became a hotspot for creativity, inspiration, and collaborative synergy.
HQ DC House, the inaugural location, has seen a parade of luminaries, from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and filmmaker Ava DuVernay to Kirk Franklin, Omari Hardwick, Chris Tucker, Roy Wood Jr. from The Daily Show, Kerry Washington, and DJ D-Nice. It’s earned its stripes as the go-to destination for the city’s influencers.
Now, the Burns Brothers are taking Nairobi by storm, crossing borders to foster global connections. This historic move not only signifies a win for The Burns Brothers but also serves as a beacon of hope for the African American community, with HQ making waves as the first private club owned by African-Americans on the continent.
Co-founder John Burns shed light on the strategic significance of venturing into Africa, stating, “Africa’s rising prominence as a global economic powerhouse, its expected quarter of the world’s population by 2050, and Kenya’s emergence as an economic epicenter influenced our decision to shine the spotlight on Kenya for HQ’s expansion.”
With an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to creating inclusive spaces for growth, The Burns Brothers have not just set their sights on new territories; they are spearheading connections that are poised to redefine the business and cultural landscape on a global scale.
TED Talks started in 1984 as a powerful, inspirational platform dedicated to "ideas worth spreading." Watch a few awe-inspiring women share their journeys toward the good life.
Originally published March 2, 2015
Ask anyone “What is the good life?” and you’ll get a thousand different responses about finances, career, relationships, and the ultimate lives that people would like to live. But here’s the reality: There’s an element to living the good life that can’t be taught. There’s no road map or magic pill for happiness, nor one person, other than yourself, who can make you happy. In its simplest form, “the good life” is a series of personal experiences that move you into doing the thing you were created to do.
TED Talks started in 1984 as a powerful, inspirational platform dedicated to “ideas worth spreading.” Watch a few awe-inspiring women share their journeys toward the good life.
“Defy Impossible” With Kimberly Bryant, Founder of Black Girls Code
With only 3% of Black women working in the computing industry, Kimberly Bryant started a movement to get Black girls to code. The talk begins with Bryant’s childhood journey through the civil rights movement, which later served as a foundation for her revolutionary approach to creating Black Girls Code.
Whether it's a layoff, termination or abrupt resignation, chances are you'll have to face a blemish on your employment record at least once in your life. Here's how to land a job any way.
Originally Published Jan. 30, 2015
Whether it’s a layoff, termination or abrupt resignation, chances are you’ll have to face a blemish on your employment record at least once in your life. Sure competition in the job market is tough and you’ll certainly have to go the extra mile to explain mistakes or blips to employers, but all is not lost. To increase your chances of getting hired, be prepared and get your story straight.
Years ago Nicole K. Webb, a Human Resource professional, resigned from what many would consider a dream job. At 28-years-old, she was earning an annual salary of $80,000; however, she was unhappy and overwhelmed. Within two months of leaving her employer, she secured a better opportunity, and started her very own Consulting and Career Coaching business, NK Webb Group LLC. Nicole shares her tips on communicating your career history—flaws and all.
Find out where you stand with the past organization
Are you eligible for rehire or are you on the company’s “black list?” Having this information will determine how you can respond to questions during an interview with a potential employer. For instance, if you’re eligible for rehire, you’re able to say that you were separated from a particular position, but are welcome to rejoin the organization. You may even get permission to use your former employer as a reference; after all, it’s possible that you were a good employee — just not right for the job you had. However, if you’re not eligible for rehire, you can still include the organization on your resume or job application; however, note that your potential employer does not have permission to contact your previous employer. Instead, include the contact information for your previous employer’s human resources department. They’ll be able to provide a neutral reference, meaning they’ll verify your hire date, job title, salary, and separation date.
Document your experience briefly and professionally
While crafting your resume or job application, Instead of saying, “I was fired” or “I quit,” phrase it formally: “My previous employer chose to exercise their right to end my employment with their organization. You should also avoid disclosing all of the information you have regarding your termination this early in the hiring process. Not only can over-explaining the situation in writing make for a bad first impression, it’s more likely to be taken out of context and be misunderstood. Instead, note in the document that you’d be willing to supply additional details regarding the termination, if needed.
Take ownership of your termination or resignation
During the interview, be prepared. People have a tendency of pointing fingers at everyone but themselves, but it’s extremely important, not only during the hiring process, but also for your own professional development, to be able to identify your successes as well as your failures. Taking responsibility for your shortcomings displays your level of professional maturity. It lets potential employers know that you’re self-aware. It shows that you’ve learned a lesson and are willing to improve going forward. These are ideal traits for any job candidate, regardless of the position or field.
Choose your words carefully
Speaking negatively about a former employer only shows your lack of trustworthiness and loyalty. It also exposes the type of employee you would be if hired: a problem. No employer wants to hire a “problem employee” who will negatively impact the company morale. So you don’t risk saying something you shouldn’t, it’s best to come prepared to give an explanation and to keep that explanation short, simple, focused on the positive, and always moving forward. Only answer questions that you’re asked and keep bringing the conversation back to the lessons you’ve learned and how they’ve made you a better employee overall.
Fed Report: White Wealth Grew 30% More Than Black Wealth During Pandemic
In 2022, the actual value of both Black and Latinx households dropped to below their pre-pandemic values and stalled there.
Once again, the metrics of the Black/white wealth gap show up as a report from the New York Federal Reserve Bank indicates that the actual wealth of white people outpaced that of Black and Latinx people by 30% and 9%, respectively, from January 2019 to April 2023.
According to a report from Fortune, even though the government offered financial assistance during that period and earnings of Black workers increased by 7.1%, another Fed study indicated that a majority of white households (65%) had stock investments, while a minority of Black (39%) and Latinx households (28%) held stock investments. This indicates that increases in income do not necessarily mean wealth is generated for Black people.
As Janelle Jones, vice president of policy and advocacy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, told Fortune, “The study really shows the difference between making gains when it comes to income, and closing that gap, versus when it comes to wealth.”
Jones noted the prevalence of Black financial wealth tied up in pensions among Black people before briefly discussing the inequity of inheritance for Black Americans.
“Black workers are still more likely to be unionized, which may play a part in the pension story,” Jones said. “But how folks are exposed to the ability to invest in the stock market — whether or not it’s something they grow up doing — we know that’s different for white families than for people of color.” Jones also told Fortune that Black family members were less likely to be recipients of an inheritance.
In 2022, the actual value of both Black and Latinx households dropped to below their pre-pandemic values and stalled there; so far, neither group’s actual value has recovered. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo believes that while some progress has been made, such as rising employment rates, increasing wages, and increases in Black business ownership and participation in the stock market, the government may have to step in with “policy prescriptions” because “the gap between Black and white wealth in America is still too great.”
After Sapp graduated from Texas Seminary Christian University with a Bachelor of Arts in Christian sports management, Sanders announced in December that the Hall of Famer would be a coach for the Buffaloes football team.
“That’s what Prime said. So, if Prime tells me I’m coming in March, then stamp it, right? So I’m stamping it. My bags are packed. I’m ready to go!” an excited Sapp said.
When Sapp told Sanders that he wanted to join him on staff last year, he told him he would hire him after the NFL great received his diploma. Sapp played college football at the University of Miami, but left to go pro after his junior year.
“To see him go get his diploma because I know what he wants to do, he wants to coach on this staff, and he wants to be a part of this staff,” Sanders said in December. “And he is going to be a part of this staff.”
After great success coaching at Jackson State University, Sanders was hired by the University of Colorado Boulder to replicate the achievements he accomplished at the HBCU. The Buffaloes were 1-11 in 2022 season, and although the Buffalos didn’t play in a bowl game in 2023, they finished the season 4-8. Sanders also revived interest in the long-struggling football program.
California Elementary School Principal Investigated For Actions During Mock Shooter Drill
Members of the school's staff claimed the principal made an announcement that seven children had "died" after an active shooter drill.
Nina Denson, the principal of Washington Elementary in California, has been placed on leave following what parents and students said were inappropriate actions during an active shooter drill, according to KTLA.
“She proceeded to walk around campus and pretended to shoot people she saw using finger movements and banging on windows,” parent Jessica Chavez explained to the outlet. “From what I heard, she said to one of the students, ‘Boom. You’re dead.’”
Chavez also said her 6-year-old son was upset following the mock shooting. “The one shocking, surprising thing he said as a 6-year-old was, ‘I’m just really glad none of my friends died.’”
Some of the children who witnessed Denson’s actions were as young as 4 years old. Following the drill, according to members of the school’s staff, the principal made an announcement that seven children had died.
Jim Symonds, superintendent of the San Gabriel Unified School District, told KTLA the drill was “not approved by the district nor part of our district protocol.”
Additionally, parents such as Anna Bustamente were concerned about the headspace of the children following the drill, as she told the outlet, “Can you imagine the trauma these children potentially could go through just thinking, ‘Oh my God, my friend was killed’ or ‘I was shot and told I died.”
Although the district is investigating the incident, some parents, like Chavez, are already calling for Denson to be removed from her role.
“She does not have the trust of the community,” Chavez said.
Some staff members were reportedly upset by the drill.
Officials also told KTLA that counselors were made available for any students or staff members who needed their services. Parents were sent an email on Feb. 8 explaining that a teacher with experience would take over for Denson while the investigation is conducted.
HOW THE WIG DOCTOR GROWS WEALTH AND TREATS CANCER SURVIVORS
Dr. Erica Gamble is the founder and owner of The Wig Dr. Wig Boutique Hair Loss and Mastectomy Center. Based in Georgia with locations in Marietta and Fayetteville, The Wig Dr. is a unique venture by any measure. Founded in 2014 to provide women on the go with quality, fashionable wigs for professional settings and elegant evenings, the company quickly occupied an unexpected market niche.
Data Shows Black Women More Likely to Be Killed Than White Women
A new study investigates how and why Black women are 6 times more likely to be killed than their white counterparts.
According to new data obtained from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women from ages 24 to 44 are on average six times more likely to be killed than white women nationwide. The statistic was formed from data collected across more than two decades of killings from 30 states.
The deaths, classified as homicides from shootings and other fatal acts of violence, exposed the disproportionate rate of Black women who were murdered in this capacity. The Lancet Medical Journal released a paper dissecting the revelation further, noting the systemic problem behind these female homicide rates and a critical need to address the racial inequities that led to this gap. However, the staggering difference widens between certain states, as Black women in Wisconsin are 20 times more likely to be killed, as well as methods, with heightened rates by firearm. However, the study’s authors concluded that factors derived from systemic racism are still prevalent in this regional difference.
“To obtain a more nuanced understanding, we examined statewide shifts and found that U.S. states with the greatest racial inequities in homicide rates correlate with areas of the country where there are substantial structural inequities delineated along wealth markers, namely education attainment, employment type, and status, and extreme poverty,” explained the study.
A key contributor to this increased violence against Black women was identified as intimate partner violence, with over half of all homicides of Black women stemming from this, as confirmed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The Lancet study also mentioned the “Ferguson effect” in how Black communities’ declined trust in police makes Black women less likely to seek out authorities when they are at risk. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic led to further social isolation and a heightening of systemic inequities that led to less resources being accessible and optimal for those in domestic violence situations.
“For every one person who’s murdered, you’ve got their family members, you’ve got their friends, you’ve got their communities who are devastated,” shared Bernadine Waller, one of the lead authors of the study. “So, if you’re looking at that through that lens, what does that mean for our Black families?”
As Black women remain critically at higher risk of death by homicide than white women, policy implementation and funding to combat these issues remain at the forefront of resolutions.
SEPTA Honors Black Trailblazers In Public Transportation
Come learn about these pioneers in transportation!
SEPTA honored four Black activists who led the fight to desegregate the public transportation system in America, at a ceremony on Feb. 5.
ABC 6 reportedthat Elizabeth Jennings Graham, Octavius Catto, Rosa Parks, and John Mott Drew were honored by Philadelphia’s Transportation Authority.
Jennings Graham is notable for challenging New York City’s pre-Civil War policy of segregated street cars. Similar to Parks, she was forcibly expelled from a streetcar because she violated the social rules of the day. Like Parks, Jennings Graham was well connected and was eventually represented in court by Chester A. Arthur, the future 21st President of the United States. In 1855, Jennings Graham won her court case, and by 1860, New York City had a desegregated street car system, thanks to a New York City teacher.
Catto is notable for several reasons, but SEPTA honored him for his work in desegregating Philadelphia’s streetcars. According to the Zinn Education Project, Catto was a teacher, principal and civil rights activist whose work around voting rights and desegregation got him assassinated on Election Day in 1871. In 2017, a memorial dedicated to the memory of Catto was unveiled near Philadelphia’s City Hall. It was the first public sculpture in Philly to honor an individual Black person, and it honors both his work for free elections for Black people and his work desegregating streetcars.
As NPR reported, he also assisted Frederick Douglass in raising all-Black regiments of soldiers during the Civil War. According to Dan Biddle, one of the authors of the book Tasting Freedom: Octavius Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America, Catto either pioneered or was one of the first to adopt mass disruption tactics similar to those used in Black Lives Matter protests of today. As Biddle told NPR, “While we can find very few instances of civil disobedience prior to that, somewhere Catto figured out that was the way to do it. And we believe what he did is organized pregnant women, he organized college students, to simply go on the street cars en masse.”
Rosa Parks is best known for assisting in the Montgomery Bus Boycott by allowing herself to be arrested for protesting the city’s segregated busing system. However, as History reports, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old at the time, did it nine months before Parks did. Colvin had just learned about Sojourner Truth in school and credited her action with that knowledge.
“It felt like Sojourner Truth was on one side pushing me down, and Harriet Tubman was on the other side of me pushing me down. I couldn’t get up.”
But due to fears that Colvin’s dark skin and teenage pregnancy could hurt the chances of a civil rights case, civil rights leaders in Montgomery declined to allow Colvin to be the public face of the lawsuit, Browder v. Gayle, that would eventually desegregate the Montgomery busing system. As the Rosa Parks Biography website details, Parks would lead fundraising efforts for Colvin’s local case and eventually became fed up with asking the white folks who ran Montgomery for help desegregating city buses.
“I had decided I would not go anywhere with a piece of paper in my hand asking white folks for any favors.”
Colvin said that Parks was the only civil rights figure in Montgomery who appeared to care about her, and the civil rights icon even made the teen secretary of the NAACP Youth Council.
Mott Drew was one of the most well-known Black businessmen of his day; according to Darby History, he owned and operated a very successful icehouse. Upon discovering many Black women employed as domestic workers could not reach their homes of employment in a timely fashion, or even at all, Drew created the John M. Drew Bus line. The bus line created by Drew was a jitney service whose routes were later absorbed into the Red Arrow Lines and, eventually, SEPTA itself.
According to Darby History, it is speculated that the license issued to Drew in 1918 by the Pennsylvania Public Service Commission was the first license ever issued by the commission. Drew also later purchased the Darby Hilldales, a Negro League baseball team, in 1929. Drew was already connected with the team because his trolley service made it easier for Black baseball fans to get directly to Hilldale Park. Drew’s tenure as owner of the Hilldales was marked by financial failures, due in large part to the Great Depression and also his refusal to work with white businessmen, despite the success of the team on the field.
As SEPTA customer experience manager Faith Boose told CBS News, “This is extremely important for us not to forget not just Black history, but American history in general. We don’t ever want to take for granted the transit equity to ride on transit.”
“And then to actually, once we’re there, not to be told to move because of the color of our skin. The criteria was they need to be aligned with transportation,” Boose continued. “And we wanted to look at where did the activity of being a trailblazer start from.”
Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved have calculated the school’s stolen labor is worth as much as $74 billion. On Feb. 8, the group reached out to St. Louis University, formerly Jesuit University, to follow up on commitments made in 2016. The Slavery, History, Memory, and Reconciliation Project found the institution used beatings and family separation as a form of harsh punishment.
Between 1823 and 1865, universities in Missouri borrowed, rented, and owned close to 200 enslaved Black people. Three enslaved families from the White Marsh Plantation in Maryland were removed in 1823 and delivered to Florissant. Those same people helped build the St. Stanislaus seminary and plantation. More slaves arrived from Maryland in 1829 – the same year the Jesuits took over St. Louis College – later becoming St. Louis University, where some enslaved people were forced to work.
Areva Martin, attorney for the descendants, said the amount of money doesn’t include the pain and suffering of Henrietta Mills Chauvin and other enslaved Black people who assisted with building the school.
“We do know that providing this valuation gives us a starting point to start talking about reconciliation,” Martin said.
“It starts with recognizing your obligation to discord even a fraction of the value of their ancestors’ labor that was used to build this storied institution.”
Lynette Jackson found out she was the great-great-great granddaughter of Mills Chauvin in 2019. She said she often feels the wrong endured by her ancestors when she drives by SLU and wants the wrongs corrected – including removing the statues built by the enslaved people.
“It just makes me feel sad that they had to go through this and knowing that it was the church involved as well, and we helped to build the church, you wouldn’t think that a church would do this,” Jackson said.
“St. Louis University has a chance to do something positive by properly acknowledging the tragic history,” May said. “The beginning of trying to make this right is saying the names of the enslaved so that we may never forget them.”
University spokesperson Clayton Berry is still preparing a detailed response based on the information provided.
“At this point, we can affirm that we understand and share the sense of urgency expressed by several members of the descendant community,” Berry said. “We acknowledge that progress on our efforts to reconcile with this shameful history has been slow, and we regret the hurt and frustration this has caused.”
However, the statement concluded with a promise of continuing to work towards reconciliation with the descendant families.
