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Jalen Rose has never been content with one lane. The former NBA standout evolved into a respected analyst, philanthropist and founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Now, he adds actor, co-creator and executive producer to that résumé with Southwest High, a Tubi series rooted in Detroit grit and resilience.
For Rose, this project is more than entertainment. It is a love letter to educators, a platform for Detroit creatives and a declaration that the city’s next chapter belongs to its own storytellers.
It came about as an opportunity to highlight the amazing work educators are doing while also telling the story of Detroiters overcoming challenges as teenagers trying to chase their dreams.
Most inner-city shows focus on elementary students. This series focuses on high school students navigating real-life issues while striving to achieve their goals. We are happy to bring that story to life.
Below, Rose breaks down why timing matters, how he prepared for his acting debut and why building independent media in Detroit is personal.
What do you hope teachers, principals and students feel after watching episode one?
As the founder of a school, one of the things I learned when I got into education is that educators and teachers are one of the most underappreciated professions in our society. What they are required to do for young people is herculean. It is not only educating them but nurturing them, loving them, giving them therapy, spending time with them and being patient with them. It is overwhelming.
The work they do is necessary in our community. We should support them and do the best we can to help them be the best version of themselves.
JRLA has educated more than 1,000 scholars and currently serves 400 young people in the building. This is the real Detroit of young people thriving and trying to be the best version of themselves
Why was now the right time to tell this story?
Life is about timing, and for Detroit, it is our turn right now. I am not just talking about sports. There is a resurgence happening in our city.
Growing up during the Motown era, being born the same year as hip-hop and witnessing the leadership of Coleman Young shaped how I see Detroit. Our fingerprints are everywhere. Our lingo, how we dress, how we move. The love we give and receive is unique.
When you boss up here, it is for everybody. What we do in Detroit is universal. That is what Southwest High represents.
What surprised you most about stepping into acting and portraying Nolan Thomas?
I am a perfectionist. I took acting classes, I read, I rehearsed. I did everything I needed to do to feel confident in front of the camera. If I am going to do something, I want to be the best version of myself.
I studied performances like Morgan Freeman in Lean on Me. I focused on discipline and confidence. Dennis Reed did an amazing job writing and directing. My production partners and executive producers worked hard to make sure this project mattered.
This is important for the city, and we are going to keep building.
Why was it important to build a Detroit-based media company instead of partnering with Hollywood?
If you are going to be independent versus partnering with a Hollywood studio, you cannot compromise the integrity of the voices in front of or behind the camera.
We are excited about telling Detroit-based stories while keeping authenticity intact. That includes series, documentaries and films. We want to represent who we are and put Detroit on the map in a real way.
How does Southwest High reflect Same Page Entertainment’s mission?
There are so many people who get an opportunity to shine. From executive producers to actors, this project creates space for talent that deserves visibility.
Detroit has so many people with talent and so much to offer in this space. We want to highlight them and give them opportunities to shine.
What cultural impact do you want your storytelling to have for Detroit?
People who look like me and come from where I am from are not usually in a position to bring projects back home. I want to create a home for diverse voices and make sure we put the best of the best in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
A lot of times people satellite Detroit and cherry-pick pieces of who we are. I want to uplift this city. When you drive down the freeway one day, I want to see a Same Page studio exit.
How can audiences watch Southwest High and what inspired it?
You can watch it right now on Tubi.
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