Outstanding Native Women
Judy Jacobs:Internationally renowned gospel artist and speaker
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K.B. Schaller
Judy Jacobs (Lumbee) began singing when she was six and at eight years of age, she became a follower of Jesus. Her parents encouraged her in her singing gift and she and her sisters formed a gospel group called The Jacobs Sisters. In 1989, she began her solo career which has taken her around the world.
The daughter of sharecroppers Johnson and Gaynell Jacobs, Judy Jacobs (Lumbee Tribe) was born in Lumberton, North Carolina, and is the youngest of twelve children. Her family, devout Christians, struggled financially.
Judy began singing in church at age six, and at eight, underwent a spiritual conversion experience. Her parents recognized her talents and encouraged her toward a music career. She and her sisters formed the gospel singing group, The Jacobs Sisters.
She attended school in Orrum, North Carolina, population 79 at the 2000 census. After graduating from Orrum High School, Jacobs entered the workforce as a bank teller and advanced to branch manager. Having sung with a number of successful gospel groups over the years, however, she realized that music was her true calling.
In 1989, she went solo with her career and established His Song ministry. She quickly became a staple in gospel music and Christian circles, with name recognition throughout the United States and worldwide.
Unashamed of her Native heritage, Jacobs infuses Native American Indian rhythms in songs such as the stirring call to revival, Rain Dance, and is known for other gospel hits including Days of Elijah.
Because she did not have a mentor in her life for many years, Jacobs recognizes how crucial mentors are in the lives of young women in choosing the right paths.
Through her International Institute of Mentoring, she provides training for those who are establishing orphanages, churches and schools.
In 2001, with support from her husband and partner, Jamie (with whom she has two daughters), Jacobs established the women's yearly conference, Press...Push...Pursue. Its focus is to encourage audiences out of their comfort zones, and women of all ages to follow their dreams.
Topics explored include Overcoming Past Mistakes and Taking Hold of the Future; Finding Your Calling and Fulfilling Your Destiny; and Mentorship: Finding a Mentor and Mentoring Others.
Also involved in charities, Jacobs provides clothing for Native American children and for children in orphanages worldwide. She is host of her own television program, Judy Jacobs Now! which reaches 51 million households around the world.
Some who have attended her ministry concerts and conferences have reported that bodies have been healed and marriages restored, while others report that they grew spiritually and made positive life-changing decisions.
Judy Jacobs' music albums include I Feel a Change, and Above and Beyond. She is author of Stand Strong; Don't Miss Your Moment; Take It by Force! and other publications.
Jacobs' performances of Rain Dance and other gospel favorites can be viewed on YouTube.
KB Schaller (Cherokee/Seminole heritage), journalist, novelist, historical researcher, is author of Gray Rainbow Journey, winner, USA Book News National Best Books Award and a Florida Publishers President's Best Books Award; Journey by the Sackcloth Moon, sequel (OakTara Publishers).
She lives in the Miami-Dade/ Broward County areas of South Florida. http://www.KBSchaller.com.
