Jamela Pettiford: Music and Empowerment in the Rondo Community
Jamela Pettiford grew up in Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, inspired by gospel legend Mahalia Jackson to pursue singing professionally. Over the years, she has performed with award-winning bands, written music, and starred in stage productions. Beyond performing, Pettiford teaches music and leadership to youth and adults, helping them build resilience, confidence, and self-worth through the performing arts.
Jamela Pettiford had what she describes as a “performance mom.” Beginning when she was four, everywhere they went, she said, her mother would ask her to sing on the spot.
“For the longest time as a child I really resented it because I’m like, we’re at McDonald’s, why do I gotta sing ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ right now?” Pettiford remembered.
It wasn’t until she watched the 1959 film “Imitation of Life” around age 10 that singing became something she truly wanted to pursue. When gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, who appeared in the film as a church choir soloist, began to sing in her rich, resonant voice, Pettiford thought, “I want to sing. This is what I want to do and I want to do it for real.”
From that moment on, Pettiford began taking singing seriously. She realized she could move and touch people through song.
Over the years, she has performed with several bands and music groups, including the Big John Dickerson Blues Band, which was inducted into the Minnesota Blues Society Hall of Fame in April 2007. She also writes music and plays, and has performed in numerous stage productions.
Pettiford credits her mom for preparing her for the profession. Today, she can memorize lyrics quickly and freestyle verses with ease.
In addition to performing, Pettiford is an educator who is passionate about enhancing, enriching and encouraging others to reach their full potential. She incorporates the performing arts into curriculum for both adults transitioning out of poverty and youth.
The performing arts, she said, allow Black community members and children to be their full selves without shame. Through music and theater, she teaches self-worth, courage and confidence.
One place she works with children is at Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools in Saint Paul, a summer program that nurtures leadership and literacy. Kids are among the most challenged and beautiful populations, Pettiford said.
Each summer, she teaches music and helps facilitate song creation and leadership during Harambee, where students and staff begin the day with songs, chants and a read-along. Recently, a group of children performed “Something Inside So Strong,” and it was a powerful moment, she said.
The children absorb the words they sing. Lyrics such as, “The higher you build your barriers / The taller I become / The further you take my rights away / The faster I will run,” and “There’s something inside so strong. I know that I can make it,” become affirmations of resilience.
Pettiford also participates in community events, singing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as at weddings and funerals.
“I’m honored to be able to use the gift that I’ve been given to really enhance and encourage and enlighten our community,” she said.
Standing inside Golden Thyme Restaurant and Bar on Selby Avenue, in front of a framed photo of Ella Fitzgerald, Pettiford reflected on the community that shaped her. The restaurant sits in the heart of the Rondo neighborhood, where she is from. Rondo formed her through community, family, church and music.
“I’m here at Golden Thyme … a beautiful restaurant that really represents our culture, our music, our legacy, our heritage, and that’s truly what I feel I represent.”
Pettiford will be releasing an album May 1 with featured artists and songs that blend neo soul, hip-hop, gospel and something new to her: classical trap.
For more information, visit Jamela Pettiford’s Website at https://jamelapettiford.com/.
Damenica Ellis welcomes reader responses at dellis@spokesman-recorder.com.
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