Michelle Burk

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Michelle Burk

Based in Northern Virginia, Michelle Burk is a writer with a passion for exploring the intersections of popular culture, Black history, and innovative technologies. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University and a PhD in Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Houston.

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Articles21

The Gathering Spot Announces The Location Of Its Next Club

The Gathering Spot, a members-only co-work space and networking hub, has tapped Houston, TX, as the location for its next club. Founded in 2016, The Gathering Spot (TGS) opened its doors in Atlanta, GA, before adding locations in Washington, D.C., in 2021, and Los Angeles, CA, in 2022. Per its website, Houston is one of TGS’s “connected cities” along with Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Detroit, MI; and Charlotte, NC. These cities are “curated communities that serve as hubs for collaboration” where the company anticipates potentially building future clubs . According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Co-founder and CEO Ryan Wilson spent significant time in each of these connected cities before he and his team singled out Houston as “the next best opportunity for us as a community.” Through his visits, the city drew parallels to Atlanta’s blend of big and small businesses. Regarding the investment, Wilson discussed his confidence in Houston’s potential for company growth. “We’re...

Mar 19, 2024

Nas, Resorts World NYC Unveil A $5B Proposal He Says Could Give 'New Opportunities To The Hard-Working Families' In His Hometown Of Queens

Nas is spearheading a plan to change the landscape of New York City. The music icon has partnered with Resorts World Casino New York City and its parent company, Genting America East, to revitalize his beloved Queens neighborhood. As reported by Commercial Observer, Genting America East executives, including the artist, shared plans for a $5 billion redevelopment endeavor to transform the Resorts World establishment into a “Las Vegas-style casino.” The blueprint for the project includes amenities such as 30 new opportunities for food and beverage vendors, a 7,000-seat performance space, and 1,600 new hotel rooms inside the existing Hyatt Regency at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Genting America East also proposed a 350,000-square-foot extension of the Resorts World casino floor. If approved, the move would position the casino as the largest gambling establishment globally, per the outlet. Beyond revenue-generating additions, the proposal includes housing units that could...

Mar 1, 2024

VC Funding To Black-Founded US Startups Reportedly Hit $705M In 2023 — The First Time The Number Fell Short Of $1B Since 2016

The state of venture capital (VC) funding for startups in the United States paints a concerning picture for Black entrepreneurs.

Feb 29, 2024

The Burns Brothers Are Set To Make History With The First African-American-Owned Private Membership Club In Africa

Global enterprise The Burns Brothers, co-founded by John and Mike Burns, is expanding to international business hubs, per a press release.

Feb 21, 2024

Roddy Ricch's Single 'The Box' Cleared Of All Copyright Allegations — What This Could Mean For Up-And-Coming Musicians and Recording Labels

Roddy Ricch, whose given name is Roderick Wayne Jr., has emerged victorious in a two-year legal battle surrounding his chart-topping hit song, “The Box.”

Feb 20, 2024

How Marvin Ellison, One Of The World's Wealthiest Black CEOs, Saw His Stock Market Value Increase By $3.4M In Less Than A Month

Marvin Ellison, one of the world’s wealthiest Black CEOs, is celebrating a multi-million-dollar financial triumph.

Feb 15, 2024

Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Label Starts New Business Venture With Music-Tech Company To Help The Next Generation Of Artists

Grammy award-winning producer and business mogul Jermaine Dupri finalized a deal allowing his label to develop a new crop of artists.

Feb 9, 2024

Tiger Woods Says New Program Allowing PGA Tour Players To Collectively Access Over $1.5B In Equity Is 'Sports History'

Tiger Woods, famed golfer and PGA Tour Players board member, discussed plans for major changes in the world of professional golf.

Feb 7, 2024

Sisters-Turned-Co-Founders Raise $2.4M For Their Health Tech Startup To Improve Pre- And Postnatal Care For Black Women

After raising $2.4 million in a pre-seed round, Aster, a company co-founded by sisters Fifi Kara and Dr. Lailah Kara-Newton, will continue transforming prenatal and postnatal care nationwide.

Feb 1, 2024

Amazon’s Ring Changes Its Rules, Limiting Police Access To Private User Footage

Ring, the home security company acquired by Amazon in 2018, will no longer allow police departments to request private user footage through its Neighbors app.

Feb 1, 2024

Can A New Rule Change By The Small Business Administration Give Formerly Incarcerated Citizens A Chance At Entrepreneurship?

Vice President Kamala Harris has unveiled significant changes to entrepreneurship pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Jan 31, 2024