ALLBLK Presents ‘G.R.I.T.S’
A story of three girls raised in the South navigating life, love, and ambition
From the creator, writer, and executive producer of Johnson comes another Deji Laray original, G.R.I.T.S (Girls Raised in the South)—an 8 episode original drama series set in Memphis, Tennessee that follows the lives and friendships of three young 20-something’s, who are childhood best friends, who enter a high-stakes skating competition with a significant cash prize that could change the course of their lives forever. Starring Jasmine Sargent as Keisha, Ashanti Harris as Ty, and Aja Canyon as Francis, G.R.I.T.S takes you into south Memphis culture through the lens of sisterhood, “grit,” and Black womanhood.
In an interview with Mark Arnold of ATL Now, Deji provided insight into what led him to tell this story at this time stating,
“…there’s an energy and a magic to southern culture and I don’t think that’s been explored enough, especially in Memphis.”
Each character is layered, complex, and nuanced—woven intricately in the writing which makes Keisha, Ty, and Francis feel like more than just characters on a screen, but like family. G.R.I.T.S serves as an homage to the South, a love letter to Memphis, and Black culture that permeates every corner of America, seeking to be authentic, honest, and entertaining in the process. Included in this process are notable actors like Elise Neal, Nia Miranda, Thomas Q. Jones, and hip-hop legends 8Ball and MJG.
Back to Your Roots
In the pilot episode titled “New Junt,” Keisha is experiencing a major tragedy that rocks her foundation which forces her to question her future living in Memphis. To cope and recenter, Francis encourages her to return to skating, to the outlet that makes her feel the freest and the most in control of her own destiny. However, in this trio, Keisha’s life is not the only life “lifing”—Ty is dealing with an unconventional home life with the father of her child and his mother, struggling to make ends meet to make a good life for her daughter, and Francis has dreams of going to culinary school but is limited by her self-imposed obligation to take care of her ailing grandfather. Due to personal circumstances, the three young women make choices that impact their futures in ways they could have never imagined.
Despite the hardships, G.R.I.T.S is warmly blanketed in themes that cast a beautiful light on the city of Memphis and skating culture. The most obvious core theme is sisterhood and the powerful bond between the main characters. This show portrays women who show up for one another physically, financially when they can, and emotionally. It is this bond that allows them to be unwavering in their optimism in spite of the cards life dealt.
G.R.I.T.S is also not just an acronym, but the very name itself speaks to the level of resilience and strength that Keisha, Ty, and Francis carry within them to persevere as Black women in the South. When it appears that life will break them, it is through true grit that they are capable of moving forward. Lastly, it is clear that this series is a love letter to Black womanhood. It highlights the ways in which these women show up for one another with everything they have just to see the other win. This is a complete contrast to the narrative that is often painted against Black women in media. One critical aspect to note is that while the writing depicts struggle, violence, and poverty, it takes care not to degrade the characters—allowing the performers to bring truth and nuance in a way that feels like an authentic reflection of Black women, even if it is not everyone’s exact lived experience.
It’s More than a Rink, it’s a Movement
As time goes on, history is forgotten. We often continue to partake in traditions of which we have lost all origin and historical context. Today, the youth may look at going to the rink as a fun activity to do on the weekend, but culturally, it is a national story of community and struggle in the face of segregation.
Initially, Black skaters were limited to one “Black Night,” “Soul Night,” or “MLK Night” per week at rinks as a way to limit gatherings and public participation at recreational facilities even after segregation ended. But before full desegregation, rinks were sites for protesters fighting for equal access in the face of racism. However, Black skaters—through music, culture, “grit,” and dance—changed the face of rink culture. The art of the rink was innovated by fusing disco, hip-hop, and unique movements to the sport that would become an iconic cultural pastime. What began as a fight for equality quickly became a place of the ultimate freedom of expression, intimacy, and community.
The first episode of G.R.I.T.S premieres Thursday, October 30, on ALLBLK streaming platform. Tune in every week for all new episodes. Check out the trailer below.