For the recent weekly SEED speaker session, RKYHS students heard from filmmaker André Robert Lee. Lee has an extensive background including working with The Ford Foundation, Miramax Films, Urbanworld, Film Movement, Diana Ross, BET, Universal, HBO, Picturehouse and Dreamworks. Lee directed and produced “The Prep School Negro” about his experiences as an African American in a white suburban prep school and took it on a worldwide tour over the past 11 years. Lee has also served as producer on the documentary “I’m Not Racist…Am I?”

During the SEED session, Lee discussed his personal experience with students and stressed the importance of understanding history and not repeating it. He told students to keep asking questions to see what we can do to improve and work for change. He encouraged them to engage in dialogue and challenge injustice when they see it, and said that until people decide to change in their hearts and minds and move forward, the world won’t get as far as it needs to go. Lee fielded many insightful questions from the engaged students and gave concrete steps for students to channel their energy to effect change.

Students were able to have a sneak peek at Lee’s next film, which is currently untitled and will document the Civil Rights tours he has led throughout the American South.