Toledoan Kenyetta Jones has so much to celebrate. Her story of struggle put her center stage Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention.
She's humble. And thankful. And she isn't nervous. "Its not me - its from God, it's definitely a blessing."
Kenyetta Jones is ready to share her life with the nation. The Toledo GM Powertrain worker, wife, and mom of two spent 26 years in the auto industry - got laid off - then rehired. She says all thanks to President Obama. "He does listen to us and he did save our industry."
Jones says writing her speech came naturally - because it's the truth. And this isn't her first time telling it. On Labor Day Jones was tossed into the spotlight when she introduced the President in Toledo. "You now have a personal relationship with the President of the United States - what's that like?... Soothed my nerves."
Jones husband Darryl Jones says when Kenyetta lost her job - they cut back to the basics, and they got through it. They managed. And now he's excited and proud.
"She is a great beautiful woman and I love her very much… Hard working, independent, strives to do the best that she can possibly do. I'm just proud of her. I'm at a loss of words for her right now.
Jones said all the attention hasn't quite caught up with her yet. She thinks it will hit her after her big speech. Right now - she's focused on telling America that President Obama saved the auto industry and her job. "Vote for Obama and keep the auto industry in America. That is the thriving heart of America."
Kenyetta says she never dreamed could inspire so many people.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:59 GMT
Toledo Police are on the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch. Police are still trying to piece together
Toledo Police are on the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:00 GMT
Lucas County prosecutors are not giving up in their pursuit of a former Ottawa Hills police officer who shot and paralyzed a man. Now the case is headed to the Ohio Supreme Court after a ruling Wednesday.
Lucas County prosecutors are not giving up in their pursuit of a former Ottawa Hills police officer who shot and paralyzed a man. Now the case is headed to the Ohio Supreme Court after a ruling Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:16:56 GMT
More than five hundred swat team officers are training in Northwest Ohio this week for the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Conference. With the increasing threats that face our communities swat teams
More than five hundred swat team officers are training in Northwest Ohio this week for the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Conference.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:11:42 GMT
The Toledo mayor's race may be a crowded affair but so far no viable Republicans. All seven announced candidates have to first file petitions and be certified by the Lucas County Board of Elections.
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell has the financial backing of Republicans and the Independent could get the party's endorsement.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:55:45 GMT
A new bargain store opened its doors in Toledo Wednesday. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is on Lewis Avenue in the Alexis Park Shopping Center. The Pennsylvania-based store is bringing about 60 new jobs to the
A new bargain store opened its doors in Toledo Wednesday. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is on Lewis Avenue in the Alexis Park Shopping Center.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:45 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:45:38 GMT
Three Toledo families are still begging the Russian government to lift its ban on adoptions. Those families' plans to adopt Russian children were blocked in January. Part of their fight led them to Washington,
Three Toledo families are still begging the Russian government to lift its ban on adoptions. Those families' plans to adopt Russian children were blocked in January. Senator Rob Portman says he is doing what he can to put pressure on the Russian government and get the Obama administration to focus on the issue.
Washington lawmakers are working to pass immigration reform, but there's a hurdle: the link between immigration and terrorism. 13abc’s Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro sat down with our nation's first homeland security expert.
There have been more than 4,000 changes to the nation's tax code over the past decade, according to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. They're working to reform the tax code, but first they want to hear from those it affects most -- taxpayers.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:13:08 GMT
The US Senate is considering more than 300 amendments filed on a huge immigration plan. The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on the amendments during several hearings before the bill goes to the full
The US Senate is considering more than 300 amendments filed on a huge immigration plan. The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on the amendments during several hearings before the bill goes to the full Senate.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:16:56 GMT
More than five hundred swat team officers are training in Northwest Ohio this week for the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Conference. With the increasing threats that face our communities swat teams
More than five hundred swat team officers are training in Northwest Ohio this week for the Ohio Tactical Officers Association Conference.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:59 GMT
Toledo Police are on the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch. Police are still trying to piece together
Toledo Police are on the scene of a rollover accident on I-475 between Corey Road and Talmadge Road after a vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:00 GMT
Lucas County prosecutors are not giving up in their pursuit of a former Ottawa Hills police officer who shot and paralyzed a man. Now the case is headed to the Ohio Supreme Court after a ruling Wednesday.
Lucas County prosecutors are not giving up in their pursuit of a former Ottawa Hills police officer who shot and paralyzed a man. Now the case is headed to the Ohio Supreme Court after a ruling Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:11:42 GMT
The Toledo mayor's race may be a crowded affair but so far no viable Republicans. All seven announced candidates have to first file petitions and be certified by the Lucas County Board of Elections.
Toledo Mayor Mike Bell has the financial backing of Republicans and the Independent could get the party's endorsement.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:42:15 GMT
A Toledo woman needs your help tonight. Her service dog disappeared late Monday night and is still missing. Robin Reau, 60, has uncontrollable seizures. Seven years ago she got Kaden- a specially trained
A Central Toledo woman is looking for her missing service dog. The dog is a black and white Lhaso Apso name Kamden. The dog disappeared from a home near Ashland and Bancroft Monday. The dog is trained to detect seizures before they happen and alert the owner. If you have any information about the dog call 13ABC.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:12 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:12:14 GMT
A North Baltimore woman who faked having cancer pleaded guilty to theft charges Wednesday. Kimberlie Gustwiler faces up to three years in jail. She is currently out on bond. The single mother claimed
A North Baltimore woman who faked having cancer pleaded guilty to theft charges Wednesday. Kimberlie Gustwiler faces up to three years in jail. She is currently out on bond.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:07 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:07:58 GMT
A grandma in Fostoria fights off a man who tried to kidnap her grandson. 13 ABC's Christine Long spoke with the grandmother who battled for the boy kicking and screaming. Anyone you talk to in town
"I'm grateful that God gave me the strength to fight the man off," says Paulette Barchus who kicked and screamed on Wednesday to protect her grandson.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:45:11 GMT
A Lucas County sheriff's deputy was in court Wednesday morning. Deputy Paul Little is accused of giving a firearm to a convicted felon and filing a false report that the gun was stolen. The 15-year veteran
A Lucas County sheriff's deputy was in court Wednesday morning. Deputy Paul Little is accused of giving a firearm to a convicted felon and filing a false report that the gun was stolen.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:55:45 GMT
A new bargain store opened its doors in Toledo Wednesday. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is on Lewis Avenue in the Alexis Park Shopping Center. The Pennsylvania-based store is bringing about 60 new jobs to the
A new bargain store opened its doors in Toledo Wednesday. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is on Lewis Avenue in the Alexis Park Shopping Center.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:40 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:40:21 GMT
Bowling Green State University police are searching for an art thief. Police say artwork, including jewelry and several sculptures, are missing from the school's fine arts center. The art went missing sometime
Bowling Green State University police are searching for an art thief. Police say artwork, including jewelry and several sculptures, are missing from the school's fine arts center.