Women and girls known for their Southern charm, coupled with hard work and dedication, are sometimes affectionately referred to as Girls Raised in the South (G.R.I.T.S.).
This is the title of a new ALLBLK original starring Jasmine Sargent as Keisha, Ashanti Harris as Ty, and Memphis’ own Aja Canyon, aka the rapper Slimeroni, as Francis.
Sargent, star of Beauty in Black, Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers Part II, and Netflix’s upcoming film Doing Life, says a major draw of the show is the authenticity of Memphis culture, which was crucial to creator Deji LaRay.
Sargent says the spirit of Memphis is exemplified through Black girlhood and womanhood, themes of aspiration, and, of course, roller-skating.
“We wanted to get to true Memphis culture,” Sargent says. “The slang, the music — not just what people see everyday. I think the authenticity is what drives people to the show. They’re going to see themselves, their cousin, their best friends. I think they’re going to be able to build an emotional connection with at least one character.”
Roller-skating plays a major role, both in the show and in Sargent’s personal life. The actress, who’s been in skates since she was a toddler, notes it’s an activity that’s been shared by her family for years.
“It’s where we go to release, to have fun, to sneak and do things we probably shouldn’t be doing,” Sargent says. “[Skating] is one thing that stays the same.”
The spirit of skating is further explored through the female friendships at the center of the show, which Sargent says is an extension of skate culture.
Filmed in Memphis and Atlanta, G.R.I.T.S. follows Keisha, Ty, and Fran, friends who find solace at the skating rink as they navigate personal dreams and struggles while working to win a skating competition.
“I really like the sisterhood of it all,” Sargent says. “It’s something about the South and the camaraderie of it. You stick together; we hustle together. I really enjoy those parts of it.”
The Virginia-bred actress spoke with the Flyer about the show, perfecting the Memphis accent, and more.
Memphis Flyer: Tell us about yourself.
Jasmine Sargent: I would describe myself as an optimistic free-spirit. I love to have fun. I’m an adrenaline junkie. I love all things that make my heart [pound]. I moved to Atlanta about 10 years ago to pursue my acting career.
When I watched the first episode I was like “that girl can move.” I know you skated prior to [G.R.I.T.S.], so what drew you to the project?
I read the breakdown for Keisha and she just sounded like myself. I thought, “How cool could it be to play yourself?” We have so much in common, and when I found out her love for roller-skating, I was like, “This is a win-win.” I was super excited to be able to act and share another love, roller-skating.
Would you say G.R.I.T.S. is a coming-of-age story?
For sure.
What was it like to bring that type of story to life?
It was such a full experience — not only being able to share a story that’s similar to my own, but being able to work with so many natives of Memphis as well. Not just learning about the culture, but experiencing it firsthand with actual natives and being able to film here as well, and get a true taste of y’all’s culture.
It was so much fun getting acquainted with the accent, and being able to hear it — all of it was such a great experience. I just wish we could have filmed at Crystal Palace [skating rink], but I heard that’s been closed for quite some time. That would’ve been great.
What did you immerse yourself in to perfect the accent and embody a Memphis girl?
Maybe three weeks before I started filming, I was all things Memphis. I’m following Memphis content creators, listening to Memphis natives’ music. I’m hanging with my castmates that are Memphis natives. I’m in it — if you’re not from Memphis, I really don’t want to talk to you right now.
It was so much fun because y’all have an accent, but there are so many different moving parts to it alone. Everyone doesn’t sound the same, so I was trying to find out what side Keisha would lean towards.
It was studying, and having fun, finding my favorite artists and who I thought Keisha would listen to, so that’s how I prepared for that. I also had a dialect coach.
What was it like working with Slimeroni (Canyon)?
[Canyon] is such a natural. We grew a very close bond from the first day we met. I enjoyed observing her so I could get into my Memphis demeanor. She was also a second dialect coach for me. She was telling me all the songs to listen to get me in even more. It almost didn’t feel like working with her.
What do you hope people see from Keisha as she grows throughout the season?
Understanding. True understanding. Episode one comes in real hot. I hope they gain an understanding and patience for her. One might look at it as “she’s kind of dragging this thing out,” but how would you react if something so traumatic happened to you like that — literally right in your face? I hope people gain understanding of people with mental health issues.
G.R.I.T.S. is streaming through ALLBLK, available with an Amazon Prime Video subscription.