Jayne Kennedy Overton’s Fireside Chat and Book Signing at BLVKBOOK Gallery – November 20

Jayne Kennedy Overton Steps Back Into the Spotlight — A Night of Truth, Triumph, and Cultural Celebration at BLVKBOOK Gallery on November 20

A Fireside Chat and Book Signing Hosted by Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD — Blending Art, Storytelling, and Community Through the Gratitude Drive

LOS ANGELES, CA — Jayne Kennedy Overton — one of the most influential trailblazers in American pageantry, sports broadcasting, and entertainment — will be honored in an intimate Fireside Chat and Book Signing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 6 pm to 9 pm at BLVKBOOK Gallery inside the Beverly Center, Level 8 near H&M. Park on 4th floor near Macy's Court, red section.

Presented and moderated by Chamber member Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD, the evening brings together art, conversation, healing, and cultural pride.

The gallery’s featured artists — Belle Aire, Mr. Emmy Lu, and Mr. Dallars — anchor the space with bold, expressive work. In contrast, acclaimed spoken-word artist Sheldon Bailey delivers a performance shaped by truth, rhythm, and reflection.

Media check-in begins at 5:30 pm. Red carpet arrivals take place from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm.

A Memoir That Invites Truth — And Honors Survival

In her new memoir, Plain Jayne, Kennedy opens the door to the moments that defined her — the victories and the wounds, the acclaim and the silence. She writes the story she never had the chance to tell in real time.

“Jayne Kennedy broke color barriers as a pageant queen, NFL sportscaster, and award-winning actress,” said Dr. Lemelle. “She showed all of us what dignity looks like under pressure — and how one woman’s excellence can reshape the world. Her legacy cannot be denied.”

Kennedy’s story has always lived at the intersection of grace and power. As the first Black woman crowned Miss Ohio USA, and later as a barrier-breaking co-anchor on CBS’s The NFL Today, she redefined what representation could look like on national television.

Yet her success came with a cost — and her memoir refuses to avoid the pain. She confronts the leaked home video that weaponized her private life and changed her career overnight. For decades, she survived its aftermath quietly. Plain Jayne gives her the microphone again.

Art, Performance, and Community — All Under One Roof

The Fireside Chat unfolds inside an environment built on creative expression:

Featured Artists
• Belle Aire
• Mr. Emmy Lu
• Mr. Dallars

Special Spoken Word Performance
• Sheldon Bailey, Actor from Shameless

Together, the art and performance blend into an atmosphere of healing, honesty, and cultural elevation.

The Gratitude Drive — Giving Back While Moving Forward

The evening also launches the Gratitude Drive, a community-based effort supporting local families affected by the January 2025 fires and ongoing financial disruptions.

Guests are encouraged to bring:
• Unwrapped toys
• Non-perishable food
• Baby essentials

Donations will support local nonprofits serving families in crisis — honoring the season with generosity and compassion.

Questions? 213-276-7827 or marielemelle@platinumstarpr.com