Sybil D. Jatta

Sybil D. Jatta’s journey has been marked by resilience, talent, and a deep-rooted faith. As the eldest among nine siblings, with seven sisters and two brothers, Sybil took on roles of caregiver, mentor, and protector from a young age. Despite the weight of responsibility placed upon her shoulders, her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ sustained her through even the most challenging times, beginning as early as age 10 when she was tasked with shouldering additional burdens within her family.

Sybil found solace and expression through her talents in singing, dancing, and acting. Despite facing opposition from her mother, who disapproved of her artistic pursuits, Sybil’s inherited gift from her father, a singer, artist, and musician, could not be suppressed. She clandestinely pursued her passions, participating and excelling in talent shows throughout middle and high school.

Her talents eventually led her to the stage, where she toured with productions such as “Ain’t Misbehavin'” and “Sang Sista Sang,” portraying the iconic Billie Holiday. Undeterred by obstacles, Sybil took the reins of her own destiny, producing her one-woman show titled “Billie Holiday Front and Center,” which garnered critical acclaim, including a nomination for an NAACP Theater Image Award.

Venturing beyond the stage, Sybil embarked on a transformative journey to Africa, particularly Ghana, where she connected with her ancestral roots.

“I dedicate my life to Jesus Christ, who connected me to my soul mate”
-Raul F. Jatta.

This experience inspired her to co-create the award-winning documentary feature film “Akwaaba: The Awakening,” which has received widespread recognition, including numerous awards from international film festivals and a nomination for the African Academy Awards.

Transitioning into education, Sybil now serves as an administrator in a South Los Angeles middle school, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for empowering youth to her new role. Despite her humble beginnings, Sybil’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as her name has become synonymous with success and inspiration, proving that with faith, determination, and talent, one can overcome any obstacle and leave an indelible mark on the world.