Japhanie Gray

In this season of soooo many beautiful life updates happening across this industry...*sigh....I guess it's my turn. 🥹 You guys already know I'm long-winded so here I go lol.

When God says, 'It's time to go,' it's time to go. 🙏🏾 That was the case 2 1/2 years ago leaving our sister station, KSAT 12 News, in San Antonio, TX. It was a city that I SWORE I would never step away from. I was embedded in different communities covering a variety of different stories, I introduced my parents to a culture they fell in love with, and I even bought a house!🎉

But then came good ol Roanoke, VA!😌 Almost at random it seemed, God uprooted my South Texas life and planted me in a city that became HOME real fast! It was a TOUGH decision, but it was one that I was shockingly at deep peace with immediately. My gut told me it was a critical move that needed to happen and I'm BLESSED to say this decision would live on to be one of the BEST decisions I've ever made.

This beautiful place has been my comfort, reminding me of the good simple life growing up in NE Arkansas. It has been my family, never meeting a stranger in grocery stores or different community events happening throughout the area. It has been my joy, making me one of the biggest hockey fans out there!😆 💙 Roanoke has been the very thing I needed in my life and it came at the right time when I needed it the most. I now have sooo many more friends-turned-family and soooo many laugh-til-you-cry memories. More than anything, I'm beyond grateful I've had the chance to spend every dark-and-early morning waking up with you all on Virginia Today as your crazy, energetic Morning Anchor for WSLS 10 News.🥰 Words can't express how loved, trusted, and welcomed you all have made me feel during my stay here. Thank you.

Throughout this entire chapter, God was working behind the scenes, not only crafting the gifts he's given me of authentic storytelling and genuine communication with viewers, but he was moving and shaking doors open that has brought me to this life-changing moment.

I truly believe things happen for a reason on God's timeline and it's beyond bittersweet to say...Roanoke, it's time to go. 🥹 My last day at WSLS will be Friday, August 2nd. But...here's the "sweet" out of all of this...

After years of working my tail off jumping state to state and going through several positions from part-time production assistant, to producer, to MMJ, and so and so on in this ever-changing news industry...After being challenged to the point of wanting to get out completely at times.... And after overcoming some HARD obstacles on this rollercoaster-ride of a ladder-climb in my career....I will SOON be making a return BACK to San Antonio, but this time, as Morning Anchor of Good Morning San Antonio on KSAT 12 & KSAT.com !💃🏾

I love you guys dearly. More specifics will follow over the next couple of weeks but in the meantime...Let's continue to rock it out the mornings we do have together ❤️ Thank you for your support 🙏🏾 God bless 😘

🙌🏾

WSLS 10 / WSLS.com

From my first KSAT ID badge in 2018, to my last KSAT ID badge in 2022...South Texas, YOU have been amazing! ❤️ Yes, I look a bit different from the start, but despite exterior changes, everybody knows Japh is the same ol Japh since day one. 😎

😌 We all know the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun." Well, I can genuinely say that's EXACTLY how life has been for me for the last four years.

I'm sure by reading the start of this LoOnNgG post, you have an idea of where I'm going with all this sappiness lol. Well, my brothers and sisters, after SEVERAL come-to-Jesus meetings with myself and those who I trust ALOT in this industry, it pains me to say that my time here in good ol San Antonio at KSAT 12 News has come to an end. 🥲

This Wednesday will officially be my last day on air in the Great State of Texas...For now that is 😉. There's something beyond special about this place and the many many stories you've allowed me to tell, which is why my heart trembles just thinking about saying "goodbye."

The "sweet" aspect to this bittersweet change is that my next ID badge will belong to KSAT's sister station, WSLS 10 News, in Virginia. But this time, my badge will no longer say 'Reporter.' By the Grace of God and the gifts he's blessed me to craft, I'll be a *Main Morning Anchor* where I'll still tell the stories of the community, but finally behind the desk.💃🏾

Now, you know I can't create a post like this without showing MAJOR love and appreciation for my KSAT family. They helped strengthen the love I have for this crazy thing called "News" and I can't say thank you enough for giving me the tools needed to crack open the next chapter of my career. I will forever miss this newsroom, but what gives me great comfort is knowing that I'm going into another newsroom with even more awesome people I can't wait to call family as well.

Words can't express how thankful, grateful, and blessed I am for the time spent here and the relationships I've built with all of you. Thank you all for your patience with me since the beginning when this random Arkansas gal touched down in SA. Thank you for welcoming me in your homes and in your families. Thank you for the lessons learned overtime and thank you for showing me a beautiful culture of love. 🤗

God bless you all and even though I'll be RoCkInG it out at a different station, you will forever be a part of my journey in life.
Love you all deeply ❤️🙏🏾❤️
Peace Out for now ❤️✌🏾❤️

For God said,
"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you"*

-Good ol Hebrews ❤️ 13:5, 6

Man 🤦🏾‍♀️ lol I don't know whether to cringe or laugh at how strong the struggle was for me when I was first started being on TV lol!

Everyone has to find their footing eventually. That journey could be fast for some and slow for others. For me...I'm still growing 😘

I will say that I'm blessed for the years of growth and lessons learned that I've had in this industry so far. It was a joy to be reminded of that this past weekend reuniting with my Region 8 Newsroom family.

❤️ Diana Davis - KAIT Meteorologist Rachel Coulter

KSAT Explains: Unrest in America; How George Floyd protests sparked movement across nation and San Antonio

***✌🏽LONG PERSONAL POST ALERT✌🏽***

If you know me or have heard about me, you've probably learned by now that I'm a goofball...hence my last post of me butchering the sport of air hockey lol. I strive to be a light of happiness for everyone especially during dark times as we are experiencing right now.

But on a serious note, I would love for you all to take an hour out of your schedules to watch this educational special my KSAT teammates worked hard to put together explaining the root of the reality behind the massive movement for change we see happening in our nation today.

It has nothing to do with offending anyone.
It has NOTHING to do with politics or a corrupt agenda. In fact, if you know Japh, you know I HATE politics lol.
It has NOTHING to do with division.
It is straight up raw information coming from our history, and first-hand experiences.

You will see how racism has impacted the lives of several people on many different levels and why there is so much hurt happening right now. You will learn where it comes from, how far we as a people HAVE come, and how far we still need to go. Remember, we're in this together.😎
You will even hear personally from our people of color at KSAT, including myself, and how situations like this have impacted us in our lifetimes and careers.

I will also like to note, being a believer in Christ Jesus himself, I'm blessed with His word on my heart, therefore, my beliefs, morals, and passion for change align STRICTLY with His Gospel. I pray that my black, brown, white AND blue family will see this, not as a cry for war against each other, but as awareness and a call for conversation, unity, effort, trust and change for the greater good.

As children, we've heard the simple but powerful phrase, "Treat others as you would want to be treated." -A phrase you THINK would not be hard to follow, but time and time again, we've seen how big of a concerning challenge that is for those infected with the evils of racism and police brutality. I know many would say, "It's easier said than done," but let's practice what we preach by applying that phrase/scripture in our families, households and churches, our police departments and communities, BOTH sides of the aisles and most importantly, let's apply that within ourselves individually. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that would go a loooonng way.

I was raised as a strong, thick-skinned person, but I'll admit, I was deeply heartbroken/disturbed to see that the mere preview of this special triggered the worst of the worst keyboard bullies...a preview! 🤦🏾‍♀️ So many people passed some deeply offensive, false judgments without even clicking on the link to see what it was about. Some people were outraged by just the title of the article, "Black members of the KSAT family reflect on recent protests against racism," calling us "tokens" and "the problem." Some went over and beyond to cast a negative disgusting light on the informative, eye-opening message this entire thing is about. I challenge you who feel the need to judge, disgrace, insult, or attack others to get your "point" across, to simply watch and listen. Afterwards, look deep inside yourself and decide on whether you want to be a part of the problem, or solution.

I will also like to remind you that this page is a family-like, judgement-free platform. Any comments inciting the opposite of peace, love and productivity will be respectfully removed. 🙂

God bless ❤️🙏🏾❤️ Enjoy ❤️🙏🏾❤️ Educate

ksat.com In the premiere episode of KSAT Explains, we take an in-depth look at the unrest we’ve seen across the country since the killing of George Floyd, how protests have played out here at home and examine what it means to be black in San Antonio.

Sending strong prayers to my Region 8 family. God is in control of what is taking place right now and even though things seem to be dark, know that God will bring you all through this stronger than before. Stay faithful. Keep God first. Lift each other up. Love you all and show this world just how strong and unified Region 8 can be! 💪🏾

!

Japhanie Gray

Even though you have heard me say and poorly sing Happy Birthday all day, I am still screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my beautiful sister in Christ all the way from San Antonio! Welcome to year 26 Girlie! I'm so proud of the way you have rocked yet another state in your career doing so with the best class and grace as a soldier in God's army. Love you to death little "tall" sister. Thanks for being one of the best inspirations a best friend could ask for! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

P.S. These pics were us clowning during Christmas that I never got a chance to post! Lol Meteorologist Rachel Coulter

😇 You can NEVER be too early for Christmas decorations in November! If you agree, comment pics of your decorations so far! 😁😁😁

Beau and I are officially pumped for Christmas! Amen and Hallelujah!😆🐕☃️🎆🎄

My view before closing my eyes during my rooftop prayer vs. my view afterwards. Just another one of God's sweet reminders of how much he loves us. 😘

Today has been a struggle on so many levels haha

You ever have one of those moments when you think, "Golly, I don't think the sky can get any prettier!" And then God is like..."Hold my holy water..." 😇

Happy National Dog Day to this goofy pup! Lol I swear if he transformed into another creature, he'd be a bat 🦇

🐶

WHAT'S UP SOUTH TEXAS!?

Tonight, you do NOT want to miss a very special boy named Moose who not only found his voice with the help of first responders, but also has a big heart to help others and raise awareness about his severe speech disorder.

Don't miss Moose's story tonight at 10 on what's Up South Texas! 😎

What's Up, South Texas: 4-year-old cancer survivor brings hope to his community

WHAT'S UP SOUTH TEXAS!?

In case you missed this sweet story and need a smile on your face, check out this little angel.

This is just one of the many stories that shows how God's grace always shows up and shows out! 😎

ksat.com Isaac Coolidge’s fight against cancer inspired his community to raise more than $50,000 for cancer research within just two years. 

Happy Saturday friends! I know this may seem weird but I have to switch gears on my professional page! If you all get a chance, go like my NEW professional page KSAT Japhanie Gray

I swear I'll get the hang of this social media thing eventually haha! 😉

Thanks in advance!

Tonight on What's Up South Texas!

We'll introduce you to a woman who exemplifies strength and perseverance.

A former track star who dedicated her life to running found herself in the most difficult race of her life. It was the fight against breast cancer.

Don't miss her story at 10! KSAT 12 & KSAT.com

What's Up, South Texas: Drug-dealing atheist gives his life to God, now spreads Gospel in streets

WHAT'S UP SOUTH TEXAS!?

It's that time of the week again to highlight YOUR special stories that make up the uniqueness of South Texas!

In case you missed it, here's the last feature where we showed you a street musician who had a troubled past but now has a heart for the Lord. 😎 KSAT 12 & KSAT.com

ksat.com A San Antonio man transformed his life from that of a gang member to a life serving God, and now his mission is to spread the good news of the Gospel.

WHAT'S UP SOUTH TEXAS: SA man uses blacksmithing, bladesmithing passion to showcase art form

WHAT'S UP SOUTH TEXAS!?

In case you missed it, check out one of the coolest guys out there doing EXACTLY what he loves!
See how he is using what was once a hobby as something to inspire others! 😁

Again, if you guys know anyone or anything that could highlight how special our community of South Texas is, comment, message me, or shoot it my way on twitter

Remember....EVERYONE has a story 😉

ksat.com A San Antonio man is using blacksmithing and bladesmithing to do more than just bend iron, and he took his hobby to the big stage, winning a competition on a national TV show about weapon-making skills.