Jayne Kennedy launches memoir at CAAM
Trailblazer Jayne Kennedy will share her powerful story at the California African American Museum on September 10. She will present her memoir, “Plain Jayne,” a book about family, love, ambition, pain, and faith. Pre-signed copies will be available for visitors.
Kennedy first made history in 1978 when she joined CBS’s “The NFL Today.” She replaced Phyllis George, becoming the first Black woman sportscaster on network television. She stayed with the program until 1980, breaking barriers in a space that had resisted diversity.
Breaking barriers in sports broadcasting
Kennedy recalled the challenges of being the only Black woman in the studio. “They just wanted someone to replace Phyllis George. So, they brought in 15 blondes, and there I was in the middle of it. They did not expect that,” she said.
She explained the pressure of her role. “You keep paddling to stay afloat because in this industry, they don’t let you make mistakes. And if you go down, they forget you.” Her determination made her a role model for women and journalists across the nation.
From Miss Ohio to Hollywood star
Kennedy’s path to fame started when she became the first Black Miss Ohio USA in 1970. That win opened doors in acting, modeling, and commercials. She appeared on magazine covers including Ebony and Jet, making her one of the most visible figures of the 1970s and early 1980s.
Her career stretched beyond sports broadcasting. She became an actress and media personality while balancing family life with her husband of 40 years, Bill Overton, and their four daughters.
A family built on strength
Kennedy credits her strength to her parents. “My father talks about all the times he had to fight for his family. He raised six kids, five girls and one boy. My mom worked at home the whole time we were being raised,” she said.
She often uses the phrase “Harrison Strong” to describe her family’s resilience. “So, when we say ‘Harrison Strong,’ it’s not just my dad; it’s all of my aunts and cousins. Because they had a very challenging life, but they made it.”
Honoring African American history through art
In 1990, Kennedy and Overton created “The Journey of the African American.” The musical told 400 years of African American history. Its debut matched Nelson Mandela’s first visit to Los Angeles after his release from prison.
The show, originally planned for six weeks, ran for ten months. “We got the NAACP Theater Award for Best Producers,” she recalled. “And when Mayor Tom Bradley requested a command performance at City Hall, we were there.” Kennedy called Mandela’s appearance one of the most special moments of her life.
Celebrated by peers and mentors
Kennedy recently received the NABJ Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism during the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Black Journalists. “My acceptance speech was only supposed to be two or three minutes. But when I tried to wrap it up, they kept telling me to keep going! So, I actually spoke for about 15 to 20 minutes,” she said.
She also honored Gertrude Gipson, a longtime columnist and editor for the California Eagle and Los Angeles Sentinel. Kennedy said Gipson played a major role in guiding her early career. “Gertrude was a mentor. There was nothing she didn’t know,” she explained.
Continuing legacy through storytelling
Kennedy’s memoir, “Plain Jayne,” is both a personal story and a cultural record. It reflects on her struggles and triumphs while showing how family and community gave her strength.
Her life proves that progress is possible even under pressure. Kennedy’s impact reaches beyond sports and media, inspiring future generations to break barriers with courage and faith.
