We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jerrell Grimes. Check out our conversation below.
Jerrell, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to show up for myself. I am being called to defend myself. I am being called to vindicate myself. I was afraid before. Honestly, I don’t think I’d call it fear. I didn’t understand my worth before. I wasn’t introduced to my value. Imagine that. People around me have always recognized the value I bring to their lives. They’ve enjoyed the benefits of my authenticity. They’ve used my obvious ignorance for their own benefit. I’ve often drowned in oblivion. I always thought that my ability and capacity to meet their needs was in fact the extent of my value. The sensitivities my life experiences have created made me appear to be vulnerable. Because “takers” don’t have boundaries, “givers”, without self-knowledge, live in a state of vulnerability, consistently. Then comes the abuse. The abuse of character. The abuse of value. The abuse of power. The abuse of authority. The abuse of kindness. The abuse of authenticity. While “they” are always to be (and indefinitely will be) held accountable for their willing participation in wrong doing, I have learned that I too must take accountability for the lack of recognition, acknowledgement, respect and protection I have had for my value. I know better now. Here eye am.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jerrell Grimes — an artist, author, songwriter, film producer and entrepreneur. My journey began in Newport, Rhode Island, where I became the city’s first 21st century Black author and found my passion for storytelling. Over the years, I’ve written powerful books like True Emotions of a Man and Black Boys Don’t Speak, earned awards, and used my voice to inspire others. Music has always been a part of my life, influenced by my father’s dreams and icons like 50 Cent and Nicki Minaj. Today, I am also a songwriter and recording artist, working to create my own unique sound. I’ve founded Ten19 Media Group LLC, a book publishing and film production company, and Level10 Recordings LLC to bring my creative visions to life. My story is one of overcoming — at just 10 years old, I faced osteosarcoma ( a form of bone cancer), surgeries, and tough battles, but I never gave up. Now, I proudly use my experiences and talents to uplift my community and inspire others to find their voice. I am excited about my upcoming debut film project, Ten19 Media Group presents – Take Flight: A Film by Jerrell Grimes, a documentary which shares my journey of resilience and ambition. I invite you all to join me as I continue to create, inspire, and fly beyond limits!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Rather than a moment, it was an experience. My experience with cancer shaped everything about who I am today. It wasn’t just the fact of being diagnosed with cancer. It was everything that came with being diagnosed with cancer. Chemotherapy by itself has its own set of effects. I’ll explain later. The multiple surgical procedures that lasted for hours. Waking up in indescribable pain after having my limbs sawed and screws drilled into my infrastructure. Staples for sutures. Bones replaced with steel rods and pins. Yes, yes…about chemotherapy. The taste of metal instead of an appetite. Random and involuntary yellow vomit. The hair loss added to the loss of my childhood mixed with its impact on my teenage years. The loneliness because who wanted to play with a kid on crutches? The bike rides with friends I couldn’t take anymore. The dates I’d only dream of because having cancer wasn’t sexy and being bald wasn’t a trend. The looks, laughs, snickers and copy cats when I limped by trying to get to my next destination, trying to keep it all on track. I learned just how mean people can be. I learned just how insensitive people are. I learned just how far people will go to take advantage of an opportunity. I actually saw what death looked like. It was ugly and cold with deep dark pockets of sorrow and despair. Somehow I was scared and brave at the same time, more brave though. I learned that bravery is the key to existence, the requirement of resilience.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would say, “You’re here for a reason. You’re not an accident even if unplanned. Love yourself. Don’t embrace others’ neglect as your own.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Good question. I believe in me. It’s a cliché response, I know. But when you really sit back and think about what is required of you to believe in yourself, you’ll understand it’s one of the most challenging yet rewarding things you’ll ever do. The universe is setup for you to thrive abundantly but the earth is designed to challenge your beliefs, to create newer more sustainable ways of thought. Whatever you think, you’ll be. That’s a never ending cycle. It’s beautiful. What am I committed to? I am committed to executive producing and releasing my debut film project, “Ten19 Media Group presents – Take Flight: A Film by Jerrell Grimes”, and its full length soundtrack, no matter how long it takes. Now that I’ve officially stated that, let’s manifest!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. To be honest, that’s what being the first 21st century Black author from Newport, Rhode Island has been like. Historically speaking, I recognize the importance and significance of what I have accomplished. As the black community continues to thrive despite our past and history in the United States, there was a time when it was illegal for black people to read or write, let alone use their voices to express and/or represent themselves. Being a free black man that could read and write was risky, yet tempting, I’d imagine. Being the first black person, (a dark-skin man at that) in the 21st century to push boundaries and break barriers by way of talent, creativity and expression, while standing on the backs and shoulders of my ancestors, is something I don’t take lightly. Again, historically speaking, Newport, Rhode Island, my hometown, is documented as being “the largest slave trade port in North America.” I am the first 21st century black author…from “the largest slave trade port in North America.” Hmm. I’ve learned that if I don’t speak up about my contributions to society, including my contributions to the forward progress of my people, it’ll never be talked about. The contributions of black people are constantly being ignored, erased and overlooked. I can’t honestly say that is always an outside job. While I was in fact presented a citation award by the Newport City Council and Mayor in 2024 after years (since 2009) of back and forth communication with influential community members, the ongoing fight for full disclosure, recognition and formal addition to the city’s (and state’s) rich history is still very much a real thing. Now, in Tampa Bay, Florida, I’m still pushing ahead. I am still using my voice, and my skills and talents, to inspire others. I am still using my life experiences as a catalyst for my success. I’m still focused on building my empire. I’m still giving my best and I’m getting better at doing that too. I am resilient. I don’t need praise. I feel as though that would be self-serving and arrogant of me. I do, however, want Black history, American history, to be documented and accurately reflected and respected. That’s not the same as praise, right? I can’t wait for you all to see my documentary, “Ten19 Media Group presents- Take Flight: A Film by Jerrell Grimes”. Coming soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jerrellgrimes.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamjerrellgrimes
- Facebook: facebook,com/jerrellgrimes1
- Other: My independent audio & music recording label, Level10 Recordings LLC: level10recordings.com (@level10recordings on Instagram)
My book publishing and film production company, Ten19 Media Group LLC: ten19mediagroup.com (@ten19mediagroup on Instagram)
My management company, Take Flight 10 Management LLC: takeflight10.com (@tf10mgmt on Instagram)
Image Credits
Photography credit(s): Peace of Earth 71 Photography / Anthony Roberts; FM Photography
Graphic Design: Md Akram Hossen
