For February, I am honored to recognize Jini and Brandon Bornes as our District 38 Community Champions of the Month. In a month rooted in Black history and celebration, compassion and connection, Jini and Brandon reflect the spirit of service and community leadership that give this season its meaning.
Brandon, a North County native, attended San Diego State University as a football-student athlete where he met Jini, a member of the track team. Jini continued her work at SDSU as a counselor supporting first-generation college students, an experience that deepened her passion for service and mentoring young people. Together, they pursued careers in education and remain deeply committed to empowering the next generation with the tools, resources and support needed to succeed.
As they grew as a family, now proud parents of four boys, they also grew in business, building a legacy of inspiration and love that expands far beyond their own household. Leading by example, they remained grounded in the belief that strong faith, strong family and strong community can create lasting impacts.
In 2017, they launched their social impact business, My Black City, a startup that combined Jini’s strengths in networking and education with Brandon’s expertise in marketing and creative storytelling. Their mission is to uplift and unite the Black community through compelling narratives that tell the stories that matter.
What began as a small creative endeavor has grown into a respected community directory and media platform highlighting Black-owned businesses, professionals, civic leaders, churches and social organizations. Their work has created opportunities for hundreds of entrepreneurs while strengthening visibility and collaboration throughout the community.
Jini and Brandon reflect the spirit of service and community leadership that give this season its meaning.
For the past four years, they have organized the Annual North San Diego County Black Festival, in partnership with student leaders at El Camino High School and community educators. This student-led, community event celebrates Black culture, business, arts and achievement across the San Diego area.
With thousands RSVPing for the February 22nd event, the festival has quickly become one of the region’s anticipated Black History Month celebrations, uniting creatives, artists, educators, families and members of the community for a day of empowerment and connection.
Jini and Brandon describe their mission as rooted in love, collaboration and crafting of stronger networks, not competition, within the local Black community. By creating their own media, narratives and networks of family friendly spaces, they are building an environment that inspires innovation, celebrates excellence and supports the next generation witness themselves reflected in Black leadership and success. Known throughout the community as advocates of unity, they consistently promote a message of love that protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
In February, a month dedicated to celebrating Black history, reliance and achievement, Jini and Brandon Bornes exemplify connected leadership. Their dedication to education, family, empowerment and cultural celebration makes them deeply deserving of recognition as District 38 Community Champions for the month of February.