The G.R.I.T.S. Co.

CLT Black Pride + Much More with Jermaine

Hey, family! Rather you are new here or part of the fam, we are so grateful that you have journeyed here. In this episode we sat down with Jermaine Nakia Lee, Charlotte Black Pride, Co-founder, philanthropist, singer/songwriter, playwright, director, producer and arts educator. From cultivating space for Black gay culture across the Carolinas and beyond to navigating a journey of connecting deeper with self, Jermaine opened his heart in a way that inspired us all. For more information on Charlotte Black Pride, happening July 13-21, visit: https://charlotteblackpride.org/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa25oTkxhckdGUXIya0g0YXJFS0Jfb0x4MjhiQXxBQ3Jtc0tuMTlRVzBVcWVpb2NZdUxldXI0QVBjbWJBaXM4RlRuaGEyNGFpTDlZOEx2WXI2QTk2dThXblppLWU2YWhXczg1eWJlTGNWYU5vSV9oejZjalJyT2FsRXY4T2JBQ2luNFpLTTNuQjZmNUlqVG94SnRYaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcharlotteblackpride.org%2F&v=Yr2OuOY88jc] Your community matters to us! Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe and share!

Thank God for Black Moms

Mamas! You know we love you! This episode is a look into the lives of your favorite Gays Raised in the South! In celebration of Mother’s Day, we are highlighting the first relationships that we ever had, our mothers! This country has an abysmal record on caring for Black mothers. The crisis of Black Maternal Health is one that should be a priority for us all! We urge you to contact your U.S. Congressperson to ask them if they support the “Momnibus” bills from the Black Maternal Heath Caucus. Click HERE to learn about how each bill can and will save lives and improve the disproportionate outcomes for Black moms across the U.S. (http://blackmaternalhealthcaucusunder... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblFzOVl5STBlWXNMekxYQmpHUUVmeExCTGpSd3xBQ3Jtc0ttc2gzTnlQT0VXWEJBVkxqT3NXcTlQY0h0Wk9NdGVhanVKZnR3N0xJQ0FoeVNlSllocjNWZ19sNldhN0lWTENIVVZabjVPMUI5NlBSSVdRUVRXTHVRUzR3UXJvVUJWV21ZU3YxaGRkNE5RQkU0TkVJZw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fblackmaternalhealthcaucusunderwood.house.gov%2F&v=kELdTOCRAKk]) This show is a snapshot on the complexity of family, Southern life, grace, and accountability. As we stand in our truth as queer people in the American South, we hope that we give others the permission to do the same. Moreover, when families struggle to accept your truth, we hope to show you that your chosen family can and will step up.

Black (Trans) Women, We Love You!

Hey, family! We are back with episode two of season two, and you are in for it! This very special episode features, Dominique Morgan! From collaborations with Apple to Essence, Dominique is all the things-- and she is doing the real work! In honor of Women's History Month, this episode was space for us to take the back seat and learn, listen, and seek to understand. As we continue to move our world forward with love, light and advocacy, it is our hope that this episode urges us to do so with even more intention. And in true G.R.I.T.S. fashion, there's still a good ki throughout the episode! Dominique Morgan is an award-winning artist, activist, TEDx speaker. One of Dominique's mission is to dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence against Black Trans people. Partnering her lived experience of being impacted by mass incarceration and solitary confinement, with a decade of change-making artistry, advocacy, and background in public health, Dominique continues to work in spaces of sex education, radical self-care, and transformative youth development. Her intentions are to dismantle the prison industrial complex and a theory she describes as the “gender to prison pipeline”. Here's how you can connect with Dominique: Website: https://www.dominiquemorgan.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedominiquemorgan/ Connect with G.R.I.T.S. Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegritsco

Going Deep with Damez (Music, Grief, B stands for Beyonce + More)

We are soooooooo excited and grateful to kickoff season 2 of G.R.I.T.S.! You, yes you, have made this possible. We were able to get some quality time in with Damez, the all-around self-made artist. A rapper, singer, dancer, songwriter, editor, creative director and a rising voice in music, there’s not many hats he doesn’t wear. Primarily rap/hip-hop and R&B, he showcases his talents and versatility through an eclectic catalog of self-penned songs and choreography-heavy visuals and performances.  In this episode we take a deep dive into his artistry, but also got to know the human beyond and behind the music. Raised in Georgia, he endured an unfortunate series of events, such as the death of his great grandmother, the ugly divorce of his parents’ and the tragic murder of his brother at the tender age of 17. (Google: “Justice For Ryan Henderson”). Tap in to learn more about his artistry, journey of grief and healing, love for Beyonce (I mean... how can you not?), and a fun segment of Games with Damez! Be sure to like, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: @thegritsco! Stay connected with Damez! Official website: https://damezmusic.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@damez Instagram:  https://instagram.com/damez Twitter/X:  https://twitter.com/damez Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IzrEH8kpRJsNCwlOjiFc2 Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/damez/354107222 TIDAL: https://listen.tidal.com/artist/5164836 Stream 'Hell Now, Heaven Later' album: https://li.sten.to/hnhl Damez Merch Store: https://shop.damezmusic.com

Connection, Loss, Family, and Beading

We are ending season 1 of The G.R.I.T.S. Co discussing connection, loss, love, and family (our village). As we embark on this holiday season, we are sensitive to the reality that this time brings about a multitude of feelings and emotion. As we each navigate those spaces this season, it is our hope that the dialogue and love we have fostered around our table flows into your space as well to know that you are seen, heard and felt. We are joined by a very special guest, Wendell (IG: @wendelldotme [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCJvcGY2vZ95qNhMrettUIWA]; @lindaandlilo), for a beading activity centered around connection. Learn more about Linda & Lilo, Wendell's crystal and gemstone jewelry co. by visiting https://www.lindaandlilo.com-- AND enjoy 20% off with the code "CONNECTION".  Grab your 26 Affirmations for Boys of Color by visiting: https://www.earlmartinlcsw.com