Jayne Kennedy Overton; Integrity, Hard Work and A Career of Pioneering

There aren’t very many people with as many “firsts” as Jayne Kennedy Overton. Through a career as an American television personality, corporate spokeswoman, producer, writer, public speaker, philanthropist, beauty pageant titleholder and sports broadcaster, Overton has broken barriers in every way possible. She is an inspiration, a role model and an example of how working hard and staying true to yourself can turn into career success.

Monday night my Sports Commentary class hosted Overton for a conversation about her life and impressive career. I was immediately struck by her presence and ability to command the attention of the room; she is a vivid, riveting storyteller who seems to have an amazing vignette for every question she is asked. Even with her celebrity status, her demeanor during the interview translated her kind, down-to-earth personality; and her wisdom l made me hold on to her every word.

She recalled specific moments that served as stepping stones in her career, including memories of watching football with her father, sitting ringside to watch Muhammad Ali and cooking dinner for the Tampa Bay offensive the night before their 1980 playoff game. As the first woman to co-anchor the previously all-male both at CBS’s NFL today, she paved the way for other women to become involved in sports commentating.

When asked about her “career of pioneering” Overton talked about the roadblocks she faced as an African American woman in a primarily white (and male) dominated industry. She explained that “there was pressure to be a ‘role model’ from women’s organizations and the black community in general.” However, instead of going on set to try and please everyone, Overton chose not to focus on outside influences. She turned to her mother, who told her that “the only person you have to please is yourself,” and knew that in order to remain successful, she had to be true to herself.

Though Overton is outspoken when it comes to race and gender issues, she also has a lot to say when it comes to the lack of respect people have in today’s society. “Unfortunately we live in a time, because of the internet and technology, that people feel like they can say anything,” she said when asked about the state of social media today, “they hide behind an anonymous profile, which gives them the right to be asinine.” She then urged us to respect one another, respect ourselves and to always remain humble no matter what.

Overton is like a mentor, a life coach and a friend who genuinely wants you to succeed; which she demonstrates through her actions. Even after the lengthy conversation she stayed an extra couple hours to coach my class through our commentary assignment. Though I was nervous with her in the room, I knew that the critique she gave would be some of the best personal advice I could ever receive.

Overton’s eclectic career and achievements are admirable and inspiring. What impressed me the most during the conversation, however, was her incredible wisdom, the unwavering pride she has for her work and her passion for helping others.

Our conversation with Overton was much more valuable than any typical guest lecture. I am inspired by her tenacity and ability to work through the tribulations she endured in order to get to where she is today. Like Overton, I am an African American woman trying to work in a field where not many people look like me; but by following in her footsteps and staying true to who I am, maybe one day I can become a household name too.

For more information, visit her IMBD here.

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