Interception: Jayne Kennedy • American Sportscaster *(Film)

This short documentary falls in line with SABIFF's 2025 theme of ACTIonVISM in the sports journalism arena, as we spotlight a change-maker who overcame challenges on and off the field. This is a great film for sports fans who are familiar with her trailblazing time as a commentator for the NFL, and offers newcomers inspiration to not only survive, but to thrive in their careers. Presented in partnership with the San Antonio Black Int'l Film Festival -- SABIFF 2025 & The George Washington Carver Branch Library (SAPL) in San Antonio, Texas.

A bronze-skin bombshell rocks the world of Sunday Morning Football – millions tune in, but few know the tumultuous story of Jane Kennedy, the first Black woman to boldly run interception on the racial lines of American sportscasting.

EVENT DETAILS

Jane Kennedy made history as the first Black woman to host a nationally televised sports program, joining CBS's The NFL Today in 1978. A trailblazer in sports broadcasting, journalism, and modeling, she paved the way for future Black women in media. Her new book, Plain Jane, chronicles her remarkable journey.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:

Safiya Songhai, is an Emmy Award winning television producer and broadcast journalist. The Philadelphia native's first films, 'Ladylike', and 'In Silent Spaces' both follow African American female protagonists and explore themes of sisterhood, parent/child relationships, religion, spirituality, and the supernatural.

In addition to filmmaking, Songhai has worked as a television commentator for CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront, discussing topics concerning racial profiling, the George Zimmerman trial, police brutality, and the impact of the M**der of Trayvon Martin. Since 2014, Songhai has covered international news as a TV anchor/reporter for Arise News.

Songhai is a summa cum laude graduate of Howard University’s Film Program, and completed her MFA at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts Kanbar Institute of Film and Television Production.

Below is filmmaker SAFIYA SONGHAI (L), and JANE KENNEDY (R) - Cousins

SABIFF 'Sunday Glory' Movie Matinees at the Carver Library

Join us for our monthly matinees, featuring original Black independent films that celebrate our shared humanity. These films, by, for, and about the African Diaspora, include narratives, animations, student films, and music videos. Each screening is followed by a communal discussion, with occasional filmmaker visits or panel talks.

This is a free event open to the public.

The SA Public Library Carver Branch is ADA compliant with wheel chair accessibility.

Host or Publisher San Antonio Black International Film Festival, (SABIFF)