Musician brings camera crew to Cass Tech for visit with students
By Joi Arnold and Jahaira Maxwell-Myers CT Visionary
“They use to tell me: I hope you learn to make it on your own, and if you love yourself just know you’ll never be alone…and when you get it all just remember one thing, that one man can change the world.”
The lyrics from the song “One Man Can Change the World” by Sean Anderson, rapper and Cass Tech alumnus reigns true as Anderson began his attempt to send a similar message to Cass Tech students when he provided first-hand advice during the filming of a mini-documentary with Complex Magazine.
Anderson brought the Complex camera crew to Cass Tech last December and made a deal with the class of 2016; encouraging them to raise their ACT scores.
Ever since, the students of Cass Tech have experienced the direct results of his work in ways they would not have considered imaginable. To date, Anderson and Adidas donated the Sean Anderson Studio of Infinite Possibilities in June.
Recent Cass Tech graduate Samuel Trotter was hired by Adidas Originals to be creative director for an all-day photo shoot with the finally famous star, featured on the Adidas Originals Instagram and social media outlets.
In July, Big Sean brought the crew of the movie, “Straight Outta Compton,” to promote the movie and offer words of creative empowerment to his alma mater.
Cass Tech principal Lisa Phillips and Big Sean’s mother Myra Anderson, a Cass Tech alumna, thought it would be a wonderful surprise to call seniors in for a mandatory meeting.
“I was just expecting a senior meeting and maybe Big Sean, but for the cast of ‘Straight Outta Compton’ to come was a surprise,” said senior Paris Morgan. “After hearing their stories and how supportive they were of us, I want to do the same.”
Writer and director O’Shea Jackson Sr. (also known as Ice Cube), O’Shea Jackson Jr., F. Gary Gray, and Jason Mitchell attended the event at Cass Tech.
Mitchell, who plays Easy-E in the movie, told seniors how he landed his role in the film.
“I had got a call back, and if anybody knows what a call back is, it’s like your second audition,” said Mitchell. “You can go and still not get the job, so I didn’t really want to do it. The director F. Gary Gray Skyped me and I landed the job from my own home.”
Just as the Performing Arts Department was an outlet for Anderson at Cass Tech, it continues to be a way for students to express themselves.
“We took our frustrations out and turned them into creativity,” Ice Cube said about the movie and his career. “You can always be creative and get your feelings out in a positive way and have fun. And that’s what we did and we changed the world.”
“I can’t same ’em all, but I sure try to give it my best.” Principal Phillips said during a discussion about the opportunities at Cass Tech.
Sean Anderson is continuing to reach out to youth around the city in a big way. Prior to his Nov. 7th concert at Joe Louis Arena, the Big Sean Foundation is hosting a workshop at the Charles Wright Museum for students interested in careers in the music industry from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Interested DPS students can find out more by contacting school administrators for permission slips )DPS students must have a permission slip to attend).
Staff Writer Ikeya Lake contributed to this report.
