Jayne Kennedy is an American actress, model, sportscaster, and author who broke barriers in entertainment and sports journalism. Crowned Miss Ohio USA in 1970 as the first African American woman to hold the title, she went on to star in television and film, winning an NAACP Image Award for her role in Body and Soul (1981).
In 1978, she made history as a co-host of CBS’s The NFL Today, becoming one of the first women—and the first African American woman—to serve as a national sportscaster.
Kennedy’s memoir, Plain Jayne, reflects on her pioneering career, personal resilience, and legacy. She has been honored by the National Museum of African American History and Culture for her groundbreaking contributions. She is truly an icon!
