Dr. Jessie Owens has devoted her life to advancing music education and the arts, making a profound impact on Winter Haven and beyond. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to artistic excellence, mentorship, and cultural preservation.
A native of Winter Haven, Dr. Owens is married to Rev. Alvin L. Owens. She is a retired choral director from the Polk County School Board and has served as an adjunct professor of music at Florida A&M University (Lakeland) and Polk State College. She is the founder and CEO of the Dr. J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts, Inc., where she continues to inspire and educate young artists. As the founder and artistic director of the Sankofa Chorale, she is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich musical heritage of African American composers and musicians from the African Diaspora.
Dr. Owens’ leadership extends far beyond the classroom. She has served as an adjudicator for the Negro Spiritual Foundation, is a board director and choir director for the Jewett Alumni Choir, and has held leadership roles with the National Association of Negro Musicians and the American Choral Directors Association. She is also a life member of the Florida A&M University Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her contributions to gospel and choral music have been recognized through affiliations with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, the Hampton University Choir Guild, and the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the AME Church.
In October 2024, Dr. Owens was inducted into the Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame, recognizing her profound contributions to the arts and her dedication to enriching the cultural landscape. Her legacy was further honored when the City of Winter Haven proclaimed October 15 as "Dr. Jessie Owens Day," celebrating her lifelong commitment to education, the arts, and community service.
Dr. Owens remains an active force in the community, continuing to teach, mentor, and advocate for the arts. Whether through performing, directing, or inspiring the next generation of musicians, she upholds a standard of excellence that resonates throughout Winter Haven and beyond. The City of Winter Haven proudly celebrates Dr. Jessie Owens as a local hero, honoring her remarkable influence.