Jacobby Debouvier Black Men Rock Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jacobby Debouvier, a native of Suffolk, Virginia. He was a Playwright, Actor, Author, Director, Producer, Songwriter, Photographer, Modeling Coach, Talk Show Host, and the list goes on. He attended Suffolk Public Schools, Virginia Commonwealth University, and completed a public speaking course at EVMS in 2012. Jacobby became one of the most versatile and vital figures in the entertainment industry in the Hampton Roads area and beyond. He began singing and got his first taste of show business at age 3. By age 4, he had started his own band known as “SHA-SHA AND THE TOTS”. With his family group and support in place, he began seriously concentrating on writing, directing, and producing. His distinctive style of writing landed him a publishing deal with Author House Publishing and his first book “Soul Exposed”, an autobiography which was translated into 12 languages, brought him even wider exposure. This included offers from movie houses, record labels and other publishing companies. His career as a solo recording artist was also launched with the album release of "My Name Is” with the hit single "Without You", which debuted on NBC's "Jenny Jones" show. In 1999, he opened Beautiful People Model Talent and Casting Agency that led to the launch of modeling and entertainment careers for many young models and performers, including the nationally-renowned Male Model Marcus Clark, Fitness Model & Essence “Eye Candy Feature” Antonio Stephen, and International Super-Model Sehoya. His agency provided cast, crew, and talent for many greats in the entertainment industry, including extras in the music videos of LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, Madonna and JayZ. Reluctant to commit himself fully to a career as a performer, this ambitious entrepreneur found other ways to work his musical magic, fashion expertise, and entertainment flair. In 1999, he appeared in the feature film "Nothing 2 Lose", starring Brian Hooks and Michael LeMelle. He produced photos and clips for Missy Elliott that appeared on MTV's “Bio Rhythm” and in 2001, he was casted and co-starred in the movie “For Real” alongside the nationally acclaimed actor/producer Tim Reid. Also in 2001, he partnered with Bryan Rone and designed the Abasi Bomani Collection, a line of urban and contemporary clothing for men and women available in 42 stores around the world. In September 2001, he collaborated with Elektra Records’ recording artist Nicole Wray, Missy Elliott's protégé’, as a consultant, make-up artist, and stylist for her world tour. In 2002, he also had the opportunity to co-direct a music video for DJ Kool and long-time collaborators Timberland & Magoo. The song was entitled "Back-Up Out My Way", which received excellent reviews. He is also the former manager of the jazz recording artist F.R.E.N.S. currently based in Richmond, Virginia. In May 2002, Jacobby produced the hit stage play "4 Sisters From The South". Incredibly, he managed to surpass that success with the follow-up stage -play "She Aint Right"... a stunning compendium of contemporary urban characters, lots of laughter, good music, urban quotes and left-field views of life in “the neighborhood”. That production was hailed as one of the finest stage plays of the new millennium. Since that time, he has written six more stage plays: “Girls In The Hood”, “Death By Disco Fever”, “What God Has For Me”, ”For Christmas And Forever”, “A Troubled Man”, “Naps, Snaps, & Curls”; and recently finished a new piece entitled, “Doing Hard Time In A Brain Cell”. In 2012, Jacobby debuted his Blog Talk Radio show “More Prayer More Power Ministries” as DJ Keep It Real. In 2013, he wrote, produced, and released a new gospel album entitled "A Star is Born Again" with 2 songs in rotation on Faith Broadcasting Network’s WTJZ 1270 AM. The song titles are "Contemporary Christian" and "I Love You God", a duet with Gospel Legend Frankie Davis. During the several months after the release, Jacobby and Frankie Davis toured their single and the song was nominated for the Best Gospel Song of the Year at the 2nd Annual Black Men Rock Image Awards. In 2014, he recast, produced and directed “4 Sisters From The South” back by popular demand. Also in 2014, he made a cameo appearance on the big screen once again in the film “No Weapon Shall Prosper” in which one of his original songs “Without You” is also included on the movie soundtrack. As a celebrity photographer, Jacobby has had the opportunity to photograph many well-known faces, to include Stephanie Mills, Malik Yoba, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle. As a model & talent agent, he negotiated several contracts for many exclusive magazines and publications, to include but not limited to, Azzure, Indigo Red, Vibe Magazine, and Muscle & Fitness. As a fashion show coordinator, he choreographed several high-profile fashion shows to include the collections of many national and international designers and collections, such as David’s Bridal, JC Penny, The Children’s Place, Foot Locker, Lowenthal Furs, David Montoya, Fabrizio Celleri, and Antonio DaSilva. He was sought out to choreograph a celebrity fashion show that included celebrity models Usher, Monica, 112, Escape, and Jagged Edge and has also produced benefit fashion shows for NFL Star, Joe Smith of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Project Impact, and Youth Matters. In 2013, he produced the Virginia Fashion, Music, and Art Expo. He has hosted, produced, and appeared on several radio and television shows, to include “CONVERSATION PIECE”, “Beautiful People Television” on Fox 43, BioRhythms w/ Terrance Afer-Anderson, “Political Points” on 1400AM WPCE, and in 2019 launched the Jacobby & Nicole Radio Show on Praise 104.9 produced by the Living Legend Doc Christian. The show later turned into The Jacobby Show which aired weekly on Sky 4. Jacobby continued to work full time as a celebrity/fashion photographer and make-up artist. Amongst his favorites, was shooting the CD cover “Take This Love” of National Recording Artist and Stellar Award Nominee, Hope Askew (Hope Sheree). In 2014, he launched a fragrance called A.S.A.P. (Always Say A Prayer) by Jacobby. Jacobby Debouvier, our modern-day renaissance man, joined the NAACP in 2007 where he held the chair of Head of Media and Public Relations and co-chaired Membership. He actively and financially supported the scholarship committee and was the Head Chair for the 2013 Jubilee. Because he had such a love for shining positive light on the great accomplishments of others…especially Black men, in 2013, he launched the first Black Men Rock Image Awards. As an entertainment veteran and active member of his local church, as well as other community-focused organizations, Jacobby had a strong desire to honor some of the most talented, successful, accomplished Black men in Virginia and beyond. This event had a dual purpose. He not only willed to offset some of the negative press about black males that is quite often highlighted in our society and media but also wanted to give back to the same community that gave to him. Therefore, proceeds from the event were be donated to the Suffolk Chapter of the NAACP for the first few years of the event and eventually to the non-profit that he created, The Black Men Rock Image Awards Scholarship Foundation, Inc. in 2017 for their scholarship funds. His hope was that some well-deserving young black male would be able to seize the opportunity of furthering his education post-high school with the financial assistance that this donation would bring. Since the inception, the Black Men Rock Image Awards has honored over 300 Black Men. Despite his growing reputation, popularity and success, Jacobby remained based in his home state of Virginia; however, continued to travel when business called. Jacobby received many awards & recognitions for his outstanding work in the entertainment industry. Amongst his most prestigious honors, he received the Director/Producer of the Year "Men In Arts" Award from the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA) in 2014. In April of 2021, Jacobby received the 4th Annual African American Creative Community Series (AACCS) 2020-2021 “Eye of the Artist”/Entrepreneur Award from Dr. Tonya Shell for his work as a Playwright, Producer, & Entertainer. In June 2021 he also received the Men of Excellence Award from the House of Inspiration (H.O.I.) Radio Network (Boston, Massachusetts) presented by Monet Ledbetter-Claude (Producer/Host). In December of 2023, he posthumously received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his countless hours of community service and volunteerism. At the end of the day, Jacobby could always be found exploring new territory, finding a new way to make his visions realities, making positive moves, building the confidence of others, and living his dreams.